Call of Duty is a long-running military video game franchise developed primarily by Infinity Ward, Treyarch, and Sledgehammer Games and published by Activision. The series debuted in 2003 and has seen numerous installments across various platforms. Recent releases include Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III in 2023, with Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 slated for release in 2024.
October 29, 2003: Call of Duty Released
The first "Call of Duty" game, a World War II-themed first-person shooter powered by id Tech 3, was released on October 29, 2003, simulating infantry and combined arms warfare.
2003: Call of Duty J2ME Release
In 2003, a mobile spin-off of Call of Duty was released for J2ME devices.
2003: Call of Duty N-Gage Release
In 2003, a portable spin-off of Call of Duty was released on the N-Gage platform.
2003: Call of Duty Franchise Debut
The inaugural "Call of Duty" game, a World War II-themed first-person shooter, was released in 2003, marking the beginning of the acclaimed franchise.
2004: "Call of Duty: Series 1" Action Figures Release and Controversy
Activision, in collaboration with Plan-B Toys and Radioactive Clown, released "Call of Duty: Series 1" action figures in 2004. The series included American and German soldiers from the World War II era. However, a controversial Nazi SS Guard action figure based on a character from the game was later discontinued.
2004: Call of Duty: N-Gage Version Released
In 2004, a version of "Call of Duty" was released for Nokia's N-Gage gaming platform, bringing the World War II shooter experience to the handheld device.
October 25, 2005: Call of Duty 2 Released
The sequel to "Call of Duty," "Call of Duty 2," was released on October 25, 2005.
November 15, 2005: Call of Duty 2 Released for Xbox 360
"Call of Duty 2" was released for the Xbox 360 on November 15, 2005.
2005: Call of Duty 2 Released
On October 25, 2005, "Call of Duty 2," set during World War II, was released, offering perspectives from soldiers in the Red Army, British Army, and United States Army.
June 13, 2006: Call of Duty 2 Released for Mac OS X
On June 13, 2006, "Call of Duty 2" was released for Mac OS X, expanding the game's availability to Apple computer users.
September 22, 2006: Call of Duty: War Chest Released
On September 22, 2006, "Call of Duty: War Chest," a compilation including "Call of Duty," "United Offensive," and "Call of Duty 2," was released for PC.
November 7, 2006: Call of Duty 3 Released
On November 7, 2006, "Call of Duty 3" was released.
2006: Call of Duty Enters Esports
The use of Call of Duty games in esports began in 2006, with the release of "Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare." Since then, the series has grown in popularity within the esports community.
2006: Call of Duty 3 Released
"Call of Duty 3," the first in the series not developed by Infinity Ward, was released on November 7, 2006. It was also the first not to be released on PC.
2006: Treyarch Releases Call of Duty 3; Development Cycle Established
In 2006, Treyarch released Call of Duty 3, marking their first main series title. An agreement was made for Treyarch and Infinity Ward to alternate as lead developers for future installments.
November 7, 2007: Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Released
"Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare" was released on November 7, 2007, marking the franchise's departure from World War II and its entry into the modern era.
November 12, 2007: Call of Duty Games Available on Steam
Starting November 12, 2007, Call of Duty games became available for purchase on Valve's Steam platform, expanding the franchise's reach to a wider PC gaming audience.
2007: Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (DS) Release
A Nintendo DS companion game for "Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare" was released in 2007.
2007: Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (J2ME) Release
A mobile spin-off of "Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare" was released for J2ME devices in 2007.
2007: Legal Disputes and Departure of Infinity Ward Founders
Around 2007, contract negotiations between Infinity Ward founders Jason West and Vince Zampella, and Activision resulted in legal conflicts. This ultimately led to their departure and the establishment of Respawn Entertainment, marking a significant shift in the development landscape of the Call of Duty franchise.
2007: Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Released
"Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare" marked a departure from the series' World War II setting, ushering in the modern era on November 7, 2007.
September 2008: Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Released for Mac OS X
In September 2008, "Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare" was released for Mac OS X.
October 2008: McFarlane Toys Call of Duty Action Figure Release
McFarlane Toys released their first series of Call of Duty action figures in October 2008, featuring characters like a Marine with Flamethrower, Marine Infantry, British Special Ops, and a Marine with Machine Gun.
November 11, 2008: Call of Duty: World at War Released in North America
The fifth installment of the main series, Call of Duty: World at War, was released in North America on November 11, 2008. This installment, set during World War II, focuses on the Pacific theater and Eastern front.
November 14, 2008: Call of Duty: World at War Released in Europe
Following its North American release, Call of Duty: World at War was released in Europe on November 14, 2008.
2008: Call of Duty: World at War Released
Treyarch's last World War II game, "Call of Duty: World at War," was released in 2008, featuring a gritty and visceral portrayal of the Pacific and Eastern Fronts of the war.
February 11, 2009: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Announced
On February 11, 2009, Activision Blizzard officially announced "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2," generating significant anticipation among fans of the popular first-person shooter franchise.
May 2009: Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Sales Milestone
By May 2009, "Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare" had sold over 13 million copies, highlighting its significant commercial success and popularity among gamers.
June 2009: Call of Duty: World at War Sales Milestone
By June 2009, Call of Duty: World at War had sold over 11 million copies worldwide.
November 10, 2009: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Released
The highly anticipated sequel "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2" hit shelves worldwide on November 10, 2009, continuing the storyline from "Call of Duty 4" and featuring returning characters like Captain Price and "Soap" MacTavish.
2009: Modern Warfare 2 Asset Reuse
The leaked footage of "Future Warfare" revealed the project was still using assets from 2009's "Modern Warfare 2" for its in-development multiplayer.
2009: Call of Duty Endowment Founded
The Call of Duty Endowment was established in 2009, demonstrating a commitment to supporting veterans by creating career opportunities.
2009: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Released
"Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2," the direct sequel to "Call of Duty 4," continued the storyline five years later with the return of characters like Captain Price and "Soap" MacTavish on November 10, 2009.
March 30, 2010: Call of Duty Endowment Donates to U.S. Navy
On March 30, 2010, the Call of Duty Endowment donated 3,000 copies of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, valued at around $180,000, to the U.S. Navy, reflecting their commitment to supporting military personnel.
2010: Call of Duty: Black Ops Released
"Call of Duty: Black Ops," introducing the Black Ops sub-series, debuted in 2010, taking players into the world of Cold War espionage and covert operations.
2010: Neversoft Begins Work on "Future Warfare"
Following the departure of key personnel from Infinity Ward, Activision tasked Neversoft with developing "Future Warfare," a sci-fi spinoff in the Call of Duty franchise. The project was eventually scrapped, but footage leaked in January 2024.
2010: Sledgehammer Games Joins Call of Duty Development
Sledgehammer Games announced their involvement in developing a main series Call of Duty title in 2010. However, their project was later postponed to assist Infinity Ward with Modern Warfare 3's production.
2010: Call of Duty: Vietnam Cancellation
The development of "Call of Duty: Vietnam," a third-person shooter set during the Vietnam War, was halted in 2010. The project, under development at Sledgehammer Games, was put on hold to provide support to Infinity Ward for the completion of "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3" following employee departures.
2011: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Released
Continuing the Modern Warfare narrative, "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3" launched in 2011.
2011: Activision Announces Call of Duty Online for China
Activision announced Call of Duty Online, a free-to-play MMO for mainland China, in early 2011. The game, developed over two years, is hosted by Tencent due to legal issues surrounding console game publishing in China.
2011: Call of Duty: Experience 2011 Tournament
A major milestone in Call of Duty esports history, the Call of Duty: Experience 2011, coincided with the release of Modern Warfare 3, showcasing the franchise's growing competitive scene.
May 1, 2012: Call of Duty: Black Ops II Revealed
Activision officially revealed the ninth main Call of Duty game, Black Ops II, on May 1, 2012.
November 12, 2012: Call of Duty: Black Ops II Released
Call of Duty: Black Ops II, the ninth main installment in the series, was released on November 12, 2012. Notably, it was the first game in the series to incorporate future warfare technology and branching storylines based on player choices.
2012: Development Begins on Standalone Zombies Game
Between 2012 and 2013, Raven Software worked on developing a standalone Call of Duty Zombies game, drawing inspiration from the "Mad Max" films. The project was cancelled after Treyarch decided to return to developing the Black Ops Zombies mode.
2012: Call of Duty: Black Ops II Released
Expanding on the Black Ops narrative, "Call of Duty: Black Ops II" was released in 2012, featuring a branching storyline and futuristic warfare elements.
November 5, 2013: Call of Duty: Ghosts Released
The tenth main installment in the series, Call of Duty: Ghosts, developed by Infinity Ward, was released on November 5, 2013. It was the first game in the series developed for the eighth generation consoles, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
2013: Call of Duty: Ghosts Released
"Call of Duty: Ghosts," set in a near-future where a weakened United States faces a South American superpower, was released in 2013.
2013: "Future Warfare" Intended Release Date
According to former Neversoft developer Brian Bright, "Future Warfare," also referred to as "NX1," was intended to be released in 2013 instead of "Call of Duty: Ghosts."
2013: Development Continues on Standalone Zombies Game
Between 2012 and 2013, Raven Software worked on developing a standalone Call of Duty Zombies game, drawing inspiration from the "Mad Max" films. The project was cancelled after Treyarch decided to return to developing the Black Ops Zombies mode.
November 4, 2014: Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Released
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, the eleventh main installment, was released on November 4, 2014. This game was the first in the series to feature advanced movement mechanics, such as double jumping and boost sliding.
November 2014: Call of Duty Endowment Launches "Race to 1,000 Jobs" Campaign
In November 2014, the Call of Duty Endowment launched the "Race to 1,000 Jobs" campaign. This initiative aimed to engage gamers in supporting veteran employment through donations and involvement with relevant organizations.
2014: Three-Year Development Cycle Begins; Sledgehammer Games Releases Advanced Warfare
In 2014, Sledgehammer Games released Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, establishing a three-year development cycle between studios.
2014: Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Released
"Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare," developed by Sledgehammer Games, was released in 2014, introducing advanced movement mechanics and a near-future setting.
2014: Call of Duty: Ghosts Competitive Scene
In 2014, Call of Duty: Ghosts saw significant popularity in competitive gaming, with an average of 15,000 teams participating each season. Tournaments offered cash prizes and trophies, highlighting the game's prominence in esports.
November 6, 2015: Call of Duty: Black Ops III Released
Call of Duty: Black Ops III, the twelfth main installment in the Call of Duty series, was released on November 6, 2015.
2015: Black Ops III Release
Treyarch's decision to focus on single-player and multiplayer for "Call of Duty: Black Ops III (2015)" led to the initial cancellation of Raven Software's standalone Zombies game. However, Treyarch ultimately returned to developing the Black Ops Zombies mode, leading to the final cancellation of the standalone game.
2015: Call of Duty Endowment's Impact on Veteran Employment
By 2015, the Call of Duty Endowment had provided approximately $12 million in grants to veterans' organizations across the United States, contributing to job placements for 14,700 veterans.
2015: Call of Duty: Black Ops III Released
"Call of Duty: Black Ops III," released in 2015, further explored the futuristic setting and cybernetic enhancements introduced in "Black Ops II."
July 2016: Call of Duty: Zombies Comic Book Announcement
Treyarch announced "Call of Duty: Zombies," a six-part comic book series tied to the Zombies game mode of the Black Ops subseries, in July 2016.
October 26, 2016: Call of Duty: Zombies Issue #1 Release
After a slight delay, the first issue of "Call of Duty: Zombies," a six-part comic book series, was released on October 26, 2016.
November 4, 2016: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered Released
A remastered version of the acclaimed "Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare" was released on November 4, 2016, alongside special editions of "Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare."
2016: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered Released
A remastered version of "Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare" was released alongside the Legacy, Legacy Pro, and Digital Deluxe editions of "Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare" on November 4, 2016.
January 11, 2017: Call of Duty: Zombies Issue #2 Release
The second issue of the "Call of Duty: Zombies" comic book series was released on January 11, 2017.
March 1, 2017: Call of Duty: Zombies Issue #3 Release
The third issue of the "Call of Duty: Zombies" comic book series was released on March 1, 2017.
April 19, 2017: Call of Duty: Zombies Issue #4 Release
The fourth issue of the "Call of Duty: Zombies" comic book series was released on April 19, 2017.
June 21, 2017: Call of Duty: Zombies Issue #5 Release
The fifth issue of the "Call of Duty: Zombies" comic book series was released on June 21, 2017.
June 27, 2017: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered Standalone Release for PS4
On June 27, 2017, "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered" was released as a standalone game for the PlayStation 4.
July 27, 2017: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered Standalone Release for Xbox One and PC
"Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered" saw a standalone release for Xbox One and PC on July 27, 2017, allowing players to experience the updated classic without needing to own "Infinite Warfare."
August 23, 2017: Call of Duty: Zombies Issue #6 Release
The sixth and final issue of the "Call of Duty: Zombies" comic book series was released on August 23, 2017.
November 3, 2017: Call of Duty: WWII Released
On November 3, 2017, "Call of Duty: WWII" was released.
November 15, 2017: Call of Duty: Zombies Paperback Release
A paperback edition of the "Call of Duty: Zombies" comic book series, containing all six issues, was released on November 15, 2017.
2017: AM General Sues Activision over Humvee Use
In 2017, AM General, the manufacturer of the Humvee, filed a lawsuit against Activision for featuring the vehicle in multiple Call of Duty titles, raising legal questions about the use of real-world vehicles in video games.
2017: Sledgehammer Games and Raven Software Begin Development on New Call of Duty Title
After completing Call of Duty: WWII, Sledgehammer Games began collaborating with Raven Software on a new Call of Duty title planned for release in 2020.
2017: Call of Duty: WWII Released
"Call of Duty: WWII," developed by Sledgehammer Games, returned to the series' roots with a World War II setting and a focus on the historical events of Operation Overlord, released on November 3, 2017.
February 16, 2018: Stefano Sollima to Direct Call of Duty Film
On February 16, 2018, it was announced that Stefano Sollima would direct a live-action Call of Duty film.
October 12, 2018: Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 Released
On October 12, 2018, Activision released Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, the fifteenth main installment in the series. This marked the first Call of Duty game without a single-player campaign, focusing solely on multiplayer aspects, including the newly introduced battle royale mode, Blackout.
November 27, 2018: Joe Robert Cole to Write Call of Duty Film Sequel
On November 27, 2018, it was announced that Joe Robert Cole would be writing the sequel to the planned live-action Call of Duty film.
2018: Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 Released
"Call of Duty: Black Ops 4" was released in 2018, marking the first game in the series to feature a battle royale mode, Blackout.
March 18, 2019: Call of Duty: Mobile Announced
The development of Call of Duty: Mobile, the franchise's foray into the mobile gaming market, was officially announced on March 18, 2019, at the Game Developers Conference.
May 30, 2019: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) Officially Revealed
On May 30, 2019, Activision officially revealed the reboot of the Modern Warfare sub-series, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019).
October 1, 2019: Call of Duty: Mobile Released
Call of Duty: Mobile, the franchise's mobile game for iOS and Android, was released on October 1, 2019.
October 4, 2019: Call of Duty: Mobile Surpasses 35 Million Downloads
Just a few days after its release, Call of Duty: Mobile achieved a significant milestone, exceeding 35 million downloads globally by October 4, 2019.
October 25, 2019: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) Released
The sixteenth installment in the Call of Duty franchise, a reboot of the Modern Warfare sub-series, was released on October 25, 2019. This game is set in the Black Ops timeline, separate from previous Modern Warfare games.
2019: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) Released
In 2019, a rebooted "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare" was launched.
2019: Plans for Call of Duty Cinematic Universe
In 2015, Activision Blizzard announced the formation of Activision Blizzard Studios with plans for a live-action Call of Duty cinematic universe, initially slated for a 2019 release. However, the project was later put on hold.
January 2020: Launch of the Call of Duty League
In January 2020, Activision launched the Call of Duty League, a significant move towards a franchised esports structure. The league featured 12 city-based teams, mirroring the Overwatch League format and solidifying Call of Duty's place in professional esports.
February 2020: Call of Duty Film Put on Hold
In February 2020, director Stefano Sollima revealed that the live-action Call of Duty film had been put on hold as it was not a priority for Activision.
March 10, 2020: Call of Duty: Warzone Released
Call of Duty: Warzone, an online battle royale game, was released on March 10, 2020. Developed by Infinity Ward and Raven Software, it is part of Modern Warfare (2019) but can be downloaded separately. The game features shared progression and utilizes items from Modern Warfare, Black Ops Cold War, and Vanguard through integration updates.
March 2020: Call of Duty: Warzone Released
Call of Duty: Warzone, the second main battle royale installment in the franchise, was released in March 2020. While part of the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare game, it does not require its purchase.
March 31, 2020: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Campaign Remastered Released for PlayStation 4
A visually enhanced version of the original Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 campaign was released for PlayStation 4 on March 31, 2020. This version includes the campaign mode only, without multiplayer or Spec Ops.
April 2020: Activision Wins Humvee Lawsuit
The lawsuit filed by AM General against Activision concluded in April 2020 with a victory for Activision. A federal district judge ruled that the use of the Humvee in Call of Duty games served a different purpose, focusing on military realism rather than trademark infringement related to sales.
April 30, 2020: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Campaign Remastered Released for Xbox One and Windows
The remastered campaign of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 was made available on Xbox One and Windows platforms on April 30, 2020, following its initial release on PlayStation 4.
November 13, 2020: Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Released
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, the seventeenth main installment, was released on November 13, 2020. The game, set during the 1980s Cold War, focuses on espionage between the Soviet Union and the United States, fitting chronologically between Black Ops and Black Ops II.
2020: Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Released
Set in the early 1980s, "Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War" was released in 2020, returning to the Cold War era and featuring a campaign influenced by real-world events and conspiracies.
2020: Call of Duty: Strike Team Release
In 2020, Call of Duty: Strike Team, a first and third-person shooter game, was released for iOS and Android devices.
2020: Treyarch Takes Over Development for 2020 Title
Due to conflicts during development, Treyarch took over the 2020 Call of Duty project from Sledgehammer Games and Raven Software to expedite the development process.
November 5, 2021: Call of Duty: Vanguard Released
On November 5, 2021, "Call of Duty: Vanguard" was released.
2021: Potential Release Window for Call of Duty Film
Filming for the first live-action Call of Duty film was intended to begin in Spring 2019, with a tentative release planned for 2020 or 2021. However, the project was later put on hold.
2021: Call of Duty: Vanguard Released
"Call of Duty: Vanguard," set during World War II, explored the origins of special forces, releasing on November 5, 2021.
February 11, 2022: Activision Confirms Sequel to Modern Warfare (2019)
On February 11, 2022, Activision officially confirmed the development of a sequel to the 2019 Modern Warfare game, with Infinity Ward leading the development.
April 28, 2022: Modern Warfare II Logo and Title Revealed
The logo and title for the Modern Warfare sequel were revealed on April 28, 2022, confirming the game as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II.
September 15, 2022: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II Multiplayer Revealed
Activision's 'Call of Duty NEXT' broadcast on September 15, 2022, provided a full reveal of Modern Warfare II's multiplayer mode. Details about the upcoming Warzone version and a mobile Warzone version, both set to release after Modern Warfare II, were also shared.
November 16, 2022: Warzone 2.0 Release
On November 16, 2022, Call of Duty launched "Warzone 2.0", a successor to their popular battle royale game Warzone, alongside a content update for Modern Warfare II. The game, developed by Infinity Ward and Raven Software, was later renamed to simply "Warzone" after its fourth seasonal update.
November 30, 2022: Warzone Mobile Limited Release
Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile, a mobile battle royale game, launched in a limited release in Australia on November 30, 2022.
2022: Call of Duty Surpasses $30 Billion in Revenue
By 2022, the Call of Duty franchise had generated a staggering $30 billion in revenue, solidifying its position as a commercial juggernaut.
2022: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022) Released
Continuing the rebooted Modern Warfare series, "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II" was released in 2022.
March 24, 2023: Warzone Mobile Limited Release Expansion
On March 24, 2023, the limited release of Warzone Mobile was expanded to Chile, Norway, and Sweden.
October 2023: Call of Duty Reaches Milestone
By October 2023, the Call of Duty franchise had sold over 425 million copies and boasted 100 million monthly active players.
November 10, 2023: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III Released
On November 10, 2023, "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III," the latest installment in the long-running first-person shooter franchise, was released.
January 2024: Future Warfare Leaks
Footage of a scrapped Call of Duty project known as "Future Warfare" was leaked in January 2024, revealing a complete opening mission and in-development multiplayer. The project, developed by Neversoft, was intended to be a sci-fi spinoff exploring low-gravity gameplay, but was ultimately cancelled.
March 21, 2024: Warzone Mobile Official Release
On March 21, 2024, Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile officially launched on iOS and Android devices.
April 2024: Raven Software's Standalone Zombies Game Cancellation Confirmed
In April 2024, former Raven Software lead designer Michael Gulmmelt confirmed the cancellation of a standalone Call of Duty Zombies game, revealing that Treyarch's shift back to developing Black Ops Zombies led to concerns about internal competition.
October 25, 2024: Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Scheduled for Release
"Call of Duty: Black Ops 6" is scheduled to launch on October 25, 2024.
2024: Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Scheduled for Release
"Call of Duty: Black Ops 6," is set to launch in 2024, continuing the Black Ops saga.