How to make Call of Duty: Warzone’s next live event the best yet

Andrew Highton
cod warzone live verdansk

Warzone is certain to have another live event at some point in the future, and whilst the Verdansk Nuke Event was pretty cool, we think there are ways to make CoD: Warzone’s next one the biggest and best one yet.

Warzone’s first go at an interactive live event was a pretty good first attempt. Knowing that Verdansk’s Zombie invasion was to be the beginning of the end, Activision did a great job in planting the seeds throughout Season 2.

In meant that the hype and excitement were at a fever pitch come the Season’s end, and there was a real sense of wonderment about what people would see. The two-day event had plenty of cool moments for players to enjoy, but its slightly disjointed nature left a lot to be desired.

Here’s how we’d make the next Call of Duty: Warzone event much better.

#4 – Don’t do the next Warzone live event over two days

cod warzone verdansk nuke

The content itself for the live event was fascinating and “The Destruction of Verdansk Part I” was absolutely ‘do not miss.’

Excitement filled your body seeing it as a playlist option. It was new, exciting, and entered uncharted territory for Warzone. The mode itself was a blast too: from the original Zombies music eerily playing over everything to its shocking conclusion of Juggernauts fighting off a sea of undead next to Dam.

It was followed by the iconic nuke cutscene, and the rest is history. If anything, that should’ve been the end of the live event, and then we could’ve been dropped into Verdansk ’84 not knowing what to expect.

Instead, having the Rebirth Island playlist options, and mini Verdansk ’84, soured the event’s special aura. It became a bit too self-indulgent, overstayed its welcome, and the additional modes didn’t offer anything extra. It felt like needless padding.

A unique, one-off event feels a lot more urgent, and offers fans a chance to be part of the crowd who can say, “I was there.” By drawing it over two days, the second day lessened the experience and merely delayed the process of Warzone Season 3 starting.

#3 – Make it a one-time playthrough

cod warzone verdansk dam

Following on from the previous point, one of the reasons Fortnite has built up a reputation for delivering stellar live events is because they make them an occasion to be present at all costs.

The feeling of the unknown is a special feeling in life as it makes you nervous but excited. So when Fortnite players waited to see what Galactus would do, it was a fun surprise to see him tower over Fortnite Island and try and destroy everyone.

Being there in person made players live for the moment as it would be the only time that anyone would be able to witness it in person, ever. Whereas Warzone’s various limited-time modes pretty much stuck around and could be replayed endlessly.

Again, this feels like it detracts from the feeling of a “one-off live event.” At most, players should be allowed a single play. This would allow for any potential server issues (which we’ll get onto) and still remind you to enjoy your only attempt, and soak everything in.

#2 – Let players witness the big moment in real-time

fortnite galactus

Would Galactus’ event have been half as cool if players had to watch it through a CGI cutscene? Absolutely not. Imagine how incredible and surreal it would’ve been to have had the Nuke detonate inside Stadium, with everyone inside, live.

Even the end of Season 1 could’ve been the start of something special by having players converge on the crashed ship. A one-off Solo event witnessing the ship opening, and hundreds of zombies swarming you and overcoming you.

It’s all about interactivity and forming a tangible connection, whereas having a cutscene, especially after having just gone through a tense game mode, causes a serious disconnect between players and the game they’ve become attached to.

Millions of Warzone players have the game ingrained in their system and practically have it coursing through their blood. Exposure to streamers or playing with other people for over a year brings you closer to the game, and any significant changes should be absorbed in person.

#1 – The servers

cod warzone stadium poi

You all knew this point was coming, but it needs to be hammered home until the nail is visible no more – make sure the servers can cope with the outrageous demand.

So many players, our staff included, were not able to get stuck into most of these limited-time modes because of excessive queues. Activision’s servers were simply flooded with millions of gamers desperate to see the end of Verdansk as we know it.

But many people’s excitement and giddiness were swiftly dissolved and replaced with envy and jealousy as other lucky players got to see the action unfold straight away.

Obviously, trying to accommodate so many Warzone players is going to be a tough ask. But given how much money Activision has made and is worth, it doesn’t seem unreasonable to ask that they have enough server space for a live event.


These are just some of the main issues that, if addressed, we believe could ultimately shape Warzone’s future events, and could drastically improve them to be the best in the business.

Do you disagree with any of our improvements? Or have any of your own you’d like us to hear? Be sure to let us know on our Charlie INTEL Facebook Page and Charlie INTEL Twitter Page!

Image Credit: Activision / Raven Software / Epic Games

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