Decoding the ISO: Real-World Inspiration Behind the Call of Duty Weapon
The ISO in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II is primarily based on the Brugger & Thomet APC9 (Advanced Police Carbine 9mm). This is a 9mm submachine gun renowned for its reliability, accuracy, and modular design in the real world. While the ISO series in Call of Duty encompasses multiple weapons, including assault rifles like the ISO Hemlock which draws inspiration from the Brügger & Thomet APC556, the original ISO SMG directly reflects the APC9’s design and functionality.
The ISO Family: More Than Just a Submachine Gun
It’s important to note that the “ISO” designation in Call of Duty isn’t confined to just one weapon. Over time, different entries in the franchise have introduced variants and entirely new weapons under the ISO umbrella. Let’s dissect these different applications of the ISO name:
The Original: ISO as the APC9 Stand-In
The first iteration of the ISO appeared as a submachine gun (SMG) in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019). Its characteristics closely mirrored the B&T APC9, offering players a fast-firing, controllable weapon ideal for close-quarters combat. Its in-game attributes like rate of fire, recoil pattern, and available attachments are all clearly influenced by the real-world APC9. The decision to rename the gun within the game is a common practice, often done for licensing reasons or to maintain creative control over the weapon’s design and balance.
ISO Hemlock: An Assault Rifle Enters the Fray
Later, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Warzone 2.0 introduced the ISO Hemlock, an entirely different beast. This weapon is classified as an assault rifle (AR) and takes its visual cues and design principles from the Brügger & Thomet APC556. The APC556 is a more powerful, rifle-caliber platform compared to the APC9, offering increased range and stopping power. The ISO Hemlock similarly aims to provide players with a versatile AR option capable of engaging targets at medium to long ranges.
ISO 45: A Blast from the Past
The ISO 45 is another SMG in the Call of Duty series. This gun is a fast-firing weapon which can be used in close combat.
Why the Renaming? The Art of Adaption in Gaming
Why not simply call the in-game weapon the Brugger & Thomet APC9? Several factors come into play:
- Licensing Agreements: Obtaining the rights to use the exact name and likeness of real-world firearms can be a complex and costly process.
- Creative Liberty: Developers often want the freedom to tweak the design, stats, and attachments of a weapon without being strictly bound by the real-world counterpart. This allows them to balance the weapon within the game’s meta and create unique gameplay experiences.
- Brand Identity: A fictional name can contribute to the game’s own unique identity and avoid potential association with real-world controversies surrounding firearms.
Regardless of the name change, the design, functionality, and overall feel of the ISO SMG clearly pay homage to the Brugger & Thomet APC9, cementing its place as the real-world inspiration behind this popular in-game weapon. Exploring how games adapt and represent real-world elements can be further investigated through resources like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org), which studies the intersection of games and learning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the ISO in Call of Duty, providing a deeper dive into its various aspects and real-world connections:
1. What real-world firearm is the closest analog to the ISO SMG in Modern Warfare (2019)?
The Brugger & Thomet APC9 is the closest real-world analog. Its design, size, and intended role as a compact and accurate submachine gun are all reflected in the ISO’s in-game performance.
2. Is the ISO Hemlock in Modern Warfare II also based on a B&T firearm?
Yes, the ISO Hemlock draws inspiration from the Brügger & Thomet APC556, which is a rifle-caliber platform designed for greater range and power than the APC9.
3. What caliber does the real-world APC9 fire?
The APC9 is chambered in 9x19mm NATO, a common cartridge for submachine guns and pistols worldwide.
4. What makes the APC9 a popular choice for law enforcement and military units?
The APC9’s popularity stems from its compact size, reliability, accuracy, and modularity. It’s easily customizable with various sights, stocks, and accessories, making it adaptable to different operational needs.
5. Does the in-game ISO accurately reflect the APC9’s rate of fire?
Generally, yes. The ISO in Call of Duty is known for its high rate of fire, which is consistent with the real-world APC9’s capability to deliver rapid bursts of accurate fire.
6. What types of attachments are commonly used with the APC9 in real life?
Common attachments include red dot sights, holographic sights, suppressors, vertical grips, and weapon lights. Many of these attachments are also available for the ISO in Call of Duty.
7. Is the APC9 considered a “military-grade” weapon?
While the term “military-grade” is often misused, the APC9 is used by various military and law enforcement units around the world. Its robust design and performance make it suitable for professional use.
8. How does the recoil of the in-game ISO compare to the real-world APC9?
In Call of Duty, the ISO typically has manageable recoil, especially when equipped with appropriate attachments. This reflects the APC9’s inherent accuracy and controllability.
9. What are some of the key differences between the APC9 and the APC556?
The primary difference is caliber. The APC9 fires 9mm rounds, while the APC556 fires 5.56x45mm NATO rounds. This results in significant differences in range, power, and effective use scenarios.
10. Why do game developers sometimes change the names of real-world weapons in their games?
Reasons include licensing issues, creative freedom, and the desire to avoid potential controversies. By using fictional names, developers can maintain control over the weapon’s design and balance without being strictly bound by real-world accuracy.
11. What other real-world firearms have inspired weapons in the Call of Duty franchise?
The Call of Duty series has drawn inspiration from countless real-world firearms, including the M4 carbine, AK-47, MP5, and various sniper rifles.
12. How do video games contribute to the public’s perception of firearms?
Video games can significantly influence the public’s perception of firearms, both positively and negatively. They can provide a virtual experience of handling and using weapons, but they can also contribute to unrealistic expectations about their capabilities and dangers.
13. What is the role of weapon balancing in Call of Duty?
Weapon balancing is crucial for ensuring a fair and enjoyable gameplay experience. Developers constantly adjust weapon stats, attachments, and other factors to prevent any single weapon from becoming overwhelmingly dominant.
14. Can playing Call of Duty improve real-world shooting skills?
While Call of Duty can improve certain skills like reaction time and hand-eye coordination, it’s not a substitute for real-world firearms training. The physics and mechanics of the game are often simplified for gameplay purposes.
15. Where can I learn more about the relationship between games and learning?
You can explore the work of organizations like the Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/), which researches the intersection of games and education.
By understanding the real-world inspiration behind the ISO and other in-game weapons, players can gain a deeper appreciation for the design and balance that goes into creating a compelling and engaging Call of Duty experience. The choice to base weapons on real life guns is to immerse the player and provide a semblance of realism.