Does CoD MW4 Exist? Unraveling the Modern Warfare Mystery
The simple answer to the question “Does CoD MW4 exist?” is no, not in the way many might expect. There isn’t a game officially titled Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 that follows the traditional numerical sequence of the original Modern Warfare trilogy. Instead, the Call of Duty franchise has taken a different path, opting for soft reboots and a re-imagining of the Modern Warfare universe rather than a direct sequel. The story is intricate and sometimes confusing, especially when comparing the original trilogy to the current soft-rebooted series. Let’s delve deeper into why this is the case and explore the timeline and lore around Modern Warfare.
The Modern Warfare Reboot Era
The Call of Duty series underwent a significant shift with the release of 2019’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. This game wasn’t Modern Warfare 4 as many fans anticipated. Instead, it served as a soft reboot of the sub-series, reimagining the characters and narrative from the ground up. This meant the stories and events of the original Modern Warfare trilogy – Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Modern Warfare 2, and Modern Warfare 3 – were no longer the definitive timeline.
Why Not Modern Warfare 4?
The creative direction behind the reboot aimed to provide a more relevant experience to modern gamers. As Jacob Minkoff, single-player design director, explained, “There were just so many things that made it bear no resemblance to the world we see today.” This led to a decision to “put to bed that old storyline” and develop a completely new narrative arc within the Modern Warfare universe.
The 2019 Modern Warfare was followed by 2022’s Modern Warfare II, continuing the story established in the reboot. The latest installment, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023), further solidifies this rebooted continuity, explicitly stating that it won’t be the end of the current Modern Warfare storyline, according to Call of Duty narrative director Brian Bloom. This means that the series will continue forward, following the narrative established in the rebooted games, rather than the original trilogy.
The Confusing Timeline
Understanding the Modern Warfare timeline requires careful distinction between the original games and the rebooted ones. Here’s a simplified overview:
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Original Trilogy:
- Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007)
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009) – Takes place five years after CoD4
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2011)
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Rebooted Series:
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) – a soft reboot, no connection with previous games
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022) – sequel to the 2019 game
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023) – sequel to the 2022 game
It’s crucial to note that the 2019 Modern Warfare is not a prequel to the original CoD4. It’s a completely separate story with a similar name, same iconic characters, but different circumstances. The developers have even stated that the rebooted Modern Warfare‘s campaign is a work of fiction.
The confusion about a potential Modern Warfare 4 often stems from the naming convention and the presence of familiar characters. Iconic figures like Captain Price, Soap MacTavish, and Ghost reappear in the rebooted games, but their storylines and relationships are significantly different from the originals.
FAQs: Deep Diving into the Modern Warfare Universe
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of the Modern Warfare series:
1. Is Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare a real game?
Yes, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is a real video game that was released in 2007, marking the beginning of the Modern Warfare sub-series within the overall Call of Duty franchise.
2. Does MW3 take place after MW2?
Yes, the 2023 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III is a direct sequel to the 2022 Modern Warfare II, continuing the storyline directly after the events of MWII.
3. Is Modern Warfare 2 a prequel to CoD4?
No, the 2009 Modern Warfare 2 is a sequel to Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, set five years after its events. The 2022 Modern Warfare II is a sequel to the 2019 Modern Warfare reboot, not connected to the original CoD4.
4. Is COD MW based on a true story?
No, the 2019 Modern Warfare campaign, like most Call of Duty campaigns, is a work of fiction. While some real-world locations like Prypiat, Ukraine are featured, the narrative is entirely fictional.
5. Is Cod like PUBG?
Call of Duty and PUBG are both first-person shooters with different gameplay styles. PUBG often emphasizes realism and slower-paced tactical gameplay, while COD is more focused on fast-paced, arcade-style action.
6. Who do you play as in CoD4?
In Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, you primarily play as Sergeant John “Soap” MacTavish, a recent recruit to the British Special Air Service (SAS).
7. Is the new mw3 a remake?
The 2023 Modern Warfare III is not a remake; it is a direct sequel to 2022’s Modern Warfare II, continuing the story in the rebooted continuity.
8. Is mw2 a remake?
The 2022 Modern Warfare II is not a remake of the original 2009 Modern Warfare 2. It is a sequel to the 2019 Modern Warfare reboot.
9. Is mw19 a prequel?
The 2019 Modern Warfare is not a prequel to the original Modern Warfare trilogy; it’s a soft reboot with its own storyline and is set in 2019.
10. Why did Infinity Ward get fired?
In 2010, Infinity Ward co-founders Vince Zampella and Jason West were fired by Activision for breach of contract and insubordination. This led to significant changes within the studio and the Call of Duty franchise.
11. What will COD 2023 be?
COD 2023 is Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, developed by Sledgehammer Games in partnership with Infinity Ward and published by Activision.
12. Is COD better than BF?
Whether COD is “better” than Battlefield is subjective and depends on individual preferences. COD typically offers a stronger single-player experience with memorable characters, while Battlefield has traditionally focused on large-scale multiplayer battles and vehicular combat.
13. Why is COD Mobile not popular in India?
While COD Mobile has a significant following worldwide, its lower popularity in India is partly attributed to the perception that it cannot compete with PUBG in terms of competitive depth and gameplay.
14. Which is tougher, COD or PUBG?
Both games present different challenges. PUBG leans towards a more realistic and tactical experience, while COD emphasizes fast-paced action and smoother movement.
15. Who is Cod Ghost in real life?
The character Simon “Ghost” Riley in the Modern Warfare series is largely based on his voice actor, Samuel Roukin. The digital representation is meant to be a true-to-life replica of the voice actor.
Conclusion: No Modern Warfare 4, But a Continuing Story
While there isn’t a Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 in the numerical sense, the Modern Warfare series continues to evolve with the rebooted storyline. The focus has shifted from a direct continuation of the original trilogy to a new narrative arc featuring beloved characters in a reimagined setting. The Modern Warfare saga is not ending anytime soon, with plans for further entries in the rebooted timeline as confirmed by Call of Duty leadership. Instead of dwelling on the absence of a Modern Warfare 4, it’s time to embrace the new and explore the continuing story of the modern rebooted world.