Are you ready to embark on a journey through the corridors of gaming history, tracing the evolution of a franchise that has dominated the industry for over two decades? The Call of Duty series, a titan in the first-person shooter genre, has consistently captivated millions with its gripping narratives, innovative gameplay, and relentless dedication to delivering immersive combat experiences.
Since its inception in 2003, Call of Duty has not only become a cultural phenomenon but also a barometer of technological advancements in gaming. Each installment has pushed the boundaries of what's possible, from the gritty realism of World War II battles to the futuristic landscapes of interstellar conflicts. This article will delve into the chronological order of Call of Duty titles, exploring their key features, developers, release dates, and the story eras they depict, offering a comprehensive overview of this iconic franchise. The relentless annual releases, a hallmark of the series, have kept players engaged and excited for what's to come, solidifying Call of Duty's place as a leading force in the gaming world.
| Title | Release Date | Developer(s) | Platforms | Story Era | Key Features/Modes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Call of Duty | October 29, 2003 | Infinity Ward | PC, PlayStation 2, Xbox, N-Gage | World War II | Single-player campaign focused on American, British, and Soviet perspectives; multiplayer modes. |
| Call of Duty: Finest Hour | November 4, 2004 | Spark Unlimited | PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube | World War II | Console-specific installment with a focus on different campaigns |
| Call of Duty 2 | October 25, 2005 | Infinity Ward | PC, Xbox 360 | World War II | Enhanced graphics, new AI, improved single-player campaign; multiplayer modes. |
| Call of Duty 2: Big Red One | November 1, 2005 | Treyarch | PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox | World War II | Focuses on the U.S. Army's 1st Infantry Division in North Africa and Europe |
| Call of Duty 3 | November 7, 2006 | Treyarch | PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox, Xbox 360, Wii | World War II | Focus on the Battle of Normandy. |
| Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare | November 5, 2007 | Infinity Ward | PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS | Modern Warfare | Shift from WWII to contemporary conflicts; revolutionized multiplayer with perks, killstreaks, and prestige modes. |
| Call of Duty: World at War | November 11, 2008 | Treyarch | PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, Nintendo DS | World War II | Return to WWII setting with a focus on the Pacific Theater and Eastern Front; introduction of Nazi Zombies mode. |
| Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 | November 10, 2009 | Infinity Ward | PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 | Modern Warfare | Continuation of the Modern Warfare storyline; enhanced multiplayer experience; controversial content. |
| Call of Duty: Black Ops | November 9, 2010 | Treyarch | PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, Nintendo DS | Cold War | Focus on covert operations and the Cold War era; introduced a more complex narrative and expanded Zombie mode. |
| Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 | November 8, 2011 | Infinity Ward, Sledgehammer Games | PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, Nintendo DS | Modern Warfare | Conclusion to the Modern Warfare trilogy; improved multiplayer and a focus on a global conflict. |
| Call of Duty: Black Ops II | November 12, 2012 | Treyarch | PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U | 1980s/2025 (Flashback) | Set in two different time periods; advanced technology and strategic choices influenced the campaign; expanded Zombies. |
| Call of Duty: Ghosts | November 5, 2013 | Infinity Ward | PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii U | Near-future | New characters and setting; new multiplayer modes and improved graphics. |
| Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare | November 4, 2014 | Sledgehammer Games | PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One | Near-future | Focus on advanced technology and exoskeletons; Kevin Spacey as the main antagonist. |
| Call of Duty: Black Ops III | November 6, 2015 | Treyarch | PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 | Near-future | Cybernetic enhancements and specialist characters in multiplayer; continued Zombies mode. |
| Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare | November 4, 2016 | Infinity Ward | PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One | Space Combat | Set in space with spaceship combat; included a remastered version of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. |
| Call of Duty: WWII | November 3, 2017 | Sledgehammer Games | PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One | World War II | Return to WWII setting; grounded gameplay. |
| Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 | October 12, 2018 | Treyarch | PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One | Modern Warfare | No single-player campaign; focus on multiplayer, Zombies, and the introduction of Blackout battle royale mode. |
| Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) | October 25, 2019 | Infinity Ward | PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One | Modern Warfare (Reboot) | Reboot of the Modern Warfare series; enhanced realism and a gritty narrative. |
| Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War | November 13, 2020 | Treyarch, Raven Software | PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S | Cold War | Set during the Cold War; integrated with Warzone battle royale. |
| Call of Duty: Vanguard | November 5, 2021 | Sledgehammer Games | PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S | World War II | Return to World War II; campaign focusing on different theaters of the war; integrated with Warzone. |
| Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022) | October 28, 2022 | Infinity Ward | PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S | Modern Warfare (Reboot) | Sequel to the 2019 Modern Warfare; campaign continuation with updated graphics and gameplay; Warzone integration. |
| Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023) | November 10, 2023 | Sledgehammer Games, Treyarch | PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S | Modern Warfare (Reboot) | Continuation of Modern Warfare II; new campaign and multiplayer content. |
| Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 | October 25, 2024 | Treyarch | PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S | Cold War/1990s | New entry in the Black Ops series, introducing new settings and gameplay mechanics. |
The development of a new Call of Duty title is a complex undertaking, involving hundreds of developers and a substantial investment of resources. In the early days, the process was less streamlined. The initial Call of Duty game, released in 2003, was developed by Infinity Ward. Sledgehammer Games, aiming for a bug-free experience and high Metacritic scores, began development shortly after the release of the original Call of Duty. Activision, the publisher of the series, often uses a three-year development cycle, with different studios taking turns to create each installment. This allows for a more consistent stream of new content and gives each studio time to innovate and refine their approach. The release date for the next installment of Call of Duty typically falls in the late fall, usually in October or November. The anticipation builds throughout the year, fueled by marketing campaigns, teasers, and the inevitable leaks that circulate among the fanbase.
The evolution of Call of Duty is closely tied to the advancements in gaming technology. The early games, like the original Call of Duty and Call of Duty 2, were developed for older consoles like the PlayStation 2 and Xbox. These games focused on delivering an immersive World War II experience, with authentic weaponry, realistic environments, and engaging narratives. As technology improved, so did the capabilities of the games. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, released in 2007, was a turning point, introducing modern warfare themes, advanced graphics, and a more sophisticated multiplayer experience. The series has embraced the latest technologies, from high-definition graphics to realistic physics engines, enhancing the visual fidelity and overall gameplay experience.
The core gameplay mechanics of Call of Duty have remained consistent throughout the years. The games are primarily first-person shooters, with a focus on fast-paced action, tactical gameplay, and strategic use of weaponry. Players navigate diverse environments, from war-torn battlefields to futuristic urban landscapes, completing missions and engaging in combat. The multiplayer component is a key feature, with various modes that cater to different playstyles. These include Team Deathmatch, Domination, Search and Destroy, and many more, allowing players to compete against each other in intense online battles. Killstreaks, perks, and customization options further enhance the multiplayer experience, adding depth and replayability.
The story eras explored in Call of Duty have been a significant factor in its success. The World War II setting, prevalent in the early games, provided a historical backdrop that resonated with players. The shift to modern warfare in Call of Duty 4 was a bold move that revitalized the franchise. The games have since covered a wide range of eras, from the Cold War to futuristic conflicts. The Black Ops series, with its focus on covert operations and complex narratives, has been particularly successful. The Modern Warfare reboot has also delivered a gritty and realistic experience that has appealed to a new generation of players. The shift to different eras allows the developers to introduce new weapons, technologies, and settings, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging. The franchise has also been expanding its story telling with different campaigns and characters, each installment brings new and intriguing stories.
The impact of Call of Duty on the gaming industry cannot be overstated. It has been the bestselling video game franchise in the U.S. market for 15 consecutive years, starting with the release of Modern Warfare 2 in 2009. The series has consistently pushed the boundaries of technology and gameplay, setting new standards for the first-person shooter genre. The success of Call of Duty has also inspired countless other games and has helped to shape the gaming landscape as we know it today. Modern Warfare II and Warzone 2.0 are published by Activision. Black Ops 6 continues the Black Ops franchise, first launched in 2010. The series has a dedicated fanbase that eagerly awaits each new release, and the annual releases have become a cultural event in the gaming world.
The game Black Ops 6, was released on October 25, 2024, developed by Treyarch, continues the Black Ops franchise. The game is available on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Call of Duty titles have been releasing annually since 2003 and have covered military conflicts from 1940 to 2187. This reflects the ongoing evolution of the franchise and its commitment to delivering fresh and engaging content to its players. In addition, the integration with the Warzone battle royale mode has further expanded the reach of the franchise and has brought in new players.
The next installment, Call of Duty for 2025, is expected to be released on a Friday in November. Players can preload the game via the Call of Duty app on their console. The Battle Pass, Blackcell, and tier skips will be available in Black Ops 6 once the season 1 Battle Pass is available in the game. When preloading is available, go to the Call of Duty app on your console and select 'manage game content' to scroll to Black Ops 6. It is important to check the Call of Duty blog and the Infinity Ward website for the latest updates. Modern Warfare II and Warzone 2.0 are published by Activision.
The latest information about Modern Warfare II can be found on the Call of Duty blog and the Infinity Ward website. The information is consistently updated as the launch date nears. As such, Call of Duty for 2025 will likely be released on Friday, November 7. The game has been the bestselling video game franchise in the U.S. market for 15 consecutive years since the 2009 release of Modern Warfare 2. After an open beta in August and September, the full release of Activisions next Call of Duty entry is upon us.
