Decoding the Call of Duty Timeline: Universes, Reboots, and the Chaos of Continuity

Yes, Call of Duty (CoD) has different timelines. The franchise’s sprawling history, spanning numerous developers, settings, and sub-series, has resulted in a fragmented continuity. While some games exist within a shared universe, others are reboots, reimaginings, or stand-alone stories, creating a complex web for players to navigate.

Understanding the CoD Multiverse

The confusion surrounding the CoD timeline stems from several factors: the sheer number of titles, the shifting historical periods they depict, and the occasional retcon or reboot that throws established lore into disarray. Unlike series with a meticulously planned and linear narrative, CoD has prioritized gameplay innovation and compelling standalone experiences, sometimes at the expense of consistent continuity.

Key Timeline Divisions

Here’s a breakdown of the major timeline divisions within the Call of Duty franchise:

• Original World War II Era (CoD 1-3, World at War): The initial entries, primarily developed by Infinity Ward and Treyarch, focused on World War II. World at War marks the beginning of the Black Ops storyline and is connected to that timeline.

• Original Modern Warfare Timeline (CoD 4: Modern Warfare, Modern Warfare 2, Modern Warfare 3): This groundbreaking sub-series redefined the FPS landscape with its contemporary setting, memorable characters, and impactful story arc. This timeline is considered complete and separate from the newer Modern Warfare reboot.

• Black Ops Timeline (World at War, Black Ops, Black Ops II, Black Ops Cold War, Black Ops III, Black Ops 4): This timeline, primarily developed by Treyarch, delves into the Cold War and beyond, often incorporating elements of conspiracy, psychological warfare, and advanced technology. Black Ops Cold War serves as a direct sequel to Black Ops, fitting in the early 1980s.

• Rebooted Modern Warfare Timeline (Modern Warfare (2019), Modern Warfare II (2022), Modern Warfare III (2023)): This series serves as a reimagining of the original Modern Warfare games. Though the new trilogy features familiar characters and themes, it exists in its own separate continuity.

• Other Standalone Titles (Ghosts, Advanced Warfare, Infinite Warfare, WWII, Vanguard): Some CoD games, like Ghosts and Advanced Warfare, offer unique stories and settings that don’t directly connect to the major timelines. Vanguard, while attempting to connect to Black Ops, largely stands on its own.

The Reboot Phenomenon

The Modern Warfare reboot, starting with the 2019 title, highlights the complexities of CoD’s continuity. Activision chose to revisit the iconic characters and themes of the original Modern Warfare trilogy, but within a new narrative framework. This allows for fresh storytelling possibilities while capitalizing on the nostalgia associated with the original games.

However, the reboot has caused confusion among fans, particularly those who were invested in the established lore of the original timeline. The new Modern Warfare trilogy introduces altered character arcs, revised plotlines, and different outcomes, effectively creating an alternate universe.

Connecting the Disconnected

Despite the fragmented nature of the CoD timeline, there have been attempts to bridge the gaps and create a sense of interconnectedness. Black Ops Cold War features a cameo from Imran Zakhaev, a prominent antagonist from the original Modern Warfare series, suggesting a shared universe, at least between the Black Ops and rebooted Modern Warfare timelines. Furthermore, the integration of Warzone, Black Ops, Zombies, and Modern Warfare storylines also aims to unify disparate elements of the franchise.

Call of Duty: A Saga of War, Reimagined

The existence of multiple timelines in Call of Duty shouldn’t be viewed as a weakness, but rather as a testament to the franchise’s creative flexibility and willingness to experiment. By exploring different eras, narratives, and gameplay mechanics, CoD has remained relevant and engaging for over two decades. The Games Learning Society may find this approach to narrative design interesting to study and analyze, as it reflects how storytelling evolves and adapts to audience expectations within the gaming industry. It has carved out a unique position in popular culture that invites discussions on how the history of war is taught in schools versus how war can be an entertaining format.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Call of Duty Timeline

1. Does every Call of Duty game belong to a specific timeline?

No, not all CoD games are explicitly connected to a specific timeline. Some titles, such as Ghosts, Advanced Warfare, and Infinite Warfare, are considered standalone stories with their own self-contained universes.

2. Is the original Modern Warfare series still canon?

The original Modern Warfare trilogy (CoD 4, MW2, MW3) is considered a self-contained and completed storyline. The rebooted Modern Warfare series is a separate continuity.

3. How does Black Ops Cold War fit into the Black Ops timeline?

Black Ops Cold War is set between the events of Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010) and Call of Duty: Black Ops II (2012). It acts as a direct sequel to the original Black Ops.

4. Are the Modern Warfare and Black Ops timelines connected?

There is evidence suggesting that the rebooted Modern Warfare and Black Ops timelines share a universe. Cameos and references in Black Ops Cold War hint at connections to characters and events from the original Modern Warfare series and rebooted Modern Warfare timeline.

5. Is the Call of Duty Zombies storyline connected to the main campaigns?

The Call of Duty Zombies mode started as a side mode, but it has evolved to become a central storyline within the Black Ops universe. Additionally, the integration of Warzone has seen crossovers between the Zombies and the main campaigns.

6. Is Call of Duty: World at War part of the Black Ops timeline?

Yes, Call of Duty: World at War is considered the first game in the Black Ops timeline. It introduces key characters and events that are further explored in subsequent Black Ops titles.

7. Is Ghost from the original Modern Warfare series alive in the new Modern Warfare?

No, the Ghost featured in the new Modern Warfare trilogy is a reimagining of the character. The original Ghost, who died in Modern Warfare 2, is not part of the rebooted timeline.

8. Is the new Modern Warfare a prequel to the original Modern Warfare?

The new Modern Warfare is not a prequel to the original. It’s a completely separate rebooted timeline with its own narrative. While it may draw inspiration from the original games, it doesn’t directly precede them in a chronological sense.

9. Are all Call of Duty games about World War II?

No, the first few Call of Duty games were set during World War II, but the series has since explored various historical periods and fictional conflicts, including the Cold War, modern-day warfare, and futuristic scenarios.

10. What order should I play the Call of Duty games to understand the story?

There isn’t a single definitive order. However, playing the games within each specific timeline (original Modern Warfare, Black Ops, rebooted Modern Warfare) in their respective release order is recommended for a better understanding of their individual narratives.

11. Is Call of Duty: Vanguard connected to the Black Ops or Modern Warfare timelines?

Call of Duty: Vanguard aims to tie into the Black Ops universe, hinting at the origins of some characters and organizations featured in the Black Ops storyline. However, its connection to the Modern Warfare timeline is less pronounced.

12. Why did Call of Duty reboot the Modern Warfare series?

The reboot of the Modern Warfare series was likely driven by a desire to revitalize the franchise, appeal to a new generation of players, and capitalize on the nostalgia associated with the original games. The reboot allowed for fresh storytelling possibilities without being constrained by established lore.

13. Are there any plans to unify all the Call of Duty timelines?

While there have been attempts to create connections between different CoD timelines, there are currently no confirmed plans to fully unify them into a single, cohesive narrative. The focus seems to be on allowing each sub-series to maintain its unique identity while occasionally weaving in subtle connections.

14. How does Call of Duty: WWII fit into the overall timeline?

Call of Duty: WWII is a standalone game that returns to the series’ roots in World War II. It doesn’t directly connect to any of the major timelines, but rather offers its own distinct portrayal of the war.

15. Where can I learn more about game narrative and timeline complexities?

The complexities within game narratives, like the Call of Duty franchise, present rich learning opportunities to study. You can find additional information and resources about game design, storytelling, and player engagement at the Games Learning Society. Further, studies can be found through GamesLearningSociety.org.