Is the Modern Warfare Series Connected? Unraveling the Call of Duty Timeline
The question of whether the Modern Warfare series is interconnected is a complex one, often leaving players scratching their heads. The short answer is: it’s complicated. While there are threads of connectivity, it’s crucial to understand that we’re dealing with two distinct timelines, each with their own continuity. The original Modern Warfare trilogy (2007-2011), consisting of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Modern Warfare 2, and Modern Warfare 3, forms a self-contained story arc. Then, we have the rebooted Modern Warfare series (2019-present), which includes Modern Warfare (2019), Modern Warfare II (2022), and Modern Warfare III (2023). These two groups are not in the same universe despite sharing familiar characters and plot elements. Think of them as separate interpretations of a similar theme, not directly connected chapters in the same saga. This article will delve into the intricacies of this fractured timeline and provide clarity for those trying to understand the connections within the Modern Warfare world.
The Original Modern Warfare Trilogy: A Self-Contained Saga
The original Modern Warfare trilogy provided a coherent narrative focusing on the escalating conflicts against Russian ultranationalists, terrorists, and corrupt military figures. The games featured a consistent cast of characters including Captain Price, Soap MacTavish, and Gaz, and their interwoven stories defined the series for many players. The story concluded definitively in Modern Warfare 3, bringing closure to the conflicts and the fates of key characters. This trilogy established the benchmark for first-person shooter storytelling, and its influence is still felt in contemporary games.
Key Features of the Original Trilogy:
- Consistent Narrative: A clear beginning, middle, and end with interconnected events and character arcs.
- Established Characters: Iconic characters like Price, Soap, and Ghost were introduced and developed throughout the series.
- Direct Sequels: Each game is a direct continuation of the previous one.
The Rebooted Modern Warfare Series: A New Timeline
The rebooted Modern Warfare series, starting with 2019’s Modern Warfare, presents a new interpretation of familiar elements. While it features characters like Captain Price, Ghost, and Soap, they exist in a different context with a new storyline and setting. The rebooted games are not remakes but rather a soft reboot; they draw inspiration from the original story but reimagine it for a new generation. They use familiar names and concepts, but change the timelines and story to work with a fresh modern setting. Modern Warfare II (2022) acts as a sequel to the 2019 reboot and the 2023 release, Modern Warfare III, serves as the sequel to the 2022 release.
Key Features of the Rebooted Series:
- Different Timeline: Although it borrows elements, this series occurs in a fundamentally different timeline than the original.
- Reimagined Characters: Familiar faces reappear, but with different backstories and roles within the new narrative.
- Modern Storytelling: The reboot emphasizes a more realistic and contemporary approach to conflicts and geopolitics.
Similarities and Differences: Where Things Get Confusing
The presence of the same characters, like Captain Price and Ghost, is a major source of confusion. While they share names and basic personalities, these are different versions of the characters in different universes. The stories are similar at the core, and there are clear callbacks. For example, the betrayal of Ghost does happen again in the reboot, but under very different circumstances than the betrayal he experiences in the original MW2.
Here is a summary of the main similarities and differences:
Similarities:
- Shared Characters: Iconic characters like Price, Ghost, Soap, and Gaz appear in both timelines.
- Familiar Themes: The games tackle similar themes of international conflict, terrorism, and military operations.
- Some Shared Plot Elements: Certain events and plot devices are reinterpreted or mirrored across the two timelines.
Differences:
- Separate Timelines: The games do not exist in the same universe and the events in one do not effect the other.
- Different Story Arcs: The overall storylines in the two series are distinctly different, with their own resolutions.
- Character Variations: The character backstories, motivations, and relationships can vary from one series to the other.
The Future of the Modern Warfare Series
With Modern Warfare III now released, the rebooted series is well underway with a unique story arc of it’s own. The potential for continued sequels in this timeline means the Modern Warfare universe will likely continue to expand and evolve. While the original trilogy may remain a beloved piece of the past, the new reboot offers a fresh perspective on the conflicts and characters we know from the original trilogy. The storylines of these timelines are likely to remain completely separate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the interconnectedness of the Modern Warfare series:
1. Are all the Call of Duty games connected?
No, not all Call of Duty games are connected. The main series is divided into sub-series, with storylines contained within each sub-series. However, Warzone, Modern Warfare, Black Ops and Zombies storylines are all connected in one universe.
2. Is the new Modern Warfare a remake of the old one?
No, the new Modern Warfare games are not remakes. They are reboots, meaning they reimagine the story, characters, and themes from a new perspective.
3. Is the 2022 Modern Warfare II a sequel to the original Modern Warfare 2?
No, Modern Warfare II (2022) is a sequel to Modern Warfare (2019) and a reboot of the Modern Warfare series, not a remake or direct sequel to the original Modern Warfare 2.
4. Is the new Modern Warfare 3 a remake of the original?
Yes, the 2023 Modern Warfare 3 is actually a reboot of the original MW3 game from 2011.
5. Does the new Modern Warfare take place in the same timeline as the original Modern Warfare?
No, the new Modern Warfare series takes place in a different timeline than the original trilogy. They are set in separate universes despite having the same characters and some similar plot points.
6. Is Modern Warfare 2 (2022) before or after the original Modern Warfare 2?
Modern Warfare 2 (2022) is not in the same timeline as the original Modern Warfare 2. It is a reboot, taking place in a separate narrative universe.
7. Are the characters in the new Modern Warfare the same as in the old one?
While they share the same names, the characters in the rebooted series are different versions of the originals within a new timeline. They have new backstories and play different roles in the current narrative.
8. Is Modern Warfare 2 a prequel to Modern Warfare 3?
In terms of the storyline of the rebooted series, Modern Warfare II (2022) is a prequel setting up the events of Modern Warfare III (2023).
9. Is the new Modern Warfare a sequel to any of the older games?
The 2019 Modern Warfare is a reboot and the start of a new series. Modern Warfare II (2022) is the direct sequel to the 2019 reboot. Modern Warfare III (2023) is a direct sequel to Modern Warfare II (2022).
10. Are the Modern Warfare weapons shared across games?
Yes. All Modern Warfare II weapons will be available for Modern Warfare III players, although each weapon’s associated unlock challenge must be completed.
11. Are Zombies canon in the Modern Warfare universe?
Yes, the Modern Warfare storyline is now connected to the Warzone, Black Ops, and Zombies storylines, placing them all in the same universe.
12. What are all the Modern Warfare games in order?
The Modern Warfare series includes:
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (original series)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019), Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022), and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023) (rebooted series)
13. Who developed Modern Warfare 3 (2023)?
Modern Warfare 3 (2023) was developed by Sledgehammer Games in partnership with Infinity Ward.
14. Does Modern Warfare 3 (2023) continue the story from the previous games?
Yes, Modern Warfare 3 (2023) is a direct sequel to Modern Warfare 2 (2022), continuing the storyline and introducing the iconic villain Makarov.
15. Why was the Modern Warfare series rebooted?
The Modern Warfare series was rebooted to create a more relevant and realistic setting. The developers stated that the original storyline had reached a point where “human-scale stakes” were no longer present, leading to the need for a reboot and a fresh start.
Understanding the timelines, reboots, and reimaginings of the Modern Warfare series can be complicated. Hopefully, this article has cleared some things up!