Modern Warfare 3’s file size is disgustingly huge for no good reason

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is disgustingly massive, but it also isn’t. Due to Activision’s decision to share a platform between multiple titles, the Modern Warfare 3 file size has ballooned to a disgusting 203GB.

Revealed only during the game’s early access release window, the Modern Warfare 3 file size will automatically attempt to download 203GB of content on Xbox and PC. For PlayStation users, this is a bit different, allowing you to select what package you want installed.

For Xbox and PC users, attempting to download the new game under the blanket title Call of Duty app will slap you with a massive 200GB+ install that you technically don’t need. That’s because instead of just downloading Modern Warfare 3, the newest game in the series, it also wants you to install last year’s Modern Warfare 2 and, because why not, Warzone 2.

There is a reason for this: a number of assets are shared between all three games. Anyone who’s seen our Modern Warfare 3 campaign walkthrough, or has played the game themselves, will realise that models, textures, animations, weapons and more are directly lifted from the old game. It seems only the new multiplayer package has primarily new assets.

Furthermore, with the new campaign only being a measly three hours, and multiplayer not being available to play yet, it’s a massive install size for a game that doesn’t seem to be offering all that much. With fans begging for classic maps and improvements to the new game’s rough time to kill, Modern Warfare 3 does seem like a bit of a dud. Maybe its Zombies mode will help score some points.

Modern Warfare 3’s unreal file size is a consequence of two things: Activision’s attempts to push Call of Duty as a platform and Modern Warfare 3 being a rush-job sequel. Nevertheless, it’s still a 130GB game hiding in a 203GB container, and that’s a ridiculous notion for a game that does look good, but it’s no Star Citizen.

With current-gen consoles having less than a terabyte of free space by default, Modern Warfare 3 is certainly asking a lot by taking up so much of it.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is available right now for campaign early access on PC, Xbox and PlayStation. The rest of the game becomes playable on November 10, 2023.