Infinity Ward Labels Modern Warfare 4 DMZ an 'Action Extraction Shooter'

Infinity Ward has revealed a deep dive into Modern Warfare 4's upcoming extraction mode DMZ, describing the experience as an "Action Extraction Shooter." The label signals the studio's intent to carve out a distinct space within the increasingly popular extraction genre.

A 15-minute development video outlines what players can expect when the new Call of Duty experience arrives. Multiplayer Creative Director Joe Cecot explained that players will not spend time simply looting and occasionally encountering an AI enemy or another player. Instead, DMZ is designed around a much more action-packed approach, hence the "Action Extraction Shooter" designation.

A major part of that pace comes from the game's AI, which features four different tiers alongside high-profile enemies such as Commanders and Lieutenants. Taking these enemies down can reward players with valuable loot, while the sheer number of other players, gear and loot scattered throughout the map should ensure there is rarely a quiet moment.

Extraction shooters are hardly a new concept. Games like Escape from Tarkov are known for their hardcore approach and ARC Raiders leans further into adventure. Infinity Ward believes there is still plenty of room to experiment, with DMZ attempting to put its own spin on the formula while potentially introducing extraction shooters to a much wider audience.

The studio has already described the mode as a "big swing" for Call of Duty, comparing its ambition to the launch of Warzone. The fast-paced approach could be a key factor in helping DMZ appeal to mainstream players, while its differences from existing extraction shooters may also give genre veterans a reason to jump in.