The phenomenon of modern pop culture: the formation of Call of Duty

Call of Duty: A legendary franchise spanning over two decades, captivating gamers worldwide. Let's explore its history, game by game, in chronological order.

Table of Contents

• Call of Duty
• Call of Duty 2
• Call of Duty 3
• Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
• Call of Duty: World at War
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
• Call of Duty: Black Ops
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
• Call of Duty: Black Ops II
• Call of Duty: Ghosts
• Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare
• Call of Duty: Black Ops III
• Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered
• Call of Duty: WWII
• Call of Duty: Black Ops 4
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
• Call of Duty: Warzone
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Remastered
• Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
• Call of Duty: Vanguard
• Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III
• Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

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Call of Duty

Release Date: October 29, 2003 Developer: Infinity Ward

The inaugural Call of Duty, launched in 2003, set the stage for a global phenomenon. Featuring both single-player and multiplayer modes, it immersed players in the brutal realities of World War II. The single-player campaign offered four distinct perspectives: American, British, Soviet, and Allied, each unfolding through a series of historically-inspired missions. Multiplayer focused on objective-based gameplay like capturing flags and control points.

Call of Duty 2

Release Date: October 25, 2005 Developer: Infinity Ward Download: Steam

Maintaining the World War II setting, Call of Duty 2 refined the original formula. Automatic health regeneration while in cover was a key improvement, alongside the removal of the health bar. The game featured American, British, and Soviet campaigns, each packed with diverse missions based on real historical events. Multiplayer remained largely unchanged from its predecessor, concluding with a powerful documentary reflecting on the war's impact.

Call of Duty 3

Release Date: November 7, 2006 Developer: Infinity Ward Download: Xbox

An Xbox exclusive, Call of Duty 3 marked a shift. Instead of separate campaigns, it presented a unified storyline. New actions like rowing were introduced, and split-screen multiplayer allowed for cooperative gameplay. Technically superior to its predecessors, it boasted improved animations, lighting, and overall visuals. This installment also featured civilians for the first time, though handguns were notably absent.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

Release Date: November 5, 2007 Developer: Infinity Ward Download: Steam

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare boldly shifted the series to a modern setting, introducing a compelling alternate reality. Set in 2011, players faced a global threat of nuclear annihilation across American and British campaigns. New additions included Arcade Mode, cheat codes, and the introduction of classes in multiplayer, a feature that would define future installments.

Call of Duty: World at War

Release Date: November 11, 2008 Developer: Infinity Ward Download: Steam

A return to World War II, albeit with improved graphics and AI, this installment featured American and Soviet campaigns. While the core gameplay remained familiar, the introduction of Nazi Zombie mode proved a surprising hit. Other notable additions included enemy dismemberment, the flamethrower, and further character class customization options.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Release Date: November 10, 2009 Developer: Infinity Ward Download: Steam

A direct sequel to Modern Warfare, this title pushed the boundaries of modern warfare gameplay. Set in 2016, it introduced new actions like climbing and underwater movement. Multiplayer enhancements included dual-wielding pistols, new game modes, an expanded perk system, and the ability to call in airstrikes and artillery.

Call of Duty: Black Ops

Release Date: November 9, 2010 Developer: Treyarch Download: Steam

Black Ops ventured into a post-World War II setting, following a CIA agent on a series of dangerous missions. While the single-player campaign remained largely unchanged, the game introduced in-game currency, character and weapon skins, contracts, and a wagering game mode. The familiar class system, perk leveling, and zombie mode returned, further solidifying their place in the franchise.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

Release Date: November 8, 2011 Developer: Infinity Ward Download: Steam

A direct continuation of Modern Warfare 2, this title refined existing mechanics and enhanced visuals and sound. The game achieved record-breaking sales upon its release.

Call of Duty: Black Ops II

Release Date: November 13, 2012 Developer: Treyarch Download: Steam

Black Ops II presented a unique narrative structure, spanning two distinct time periods: 2025-2026 and 1986-1989. Player choices impacted the storyline, leading to multiple possible endings. Other innovations included pre-battle equipment selection, Strike Force missions with squad control, and significantly improved AI.

Call of Duty: Ghosts

Release Date: November 5, 2013 Developer: Infinity Ward Download: Steam

Ghosts introduced a new protagonist and storyline, expanding the battlefield to include space combat and alien encounters. Character customization, including the option to play as a female character, and destructible environments were notable additions. The perk system also received an overhaul.

Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare

Release Date: November 4, 2014 Developer: Sledgehammer Games Download: Steam

Advanced Warfare transported players to a futuristic world dominated by private military corporations. Exoskeletons, drones, and advanced weaponry were central to the gameplay. Vertical gameplay and an alien-themed mode were also introduced.

Call of Duty: Black Ops III

Release Date: November 6, 2015 Developer: Treyarch Download: Steam

Black Ops III featured cybernetically enhanced soldiers with transformable limbs and hacking capabilities. Jetpacks replaced exoskeletons, and nine specialists expanded the class and perk system. Wall-running and underwater combat added new dimensions to the gameplay.

Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare

Release Date: November 4, 2016 Developer: Infinity Ward Download: Steam

Infinite Warfare took players to Mars, focusing on resource acquisition and habitable location exploration. While single-player mechanics remained largely unchanged, multiplayer introduced customizable exoskeletons.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered

Release Date: November 4, 2016 Developer: Raven Software Download: Steam

A faithful remaster of the original Modern Warfare, this version focused on enhanced visuals, audio, and animations while preserving the core gameplay.

Call of Duty: WWII

Release Date: November 3, 2017 Developer: Sledgehammer Games Download: Steam

A return to the World War II setting, this installment introduced “heroic actions” and brought back medkits. Multiplayer featured new modes, larger lobbies, and specialized classes.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 4

Release Date: October 12, 2018 Developer: Treyarch Download: Steam

Black Ops 4 omitted the traditional single-player campaign, instead offering standalone Specialist missions. Multiplayer featured increased player health, a new fog-of-war system, and a 100-player battle royale mode.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare

Release Date: October 25, 2019 Developer: Infinity Ward Download: Steam

A reboot of the Modern Warfare series, this installment tackled contemporary issues like terrorism, resulting in mature and controversial content. Gameplay changes included increased weapon recoil, the addition of bipods, and the return of Killstreaks.

Call of Duty: Warzone

Release Date: March 10, 2020 Developer: Infinity Ward Download: Steam

Warzone introduced a standalone battle royale experience with classic battle royale, Rebirth (with respawns), and Plunder (money collection) modes. New mechanics included a downed state and the Gulag, a 1v1 arena for a second chance.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Remastered

Release Date: March 31, 2020 Developer: Infinity Ward Download: callofduty.com

Another remaster, focusing on visual and audio enhancements for Modern Warfare 2.

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War

Release Date: November 13, 2020 Developer: Infinity Ward Download: Steam

Set in the early 1980s, Black Ops Cold War featured a globe-trotting single-player campaign. Zombies mode received significant updates, including customizable loadouts and upgraded armor.

Call of Duty: Vanguard

Release Date: November 5, 2021 Developer: Sledgehammer Games Download: Steam

A return to World War II, Vanguard offered a multi-perspective campaign and a record-breaking 20 multiplayer maps.

Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0

Release Date: November 16, 2022 Developer: Infinity Ward Download: Steam

Warzone 2.0, integrated with Modern Warfare II, featured ammo sharing, an updated Gulag, and a new DMZ mode.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II

Release Date: October 28, 2022 Developer: Infinity Ward Download: Steam

A direct sequel to 2019's Modern Warfare, focusing on the fight against terrorism and drug cartels. Gameplay refinements included wall breaching, revised swimming and vehicle mechanics, and a detailed character customization system.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III

Release Date: November 2, 2023 Developer: Sledgehammer Games Download: Steam

The third installment in the rebooted Modern Warfare trilogy, featuring a combat-focused campaign and a record-breaking 24 multiplayer maps, plus a new "Slaughter" mode.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

Release Date: October 25, 2024 Developer: Treyarch and Raven Software Download: Steam

Set in the 1990s during the Persian Gulf conflict, Black Ops 6 introduces new mechanics like climbing, sliding, and a smart movement system. Zombies mode is restructured into separate rounds.

The Call of Duty franchise, with its 25 entries, has consistently struck a balance between challenge, realism, and player interaction. Its enduring popularity stems from a commitment to refining existing mechanics while introducing fresh innovations, captivating players of all ages and backgrounds for over two decades.