Modern Warfare 3 update nerfs Striker ahead of new game modes

pcgamesn.com:

Modern Warfare 3 is entering its second beta weekend, which means that updates are underway. The latest Call of Duty is pulling in players from all over the globe to test its gameplay and performance prior to its official launch. In addition to raising the level cap to 30, the developer is throwing in some fan-favorite features to the beta as well as brand-new maps and modes. Before we see things like Search and Destroy come to fruition though, a balance update is here to ensure MW3 weekend play goes more smoothly.

While a few weapons are facing changes in this update, the most significant Modern Warfare 3 nerf goes to the Striker. The submachine gun is the first one you’ll have access to in the FPS game, but it can pack quite the punch. To help combat its longer-range strength without making it obsolete in competitive play, a couple of multiplier buffs join its damage nerfs.

“We expect the Striker to remain a competitive option thanks to its fire rate and excellent accuracy,” the developer writes. “However, these changes reduce its damage output at long distances, preventing it from outperforming assault rifles.” The patch notes also explain how the update’s changes to damage multipliers “intend to increase the consistency” of the Striker.

Weapons aren’t the only things affected by the new MW3 update. Game modes and maps are seeing some adjustments due to feedback. The dev explains how it’s “investigating reports of poor spawn selection quality” and is in turn “making adjustments for launch.” The studio added collision points to prevent players from accessing “unintended locations,” and addressed random spawn point deaths.

More general fixes accompany the pre-weekend beta update as well, preceding some highly