Is Call of Duty a Yearly Game? Examining the Annual Release Cycle of a Gaming Giant
The short answer is: mostly, yes, Call of Duty (CoD) has been a yearly game. For nearly two decades, the franchise has established a rhythm of releasing a new main entry in the series annually, becoming a hallmark of the gaming industry. This consistent release schedule has contributed significantly to its status as a blockbuster series, recognized by the Guinness World Records as the best-selling first-person shooter game series. However, as we delve deeper, we’ll explore the nuances and recent shifts in this pattern, and whether it will continue in the future.
The Consistent Yearly Release: A History
Since its inception in 2003, the Call of Duty franchise has largely adhered to an annual release strategy. The initial games focused on World War II settings, quickly gaining popularity. The series evolved into various sub-series, including Modern Warfare and Black Ops, each with its distinct storyline and gameplay mechanics, all while maintaining the yearly cycle. This relentless pace of new releases has propelled the series to astronomical heights, with hundreds of millions of players engaging with the game each year. The annual release became not just a tradition, but an expected event in the gaming calendar. This consistency provided players with a regular influx of new content and kept the franchise at the forefront of the FPS genre.
A Shift in 2023: The First Hiatus
For almost twenty years, the yearly release of Call of Duty was an unshakeable pillar. However, 2023 marked a change to this pattern. Activision, the publisher of Call of Duty, reportedly decided to delay the 2023 Call of Duty game, breaking their long-standing tradition. This was the first time in nearly two decades that a main entry in the series was skipped. It was a significant departure, catching many players and analysts by surprise. The delay may have been part of a strategic decision to better manage the releases and to maintain the quality of the product.
The good news was, this didn’t mean no Call of Duty at all in 2023! While there was no new main entry, the year saw the release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III which arrived in November of that year. However, what made it different was that it was the first time a main line game was a direct sequel to the previous year’s Modern Warfare 2. So, while not a complete “skip” it was a change to the expected pattern.
Why the Annual Release Model?
The annual release of Call of Duty games has been driven by several factors:
- Market Demand: New CoD titles sell exceptionally well, leading to enormous revenue. As long as this demand exists, developers will continue to produce new titles each year.
- Player Engagement: The annual release cycle provides players with a steady stream of fresh content, keeping them engaged with the franchise.
- Profitability: Each release generates massive profits, making it a financially viable strategy for the publisher.
- Competitive Edge: Regular releases keep the franchise relevant and competitive within the crowded first-person shooter market.
While the annual release cycle has been a successful formula, it has also faced criticism. Some argue that it limits innovation and can lead to burnout for both players and developers. However, there’s no doubt that it has been the series core strategy for years.
The Future of Call of Duty Release Cycles
With the shift in 2023 and the industry always changing, the question now is, “will Call of Duty continue to follow a yearly release schedule?” While there is currently a new title expected in 2024, the game rumored to be titled Black Ops: Gulf War, whether that will mean a return to a yearly cycle remains to be seen. Some industry experts have suggested that Activision may move away from a strict yearly release model in the future, aiming for longer development cycles and potentially even focusing on free-to-play versions to keep the player base and content flowing year round. The shift towards more complex and expansive games may also dictate this change.
However, for the foreseeable future, it seems that a main entry in the Call of Duty franchise will continue to be a frequent occurrence, if not on a strict annual basis. It will be very interesting to see how this model adjusts in the years to come with other options including games as a service and longer development cycles becoming more common in the games industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Call of Duty Releases
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the Call of Duty series and its release cycles:
1. How long does a Call of Duty game campaign last?
Call of Duty campaigns are typically short and sweet. Most story modes take under 10 hours to complete, making them perfect for those who enjoy a focused, action-packed single-player experience. The exact playtime depends on the player’s skill level and difficulty setting.
### 2. What Call of Duty game came out in 2023?
The main release of Call of Duty for 2023 was Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, which was released on November 10, 2023. This game was a direct sequel to the previous year’s title, Modern Warfare II, marking a first for the series.
### 3. What is the Call of Duty game coming out in 2024?
Rumors suggest that the 2024 Call of Duty game will be titled Black Ops: Gulf War. It is speculated to be a sequel to Black Ops: Cold War and will feature a story set during the Gulf War period.
### 4. Is Call of Duty shutting down?
No, Call of Duty is not shutting down. However, there was a shut down of Warzone Caldera in September 2023 as the series moved forward with new content. Call of Duty Mobile is also still active, despite rumours to the contrary.
### 5. How many people play Call of Duty each year?
The player base of Call of Duty is massive. In 2020, it was estimated that the series had over 250 million players, an increase from around 70 million in 2018. This large player base highlights the franchise’s enduring popularity.
### 6. What is considered the most forgettable Call of Duty game?
While opinions vary, some of the most frequently named “forgettable” titles include Call of Duty: Vanguard, Call of Duty Online, Call of Duty: Ghosts, and the original Call of Duty (2003). These games often lacked the innovation or impact of other entries in the series.
### 7. Are there any free Call of Duty games?
Yes, there are free Call of Duty options. The Warzone ecosystem, which includes Call of Duty: Warzone and Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0, are both free-to-play. These games provide a substantial amount of content at no cost.
### 8. Which Call of Duty game has the longest story?
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 is considered one of the longest games in the series, with a base experience taking around 15 hours to complete. In comparison, most Call of Duty campaigns average 6-7 hours. Black Ops III is another candidate as a longer CoD title.
9. How many hours do professional Call of Duty players play daily?
Professional Call of Duty players often have rigorous schedules, typically playing between six to eight hours per day. This intense practice is necessary to maintain a competitive edge.
10. Why does Call of Duty release a new game every year?
The annual release cycle is primarily driven by market demand and profitability. New Call of Duty titles consistently sell very well, motivating developers to release new games each year. Additionally, it keeps the game fresh in player’s minds.
11. What is the best order to play the Call of Duty games?
Many fans like to play the Call of Duty games by their release date. Here’s a list of some of the earlier and core titles: Call of Duty (2003), Call of Duty 2 (2005), Call of Duty 3 (2006), Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007), Call of Duty: World at War (2008), Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009), Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010), Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2011).
12. Which Call of Duty game did not have a story campaign?
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 is the first game in the main series to not include a traditional single-player campaign. Instead, it focused on multiplayer, zombies, and a battle royale mode called Blackout.
13. What is considered the hardest Call of Duty game?
Many players consider Call of Duty: World at War to be the most challenging title in the series. Its intense enemy presence and difficult missions often put players to the test.
14. What country plays Call of Duty the most?
The United States has the largest player base for Call of Duty, representing approximately 22% of the total player population. Other countries with significant player bases include China, the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Germany.
15. What will Call of Duty in 2025 be like?
Leaked information indicates that the Call of Duty title for 2025 may feature remastered maps from Black Ops 2, similar to the approach taken with Modern Warfare III in 2023, using maps from the original 2009 Modern Warfare 2.
In conclusion, while Call of Duty has been a yearly game for most of its existence, the future may see some changes to that model. However, the franchise’s popularity and market demand suggest it will remain a significant presence in the gaming world for many years to come.