Did Black Ops Have Infected? Unraveling the Mystery
The short answer is yes, but the specifics depend on which Black Ops game you’re asking about. The Infected game mode has had a varied history within the Call of Duty franchise, and its presence (or absence) can sometimes be confusing for players. Let’s break down where Infected appears in the Black Ops series, and explore its history within the broader Call of Duty universe.
Infected’s Presence in the Black Ops Series
The original Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010) did not launch with the Infected game mode. This popular mode didn’t become a staple until later entries in the Call of Duty franchise. While Black Ops revolutionized many aspects of the series, Infected was not one of them. Players eager for Infected on this title had to rely on user-created custom game variants.
Call of Duty: Black Ops II (2012), like its predecessor, also did not feature Infected as a standard game mode. While the game delivered a branching campaign and innovative multiplayer features, including the “Pick 10” system, Infected was absent from its official playlist offerings.
Call of Duty: Black Ops III (2015), however, brought a surprise to fans. While not present at launch, an update introduced both the Infected game mode and a new map designed for it. This marked a significant moment, as Black Ops III became the first and only mainline Black Ops title to include the official Infected mode. The Black Ops III version featured classic Infected gameplay, with an initial infected player hunting down survivors.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 (2018) continued the trend of excluding Infected, focusing instead on its innovative Blackout battle royale mode and the traditional Zombies experience.
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (2020) also did not include the Infected game mode. Instead, it focused on a gritty campaign and competitive multiplayer experience.
Infected: A History Outside Black Ops
To fully understand the story of Infected, it’s crucial to look beyond just the Black Ops series. The mode gained initial popularity in Halo 3 through custom games. The Call of Duty franchise didn’t officially adopt it until Modern Warfare 3 (2011). While appearing in unofficial capacity for CoD in private matches within 2011’s Modern Warfare 3, it was later released as a public playlist on February 5, 2012 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, and on May 9, 2012 for PC.
From that point forward, Infected became a recurring fan-favorite mode, showing up in titles like:
- Call of Duty: Ghosts
- Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare
- Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered
- Call of Duty: WWII
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019)
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022)
This demonstrates how Infected transitioned from a community-driven phenomenon to a mainstream staple of the Call of Duty experience.
Why Infected Resonates with Players
Infected’s appeal is simple: it’s a fast-paced, asymmetrical game of survival. The thrill of being the last survivor, desperately trying to avoid the horde, is balanced by the chaotic fun of being an Infected player, hunting down the remaining humans. This simple yet engaging dynamic has made Infected a consistently popular mode across various Call of Duty titles.
The psychological element of being pursued, the panic of close calls, and the satisfaction of outsmarting the Infected all contribute to its enduring legacy. It’s a perfect blend of horror and comedy, often leading to hilarious moments and unforgettable gameplay. The concept aligns well with the work being done at places such as the Games Learning Society, where the mechanics of game design are explored and understood for their potential to teach and entertain. You can find out more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Conclusion
While Infected is not a ubiquitous feature of the Black Ops franchise, its presence in Black Ops III demonstrates its lasting impact on the series and the broader Call of Duty universe. Its fast-paced gameplay and unique social dynamics continue to make it a fan favorite, solidifying its place in gaming history. From its humble beginnings as a custom game mode to its inclusion in mainstream Call of Duty titles, Infected has proven to be a resilient and beloved game type.
This is an example of why understanding video game design is valuable. The Games Learning Society and other organizations are working to elevate the knowledge of all of its members.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Infected in Black Ops
1. What is Infected game mode in Call of Duty?
Infected is a multiplayer game mode where one player starts as “Infected” and must eliminate the “Survivors.” Each eliminated Survivor then becomes Infected, joining the Infected team. The game ends when either all Survivors are Infected, or the Survivors manage to outlast the timer.
2. Which Call of Duty was the first to have Infected?
While community-created versions existed prior, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2011) was the first Call of Duty game to officially feature the Infected game mode within its multiplayer playlist.
3. How does Infected work in Black Ops III?
In Black Ops III, at the start of a round of Infected, one player is randomly selected to be the initial Infected. This player typically gets a throwing knife (or similar melee weapon) and the ability to move faster, but is limited in other ways (e.g., they can’t use guns). Their goal is to infect all of the Survivors by killing them. When a Survivor is killed, they become Infected.
4. Is Infected available in all Black Ops games?
No, Infected is not available in all Black Ops games. It is only officially available in Call of Duty: Black Ops III.
5. Was Infected in the original Black Ops?
No, the original Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010) did not include the Infected game mode.
6. Why is Infected so popular?
Infected is popular because of its fast-paced, tense, and often humorous gameplay. The dynamic shifts constantly, creating opportunities for both thrilling moments and funny situations.
7. Are there any specific strategies for playing Infected?
Yes, strategies vary depending on whether you are a Survivor or Infected. Survivors often try to find high ground or camp in strategic locations, while Infected rely on speed, surprise attacks, and coordinated efforts to overwhelm Survivors.
8. What weapons are typically used in Infected?
Infected players are often limited to melee weapons, like throwing knives or combat knives. Survivors have access to their custom classes with guns.
9. Can you customize your class in Infected?
Typically, Survivors can use their own custom classes with any weapons they choose. Infected players often have a pre-set loadout that focuses on melee combat.
10. How long do rounds of Infected last?
Rounds typically last a few minutes, with the timer being reset each time a Survivor is infected.
11. What is the objective of the Infected in Infected?
The objective of the Infected is to infect all the Survivors before the timer runs out.
12. What is the objective of the Survivors in Infected?
The objective of the Survivors is to stay alive until the timer runs out, avoiding being infected by the Infected players.
13. Are there variations of Infected in different Call of Duty games?
Yes, there can be variations in rules, maps, and player loadouts. For example, some versions may have different starting weapons or abilities for the Infected.
14. Has Infected ever appeared in Call of Duty Zombies mode?
While not exactly the same, there have been modes in Call of Duty Zombies that borrow elements from the Infected gameplay, such as the “Infected” easter egg in Call of Duty: WWII‘s Zombies mode. However, these are typically limited-time events or easter eggs, not a permanent game mode.
15. Will Infected return in future Call of Duty games?
Given its popularity, there’s a good chance Infected will return in future Call of Duty installments. Infinity Ward announced that the fan-favorite party game mode Infected is making a return in Modern Warfare 2 Season 2, Modern Warfare 2 Season 2 begins on February 15, and fans already know Hardcore and Ranked Play will return.