Is Call of Duty Getting Rid of Zombies? The Undead Truth
No, Call of Duty is not getting rid of Zombies. While there have been periods where Zombies mode was absent from certain titles, or its implementation differed from the classic formula, Activision remains committed to the Zombies franchise. The mode continues to be a significant draw for players, and its inclusion often boosts game sales and overall engagement. Instead of being eliminated entirely, the Zombies experience frequently evolves, with different developers putting their own spin on the undead formula. We can see this in how the mode is handled in both main entries and mobile versions.
The Ever-Evolving Undead: Zombies in Call of Duty’s History
The trajectory of Zombies in Call of Duty is far from a straight line. It’s a winding road paved with innovative features, experimental designs, and occasionally, temporary absences. The initial spark for the mode can be traced back to Call of Duty: World at War, where a seemingly simple bonus mode after completing the campaign quickly ballooned into a phenomenon. This unassuming Nazi Zombies experience captured the imagination of players with its frantic, wave-based gameplay and its mysterious storyline.
From there, Treyarch, traditionally the shepherd of the Zombies experience, continued to develop and refine the formula. We saw the introduction of iconic characters like Richtofen, Dempsey, Nikolai, and Takeo, who became central figures in the sprawling Zombies narrative across multiple Black Ops titles. These characters, combined with increasingly intricate maps, complex Easter eggs, and compelling secrets, solidified Zombies as a core pillar of the Call of Duty franchise.
However, the path hasn’t always been smooth. Some games, like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2022), launched without a dedicated Zombies mode, leading to disappointment among fans. In other cases, the mode’s implementation strayed from the familiar round-based survival experience. This can be observed through the large-scale Outbreak mode in Black Ops Cold War, which had a mixed reception from the community.
Despite these shifts, Activision continues to integrate Zombies in some form. The inclusion of a Zombies mode in Modern Warfare 3 (2023), developed by Treyarch, shows how they are attempting to innovate within the Modern Warfare universe. This suggests that Activision recognizes the demand for Zombies and wants to offer diverse experiences to different player bases.
The evolution of Zombies in Call of Duty raises interesting questions about game design, player expectations, and how franchises can successfully adapt over time. You can explore these topics further by visiting the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org, where researchers delve into the intersection of games and learning.
Understanding the Temporary Absences of Zombies
The most significant factor behind Zombies’ occasional absence from specific Call of Duty titles lies in development cycles and design choices. Creating a high-quality Zombies experience takes time, resources, and a clear vision. When developers prioritize other aspects of the game, or when they don’t have a compelling concept for Zombies, it can be excluded from the release.
Quality control also plays a crucial role. As the text mentions, the Zombies mode in Call of Duty: Mobile was temporarily removed because it did not meet the quality standards of the game’s developer. This decision, while disappointing for some players, was made to ensure that all game modes offer a polished and engaging experience.
Furthermore, the changing tastes and expectations of players influence the direction of the Zombies mode. The traditional round-based survival formula is beloved by many, but developers are also under pressure to innovate and try new things. This can lead to different gameplay styles and narrative approaches, some of which may resonate more with certain players than others.
In essence, the sporadic appearances of Zombies mode are a reflection of the complex interplay between development constraints, creative choices, and player preferences. While its consistent inclusion isn’t guaranteed, the enduring popularity of the Zombies formula makes its complete disappearance highly unlikely.
The Future of Zombies: What to Expect
Looking ahead, the future of Zombies in Call of Duty appears to be one of continuous evolution and experimentation. Treyarch’s return to the traditional round-based Zombies experience in Call of Duty 2024 is a promising sign for fans of the classic formula. At the same time, the success of modes like Outbreak and the reimagined Zombies mode in Modern Warfare 3 suggests that Activision is also keen to explore new directions for the mode.
We can expect to see further innovation in terms of map design, enemy types, narrative complexity, and gameplay mechanics. Developers will likely continue to experiment with different ways to integrate Zombies into the broader Call of Duty universe, whether through crossovers with other game modes or by expanding the Zombies lore.
The rise of live-service games and the increasing importance of player engagement also point towards a future where Zombies mode is constantly updated with new content, challenges, and rewards. This could involve seasonal events, limited-time modes, and regular updates to the core gameplay experience.
Ultimately, the future of Zombies in Call of Duty will depend on how well developers can balance the need to innovate with the desire to stay true to the roots of the mode. By listening to player feedback, embracing new technologies, and pushing the boundaries of game design, Activision can ensure that Zombies remains a vital and exciting part of the Call of Duty franchise for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why was Zombies removed from Call of Duty: Mobile?
The Zombies mode in Call of Duty: Mobile was removed because it did not meet the quality standards the developers desired for all modes in the game.
2. Is Zombies coming back to Modern Warfare?
Yes, Modern Warfare 3 (2023) features a Zombies mode. This is an open-world PvE experience, developed by Treyarch in collaboration with Sledgehammer Games.
3. Will Modern Warfare 3 (2023) have traditional round-based Zombies?
No, the Zombies mode in Modern Warfare 3 (2023) is structured similarly to the DMZ mode in Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0, rather than the classic round-based survival.
4. When was the last Call of Duty game with a more traditional Zombies mode?
Call of Duty: Vanguard (2021) had Zombies, but initially in a smaller manner. It received the classic round-based gameplay later with a Shi No Numa remake.
5. What is an alternative to Call of Duty Zombies?
Killing Floor 2 offers a similar gameplay loop with waves of enemies and escalating difficulty, making it a viable alternative for Call of Duty Zombies fans.
6. What is the next Call of Duty game in 2023?
The next Call of Duty game in 2023 is Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, which launched on November 10, 2023.
7. Will Call of Duty 2024 have Zombies?
Yes, Call of Duty 2024 will feature the return of Treyarch’s Zombies mode, with a focus on traditional round-based gameplay.
8. Is Zombies canon in the Modern Warfare storyline?
News surrounding Modern Warfare 3 (2023) confirms that Zombies are canon to the Modern Warfare story.
9. Can Call of Duty Zombies be played offline?
Yes, Call of Duty Zombies can be played offline with bots and also in the campaign mode.
10. Will Undead Siege come back to Call of Duty: Mobile?
Yes, Undead Siege returned to Call of Duty: Mobile in Season 9 “Graveyard Shift” around Halloween 2023.
11. Why didn’t Modern Warfare 2 (2022) have Zombies?
The lack of Zombies in Modern Warfare 2 (2022) was likely due to a desire to give developers and fans a break, as well as allowing for resources to be focused elsewhere.
12. Did Call of Duty: WWII have Zombies?
Yes, Call of Duty: WWII featured Nazi Zombies, a co-operative mode that unleashed a frightening new horror story for Call of Duty zombies fans.
13. Will Call of Duty stop releasing a new game every year?
Activision Blizzard is moving away from its traditional annual release schedule, although the alternative plans are still being developed.
14. Who is developing the next Call of Duty game?
Sledgehammer Games is leading the development of Modern Warfare III, in partnership with Infinity Ward.
15. What is Call of Duty 2024 speculated to be about?
Call of Duty 2024 is speculated to be a sequel to Black Ops: Cold War, titled Black Ops: Gulf War, taking place during the Gulf War.