Is Call of Duty: WWII Canon? Untangling the Timeline

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The question of canon within the Call of Duty (CoD) franchise is a complex one, riddled with reboots, alternate timelines, and retcons. So, is Call of Duty: WWII (WW2) canon? The short answer is yes, and it depends on how you define “canon” within the context of the broader Call of Duty universe. Initially, it firmly belonged to the same continuity as World at War (WAW), the original Modern Warfare trilogy, and Black Ops 1-4. However, the introduction of a new universe following Black Ops 4 throws a wrench into the works. This article delves into the specifics, clarifying its place within the ever-evolving Call of Duty narrative.

Understanding the Call of Duty Canon Conundrum

The Call of Duty series, while primarily known for its multiplayer action, has attempted to weave interconnected narratives through its single-player campaigns. This attempt at creating a unified “canon” has faced challenges due to various development studios working on different titles and a desire to reboot and refresh the series.

The Original Timeline: A Shared History

Before the universe split, Call of Duty 1, 2, 3, WW2, World at War, the Modern Warfare trilogy (COD4, MW2, MW3), and Black Ops 1, 2, 3, and 4 all shared a relatively consistent history. Characters and events in one game would sometimes be referenced in another, creating a loose sense of continuity. This meant that the events of World at War, depicting the Pacific and Eastern Fronts of WWII, directly impacted the world leading into the Black Ops storyline. Call of Duty: WWII fit neatly into this timeline as a historical prequel, detailing the European Theater of Operations and setting the stage for later events.

The Divergence: The New Universe

Following Black Ops 4, Activision opted to create a new, separate continuity. This timeline includes Call of Duty: Cold War and Call of Duty: Vanguard. The developers have explicitly stated that these games exist in their own universe, distinct from the original. This divergence creates a sort of multiverse scenario within the Call of Duty franchise.

WW2’s Place: A Foot in Both Worlds?

So, where does this leave Call of Duty: WWII? Its placement becomes tricky. Originally conceived as part of the same timeline as World at War and the early Black Ops games, its canonical status is arguably maintained within that original framework. However, considering that Vanguard is also a World War II game, and is explicitly linked to Cold War in the new timeline, it introduces a potential “alternate history” scenario. This means, you can think of it as a kind of soft-reboot of the timeline.

Ultimately, the “canon” is whatever the developers deem it to be. In the case of Call of Duty, that means there are essentially two separate canons to consider. Call of Duty: WWII is undoubtedly canon to the original timeline, but its relationship to the new universe is more of a thematic resonance than a direct connection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Call of Duty Canon

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the complexities of Call of Duty canon:

1. Is World at War connected to Black Ops?

   Yes, World at War is directly connected to the Black Ops series. The character Viktor Reznov plays a significant role in both games, and events in World at War directly influence the plot of Black Ops 1.

2. Are the Modern Warfare games canon to the Black Ops games?

   Originally, yes. The Modern Warfare trilogy and the Black Ops series were part of the same overall timeline. However, the new universe established after Black Ops 4 effectively separates them. This means that characters like Captain Price and Alex Mason no longer exist within the same narrative space.

3. Is Call of Duty: Vanguard in the same universe as the original Modern Warfare trilogy?

   No, Call of Duty: Vanguard is part of the new universe that includes Cold War and is separate from the original Modern Warfare timeline.

4. Which Call of Duty games are considered part of the original canon?

   The games considered part of the original canon generally include: Call of Duty 1, 2, 3, World at War, Call of Duty: WWII, the Modern Warfare trilogy (COD4, MW2, MW3), and Black Ops 1, 2, 3, and 4.

5. What is the chronological order of the Call of Duty games based on their story timeline (original canon)?

   A rough chronological order is: Call of Duty 1, 2, 3 (WWII), Call of Duty: WWII (1944), Call of Duty: World at War (1942-1945), Black Ops 1 (1961-1968), Cold War (set in 1981, but is part of the new timeline, not the original timeline) , the Modern Warfare trilogy (2010s), Black Ops 2 (2025), Black Ops 3 (2065), Black Ops 4 (2043).

6. Why did Call of Duty create a new universe?

   The primary reasons were likely to allow for creative freedom, to reboot storylines, and to attract new players without being burdened by established lore. This allows them to explore new characters, scenarios, and gameplay mechanics without contradicting previous entries.

7. How accurate is Call of Duty: WWII historically?

   While Call of Duty: WWII draws inspiration from historical events and locations, it is not a strictly accurate portrayal of the war. It takes liberties with character stories and the inclusion of certain weapons or technologies to enhance the gameplay experience.

8. Is there a Call of Duty game set in World War I?

   No, there is no main Call of Duty game specifically set during World War I. While some games feature flashbacks or segments that touch upon WWI-era conflicts, the core focus has always been on WWII or modern warfare.

9. Are all the characters in Call of Duty: Vanguard based on real people?

   The four Special Forces characters in Call of Duty: Vanguard are loosely based on real individuals who fought during World War II. However, their specific stories and relationships within the game are fictionalized.

10. What Call of Duty game is considered the most realistic?

    Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022) is often cited as the most realistic in terms of visual fidelity and attention to detail. The developers utilized photogrammetry and performance capture to create highly realistic environments and character models.

11. How do real soldiers feel about the Call of Duty games?

    The opinions of real soldiers on Call of Duty games vary. Some appreciate the attempt to depict the intensity of combat, while others find the games unrealistic and more focused on entertainment than genuine warfare.

12. Is Infinite Warfare canon?

    Infinite Warfare, with its futuristic setting and space combat, is generally considered to be separate from both the original and the new Call of Duty universes. It exists as a standalone entry with its own distinct storyline.

13. What is the connection between World War I and World War II in real life?

    World War I did not directly cause World War II. But, the aftermath of World War I created several conditions that contributed to the rise of tensions and the eventual outbreak of World War II. These include economic hardship in Germany, the rise of extremist ideologies, and the failure of the League of Nations to prevent aggression.

14. Where can I learn more about the impact of video games on learning and education?

    You can find a wealth of resources and research on the topic of video games and education at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. This organization is dedicated to exploring the potential of games for learning. In addition, you can explore various academic journals and research institutions that focus on educational technology.

15. What Call of Duty game is coming out in 2023?

    Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023) was released on November 10, 2023, on Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC. It is a direct sequel to Modern Warfare II (2022), continuing its storyline.

Understanding the canon of the Call of Duty franchise requires acknowledging its bifurcated timeline. While Call of Duty: WWII is firmly rooted in the original continuity, the emergence of a new universe adds complexity. By understanding these distinctions, players can appreciate the unique narrative contributions of each game. Ultimately, the question of canon is less about strict adherence to a single timeline and more about enjoying the diverse stories and experiences offered within the Call of Duty universe.