It looks like Activision’s desire to take the Call of Duty franchise back to the beginning in Call of Duty: WWII also applies to the game’s multiplayer online. A new trailer released during this year’s E3 Expo showcases a mode that is very realistic and down-to-earth… while also being packed full of epic setpieces and explosions aplenty.

I’ll let Kevin Kelly, of the Activision Games Blog, relay more information about Call of Duty: WWII’s multiplayer options:

Divisions
Divisions fundamentally redefines how players invest in their Multiplayer career. This is a reimagining of the create-a-class system, and players will choose from five iconic World War II divisions each with specific division training and division weapon skills. This streamlined approach to Multiplayer gives players the ability to reinforce their individual play styles while dominating the enemy in some of the most iconic locations of the world’s largest conflict.

• Infantry Division riflemen are always in the thick of it with finely-tuned rifles and impeccable marksmanship.
• Well-equipped with incendiary rounds and tactical grenades, the Expeditionary Division’s shotguns literally pack heat.
• Airborne Division paratroopers endure extreme physical conditioning to outmaneuver opponents with their submachine guns.
• Focused on stealth and target identification, Mountain Division snipers generate constant fear in the enemy and strike when least expected.
• Armored Division soldiers are the best supplied in battle and hold down positions with their explosives and light machine guns.

Multiplayer
Call of Duty: WWII Multiplayer marks an exciting return to the franchise’s World War II roots and combat that defined the franchise. Prepare for fast-paced, grounded action with an arsenal of iconic weapons and equipment in the fight to liberate a continent in the throes of tyranny. Call of Duty: WWII immerses players in the brutal gameplay of history’s largest conflict.

Call of Duty: WWII Multiplayer offers players true franchise innovations across the entire experience with brand new ways to connect, compete and engage as a community. Divisions redefines how players develop their WWII Multiplayer Careers by enlisting in five iconic WWII-era divisions. War Mode lets players compete against each other in team-driven, objective gameplay. And Headquarters is a transformational new experience that will connect players like never before.

War Mode
War is an all-new game mode where players must work as a team to defeat the enemy. This narrative-driven Multiplayer experience immerses players in iconic World War II locations. Allied and Axis forces clash in team-driven assault and defend missions for key strategic objectives. We’ll be taking a deep dive into this new mode very soon, so stay tuned!

If you’re itching to try out Call of Duty: WWII’s multiplayer modes, don’t worry, Activision will launch a Closed Beta this Summer on the PC, PS4, and Xbox One. PS4 players who pre-order the game will get the first crack at the test phase from August 25 through August 28. The Closed Beta’s second round will begin on September 1, and it’ll add in players who pre-ordered the game on the Xbox One. Activision will announce Closed Beta dates for PC users at a later time.

And finally, the latest Making of Call of Duty livestream also focuses on multiplayer, and you can dig deeper into the game’s online modes with host Alison Haislip after the break. (more…)