What’s the Last Call of Duty? Unpacking the Latest Installment and the Franchise’s Legacy
The most recent mainline Call of Duty title is Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, which was released on November 10, 2023. This highly anticipated installment serves as a direct sequel to the 2022 Modern Warfare II, continuing its storyline and retaining the realistic and modern setting that fans have come to expect. This release marks a significant moment in the franchise, as it is the first major CoD launch following Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
While Modern Warfare III is the latest release as of now, the Call of Duty universe is continuously evolving. The franchise boasts an impressive number of titles, including mainline entries, spin-offs, and the popular Warzone battle royale games. To keep things straightforward, we’ll focus on the primary numbered titles in this article and address broader questions about the series and its future.
A Closer Look at Modern Warfare III
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III continues the rebooted Modern Warfare storyline, offering a brand new campaign, and multiplayer experience, including a host of familiar and updated maps. The game retains the core gameplay mechanics that fans love, with a focus on tactical combat, intense firefights, and high-quality visual presentation. The 2023 release is not simply a refresh, but a full-fledged new title, reinforcing the consistent cycle of annual releases that the franchise has become known for.
Notably, Modern Warfare III allows players to carry forward previously earned Operators and Skins from the 2022’s Modern Warfare II, meaning returning players can bring some of their favorite unlocks into the new title.
The Evolution of the Call of Duty Franchise
The Call of Duty franchise has evolved significantly since its inception in 2003. Starting with World War II settings, the series then introduced modern warfare with Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007), a title often credited with revolutionizing online multiplayer. This evolution has seen the introduction of different sub-franchises, including Black Ops, which has become one of the most popular in the series.
With each installment, developers have refined core mechanics, experimented with new features, and pushed graphical boundaries. This has resulted in a series of games that have appealed to both casual and hardcore gamers alike, maintaining the popularity of the franchise for over two decades.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Call of Duty?
While Modern Warfare III is the current focus, the future is always a topic of interest. There’s speculation and confirmed information about what comes next for the series. Based on recent information, it’s anticipated that the 2024 title will be a Black Ops sequel, possibly themed around the Gulf War. This would continue the Black Ops series in the timeline between the other Black Ops installments and likely offer a new setting and storyline that are unique to the Call of Duty series.
The franchise is set to continue with consistent releases and constant innovation, remaining a driving force in the gaming industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the most recent Call of Duty game before Modern Warfare III?
The most recent Call of Duty title before Modern Warfare III was Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, released on October 28, 2022. It served as a precursor and setup for the storyline in Modern Warfare III.
Is Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2023) a full game or an expansion?
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III is a fully fledged standalone premium game, and not an expansion to Modern Warfare II. It boasts a new campaign, multiplayer, and zombies experiences, with content not previously available in the preceding title.
When was the original Call of Duty released?
The first Call of Duty game was released on October 29, 2003, for Microsoft Windows. This marked the beginning of the now iconic FPS franchise.
How many Call of Duty mainline games are there?
There are currently 23 mainline Call of Duty games, including Warzone and Warzone 2, as of the release of Modern Warfare III in 2023.
What is the best-selling Call of Duty game of all time?
While exact sales figures can be difficult to pinpoint, Call of Duty: Black Ops is often cited as one of the best-selling titles in the franchise, with multiple entries within the Black Ops sub-series being extremely popular.
Which Call of Duty is the most realistic?
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II is often considered the most realistic entry in the franchise due to its use of photogrammetry and other advanced techniques to create more authentic visuals.
What Call of Duty game has the most players right now?
As of June 2023, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II averaged around 65 thousand concurrent players on PC platform Steam. However, player numbers fluctuate and are distributed across different platforms and games, making exact figures difficult to assess. The release of Modern Warfare III would have shifted some of this player base.
Is there a Call of Duty game planned for 2024?
Yes, it is highly likely that there will be a new Call of Duty game released in 2024. Speculation suggests this game will be a sequel to the Black Ops sub-series, possibly titled Black Ops: Gulf War.
Will I keep my progress from Modern Warfare II in Modern Warfare III?
Yes, Modern Warfare III allows players to carry forward their unlocked Operators and Operator Skins from Modern Warfare II. This is a new feature for the franchise.
Which Call of Duty games feature Zombies mode?
Many Call of Duty games feature the Zombies mode, but some of the most notable titles include Black Ops 3, Black Ops Cold War, Black Ops, World At War, and Black Ops 2.
Why was there no Call of Duty: Ghosts 2?
Call of Duty: Ghosts was considered less successful than previous titles, and it was deemed by Activision not to continue with that specific sub-series. The focus shifted to other projects and sub-franchises.
What is the most popular Call of Duty sub-series?
The Black Ops sub-series is often cited as the most popular among players, with several titles within the series being extremely popular for their engaging storylines and multiplayer experiences.
When did Call of Duty: World at War come out?
Call of Duty: World at War was released in November 2008. It’s the 5th main installment in the series and was known for its return to World War II.
Is Call of Duty still popular in 2023?
Absolutely. Call of Duty remains one of the most popular gaming franchises worldwide and celebrated its 20th anniversary with the release of Modern Warfare III, which continues to attract a large player base.
What was the reaction to the Modern Warfare III beta?
The Modern Warfare III open beta allowed players an early glimpse of the game, generating discussion and feedback regarding the gameplay mechanics, maps, and overall experience. The feedback was used by developers to make changes prior to the full launch.
This comprehensive overview of the latest Call of Duty release, Modern Warfare III, along with the provided FAQs, should give you a thorough understanding of the current state of the franchise. The Call of Duty series continues to evolve, adapt, and provide its community with new experiences year after year, making it a staple in the gaming world for many years to come.