Black Ops 2 multiplayer: New create-a-class model is 'empowering' - Treyarch

Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 multiplayer delivers a brand new create-a-class and Score Streak system that is geared towards empowering players. Treyarch has told VG247 that it doesn't want you to play by its rules any more, saying that there is no need for rigid class systems any more.

VG247 had two hands-on hours of Black Ops 2 multiplayer last week, and we managed to really get inside the new create-a-class system. For a full rundown on how it works, and the kit you can use, check out our Black Ops 2 create-a-class rundown here.

Speaking with VG247 at gamescom last week, Treyarch's director of brand development Jay Puryear explained the freedom if Black Ops 2's new create-a-class mode, "Why are we forcing players to stick to our rules? How can be empower them to make their own rules?"

"We looked at a lot of the assumptions that gamers had about Call of Duty multiplayer," Puryear continued, "So, the assumption here was that we've always done a slot-based class system. We've always had a primary and a secondary weapon. Why?"

Treyarch needed a new system, so along with David Vonderhaar, the team started to create a paper board game called 'Pick Ten' that would help the studio devise the new create-a-class system feature in Black Ops 2.

Puryear explained the method, "I mean, here we are working with interactive entertainment and all this tech. We made a board game. I think it was really a combination of just looking at create-a-class from a pure functionality standpoint."

"So now if people say, 'I'm willing to give up a piece of my kit to try something new', now they can or maybe I might want three attachments and I can give up a something like extended mags or reflex sight for a suppressor instead", Puryear added.

"There are combinations that allow players to have a unique load-out and give them a chance to define what kind of player they are," Puryear explained, "We saw someone in our multiplayer reveal trailer walking around with a knife as their primary - if you want to do that, we're empowering you to make it happen."

Puryear stressed that it really is about your own personal play style, not just fitting your attitude to the game into a rigid class framework, "We're seeing new emerging gameplay styles and new mechanics thanks to things like the redesigned riot shield. You can take all those things and start to look at customisation that fits with your play style."

Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 is out on PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 13 November. Stay tuned for our full Treyarch interview later today.