Modern Warfare 3's Riot Shield is causing a rift between fans

Modern Warfare 3 fans believe Sledgehammer Games should remove the Riot Shield from the game's loadout creation options. After years of backlash against the Modern Warfare weapon, fans have had enough.

Following the two beta weekends, all eyes are on the full launch of Modern Warfare 3 and although its gun list contains a wealth of different options, the Riot Shield remains a popular choice for those looking for some additional protection when loading into a wide range of game modes on offer.

The Riot Shield may not fire any bullets, but its ability to provide an extra layer of resistance to any incoming gunfire makes it a viable choice in multiplayer. Despite this, players want it removed from nearly all areas of the game.

Reddit user RuggedTheDragon shared their thoughts and shortly after, other players were quick to add their opinions too.

The player believes: "Aside from the Juggernaut Recon streak, I don't believe the shield should ever return to the multiplayer." Judging by the comments, there are plenty in agreeance. Another adds: "They [Sledgehammer Games] should honestly just make it work with Overkill. If you want a shield on your back then you have to use a pistol.

Instead of the Riot Shield disappearing altogether, one believes there's a solution to ease the concerns of all players: "I think it should be a Field Upgrade. Replacing the deployable shield and work just like the Black Ops Riot Shield. In place of it in the primary category, they could have a sledgehammer, a crowbar, or an actual katana instead."

It's unclear whether the Riot Shield will appear in the Modern Warfare 3 loadout creation menus. While its presence within the game continues to split the opinions of players, we'll have to wait and see whether it becomes an overpowered selection or whether players prefer to utilise a secondary weapon to deal additional damage throughout a match.

Modern Warfare 3 isn’t the only game in the series to suffer from anti-Riot Shield discussions. The weapon dominated early Modern Warfare 2 matches last year, with fast-melee bugs making it impossible to fight against in enclosed spaces.

For now, it appears the Riot Shield will remain in Call of Duty but we expect it to become a hot topic of debate if it does negatively impact matches.