Proving once again that--despite arguments to the contrary--the Call of Duty series isn't afraid of evolving on ideas, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3's multiplayer mode will undergo some serious changes.

The major shift is Infinity Ward and Sledgehammer Games' decision to ditch kill streaks in favor of a new system that rewards players based on points for everything based on kills, assists, completing objectives, and more. Additionally, streaks are now separated into three groups that are bundled based on play type: Assault, Support, and Specialist.

According to Infinity Ward, while kill streaks were fun, they did little to reward players that focused on supporting team play. They were really only built for team deathmatch, press were told during an exclusive event last night.

For the new system, streak bonuses are separated into three distinct groups, called "Strike Packages." Each of the groups offer different kinds of bonuses.

Assault rewards players with offense-based bonuses, like access to the AC-130, Pave Low, and Osprey Gunship control; Support gives players team-oriented bonuses, like UAV drones, bulletproof vest drops, and control of multi-care package drops; and Specialist gives players access to multiple perks during a match.

Each package reacts differently to the situation. For example, those with the Support "Strike Package" selected will not have their streaks reset at death.

Like Kill Streaks in the past, players can select up to three bonuses within the selected Strike Package group to be used during a match via the Custom Class option. With the Specialist Strike Package specifically, players can select three perks to bring into battle; however, if they gain a point streak of eight, they can gain immediate access to all perks in the game until they die.

Weapon leveling is also seeing a slight change from Modern Warfare 2. Users will now need to unlock proficiencies for weapons to customize your arsenal the way you want. Want to reduce recoil? Unlock the "Kick" proficiency, and then add things like scopes or underbarrels to it.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 does not appear to use the money system from Black Ops; however, we will ask for more clarification during an interview with Infinity Ward's Robert Bowling later today.

Shacknews went hands-on with the multiplayer and co-op 'Survival' mode during last night's event and will have impressions on the site for both modes shortly.