In recent years, the gaming industry has undergone a significant transformation. The rise of microtransactions, live service models, and the "attention economy" has fundamentally altered the way games are designed and played. Call of Duty, like many AAA franchises, has been influenced by these trends, leading to changes in map design and gameplay mechanics.

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The jetpack era, defined by titles like Advanced Warfare, marked a turning point. Microtransactions and "macro grind sessions" became increasingly prevalent, incentivizing players to spend more time and money in the game. Camo challenges, collectible skins, and weapon blueprints became central to the Call of Duty experience, creating a constant sense of progression and reward.

Call of Duty: WWII attempted to return to a more grounded experience, but the desire to keep players engaged and spending money ultimately led to the reintroduction of Shipment. However, this time, Shipment was featured in a dedicated 24/7 playlist, making it the most efficient way to grind for camos and complete daily challenges. This created a "fast lane" for progression, incentivizing players to prioritize grinding over enjoying the variety of maps the game had to offer.

The live service model further intensified this trend, creating a sense of urgency and the fear of missing out (FOMO). Players felt compelled to play Call of Duty every day to avoid missing limited-time events, exclusive rewards, and coveted cosmetic items. This constant pressure to grind and progress further solidified the importance of small, fast-paced maps like Shipment, which offered the most efficient way to level up and unlock content.

Modern Warfare (2019) offered a brief respite with the introduction of Warzone, a large-scale battle royale mode, and Gunfight, a tactical 2v2 mode. However, these modes were eventually adapted to fit the prevailing trends, with the introduction of Resurgence mode in Warzone and the transformation of Faceoff mode in Black Ops Cold War. The trend continues to current Call of Duty games.

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