Esports legend Matthew "FormaL" Piper has openly discussed the possibility of making a grand return to the competitive Call of Duty (CoD) scene, nearly three years after stepping away. However, his comeback hinges on one critical gameplay aspect that Activision must address: the game's "over-the-top" aim assist.
At 29, the Halo and CoD veteran has shown considerable interest in Black Ops 6, slated for release this September. His enthusiasm reached a point where he expressed a desire to compete professionally once again. This revelation came during a July stream, although details remained scant when probed by fellow competitor Scump during the CoD Championships coverage.
The possibility of FormaL's return caught more fire during an August 2 stream with ex-CoD pro and 100 Thieves CEO, Nadeshot. In a moment that thrilled fans, Nadeshot implied FormaL could have a spot on the LA Thieves roster, a statement met with excitement and skepticism within the community.
Despite the buzz, FormaL has reservations, particularly with how aim assist has evolved in CoD, especially post-Warzone. Watching older tournament footage, he critiqued the "dynamic aim assist" and other enhancements for altering the multiplayer experience to a degree that dampens his enthusiasm for a potential return.
The integration of aim assist has become a staple in modern CoD gameplay, further emphasized with the advent of crossplay between PC and console players. FormaL argues for a reduction in aim assist's influence in Black Ops 6, pointing to its potential detriment to the game's competitive balance.
The debate over aim assist isn't new. With the esports community divided over its necessity, especially for console players, finding a middle ground remains crucial. Nadeshot, speaking on behalf of the console community, has previously advocated for aim assist as an essential feature for CoD's inclusivity and competitive viability.
As anticipation builds for Black Ops 6, all eyes are on Treyarch and Raven Software to deliver a game that balances competitive fairness with broad accessibility. Should they strike the right balance, the esports world might just witness the thrilling return of FormaL to the competitive CoD stage. The upcoming CoD Next event in August, followed by the game's release in October, will be critical moments for both FormaL and the wider CoD community.
