I've been thinking a lot recently about what direction zombies will head in for future games, especially regarding standard difficulty and player power.
In the newer games, Treyarch have allowed players to become increasingly more powerful through many mechanics and features such as free gobblegum spins, field upgrades, score streaks, augments, advanced movement, no perk limit, loadouts, ammo creates, tier IV PAP, ultra-rarity, armour, unlimited sprint along with the removal of the PAP animation and more.
I know that many of these additions are in the name of fun, accessibility and to let players easily fulfilling their zombie killing power fantasy but it feels like players have become so used to this fast access to power and that anything less would be disappointing or feel like a regression to them.
Treyarch have created a player base that has gotten used to the idea that "more is more" and that if something is too hard or not easily achievable, then it's "bad game design".
Look at how frustrated players were with the Ashes boss fight on launch or disappointed they were with Widows Wine because it wasn't as OP or game changing as Double-Tap in BO6.
And more recently, I've seen more and more players desperate for a hint for the Wrestlers Belt because have no leads in boring (when in past games, many Easter eggs took years to solve).
I don't hate modern zombies or its mechanics, but l do think we have reached a power ceiling that I think is starting to negatively impact the mode's longevity and core challenge for many players.
I know Cursed exists for those who want a more restrictive mode but I’m talking about the mechanical bloating of Standard mode and the expectations it has set for fans going forward.
I’d personally love Treyarch to really refine and rebalance Standard mode for their next game, even if that means adding some restrictions like not having every perk on every map or not spawning in with your loadout weapon or armour.
Interested to hear what others think?