The history of Call of Duty developers

The Call of Duty franchise, a renowned series of first-person shooter video games, was first introduced by Activision in 2003. Created by Infinity Ward, the initial instalment was set during World War II, garnering widespread acclaim for its immersive gameplay and storytelling. Over the years, the franchise expanded with various developers such as Treyarch, Sledgehammer Games, and Raven Software, taking on different settings and eras, including the Cold War, modern warfare, and futuristic conflicts.

who are the developers of Call of Duty?

The Primary developers of Call of Duty are Infinity Ward, Treyarch, Sledgehammer Games and Raven Software. Founded by Zince Zampella, Grant Collier and Jason West, Infinity Ward was the first studio to develop Call of Duty. Treyarch was acquired by Activision in 2001 to work full-time on the Call of Duty series.

The franchise has become a major cultural and commercial phenomenon, with standout titles like Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007), which introduced the revolutionary multiplayer experience, and the Black Ops series, known for its engaging narrative and Zombies mode. Call of Duty has maintained its popularity and relevance through regular releases, captivating millions of fans across the globe. In this post, we will explore the rich history of this phenomenal franchise.

Call of Duty Order of Release

Below is a list of every Call of Duty game in order of their release. Ranging from 2003 all the way until the latest Call of Duty release.

2003

Call of Duty

Directed by Ken Turner, the first installment of the series is where it began for the world-dominating FPS. Released on October 29th, 2003, for Microsoft Windows, it quickly amassed 95,000 sales by the end of the year in the UK alone. By 2013, the game sold 4.5 million copies worldwide.

The newly created studio, Infinity Ward lead the development of the game, many of the lead developers of which had previously worked on the mega-successful Medal of Honor: Allied Assault title. Development of the series title began in April 2002, using the iD Tech 3 game engine, which was developed for Quake III Arena

Metacritic score: 91/100

2005

Call of Duty 2

Call of Duty 2, the second installment in the Call of Duty franchise, was developed by the studio Infinity Ward and released on October 25th, 2005. With the success of the first game, the development team set out to create a more immersive experience for players, incorporating improved graphics, sound design, and larger, more open-ended levels. The game engine was also upgraded to the iD Tech 4 engine, which allowed for more realistic environments and improved character animations.

Call of Duty 2 was met with widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising its intense, cinematic single-player campaign and engaging multiplayer mode. The game quickly became one of the best-selling titles of the year, and by the end of 2005 had sold over 2 million copies worldwide. This success solidified the Call of Duty franchise as one of the most popular and profitable gaming series of all time.

The impact of Call of Duty 2 cannot be overstated, as it helped to shape the first-person shooter genre and set the standard for future games in the franchise. Its success paved the way for the release of numerous sequels, spin-offs, and mobile games, and the series continues to be one of the most popular and well-regarded gaming franchises to this day. The legacy of Call of Duty 2 will continue to be felt for many years to come, as its influence can still be seen in contemporary first-person shooters.

Metacritic score: 86/100

2006

Call of Duty 3

Call of Duty 3 was the third installment in the series and was directed by its developer, Treyarch. Released on November 7, 2006, for various platforms including PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox, and Xbox 360, it marked the franchise’s first appearance on next-generation consoles. The game received positive reviews from critics, who praised its improved graphics and game engine, as well as its intense and immersive gameplay.

In terms of sales, Call of Duty 3 was a huge success, selling over 7 million copies worldwide. This success helped solidify the franchise’s place as one of the biggest first-person shooter series of all time. The game’s development was a collaborative effort between Treyarch, who developed the game’s single-player campaign, and Pi Studios, who handled the multiplayer component. Development of the title began in 2005 and it was built using a custom game engine, which allowed for improved graphics and more complex gameplay mechanics.

Metacritic score: 83/100

2007

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

all of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, released on November 5th, 2007, marked a turning point for the franchise and the first-person shooter genre as a whole. Directed by Infinity Ward, the game was developed with the goal of creating a more realistic and modern warfare experience. Utilizing a newly developed game engine, the game boasted incredible graphics, realistic weapons, and intense multiplayer gameplay.

The success of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare was immediate and widespread. The game received critical acclaim from critics and gamers alike, with many praising its campaign mode, multiplayer, and the introduction of new features such as the killstreak system. By the end of 2007, the game had sold over 4 million copies worldwide, and by 2013, the game had sold over 13 million copies. The success of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare not only solidified the franchise as one of the biggest in the gaming industry, but it also set the standard for modern military shooters and continues to be highly regarded as one of the best games in the franchise.

Metacritic score 92/100

2008

Call of Duty: World at War

Call of Duty: World at War was developed by Treyarch and released on November 11, 2008. It was the fifth installment in the popular Call of Duty series and the first to be set in World War II since Call of Duty 2. The game was well received by critics and fans alike, with many praising its engaging multiplayer mode and intense single-player campaign. In its first week of release, World at War sold over 2 million copies, making it one of the best-selling games of 2008.

The development of World at War began in 2006, with Treyarch using a modified version of the Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare game engine. The game’s single-player campaign was designed to be more challenging and intense than previous games in the series, with the multiplayer mode receiving a significant overhaul to add more depth and replayability. World at War introduced new weapons and gameplay elements, such as the flamethrower and the cooperative zombie mode, which became a staple of the franchise. By the end of 2009, the game had sold over 11 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling games in the Call of Duty franchise.

Metacritic score: 83/100

2009

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

The development of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 began in April 2007, with Infinity Ward once again at the helm. Building on the success of the first installment in the series, the studio aimed to create an even more immersive and action-packed experience for players. Using an updated version of the iD Tech 3 game engine, the development team worked tirelessly to bring their vision to life. The result was a game that offered a fast-paced, highly cinematic campaign and an even more robust multiplayer mode.

The game was released on November 10th, 2009, and it was an instant success. With its groundbreaking graphics, intense gameplay, and deep multiplayer options, it quickly became one of the best-selling games of all time. In just 24 hours of its release, Modern Warfare 2 sold 4.7 million copies worldwide, and by the end of the year, it had sold over 13 million copies. The game’s success continued long after its initial release, and by 2013, it had sold over 22 million copies worldwide, solidifying its place as one of the most successful first-person shooter games in history.

Metacritic score: 86/100

2010

Call of Duty: Black Ops

Call of Duty: Black Ops was developed by Treyarch, who had previously developed Call of Duty 3, and was released on November 9th, 2010. The game was met with widespread critical acclaim, with many praising its well-written story and enjoyable multiplayer mode. By the end of 2010, the game had sold over 5.6 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling video games of the year.

The success of Call of Duty: Black Ops can be attributed to its engaging single-player campaign and its highly-addictive multiplayer mode. The game was the first in the series to feature the “Zombies” mode, which quickly became a fan-favorite and has since become a staple of the franchise. The game was also one of the first to feature the “Wager Matches” mode, which allowed players to bet in-game currency on their performance in various multiplayer modes. The game was powered by the IW engine, which was designed to provide a fast-paced and action-packed experience. The game was released on multiple platforms, including Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii.

Metacritic score: 83/100

2011

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, directed by Infinity Ward, was the 8th installment in the Call of Duty franchise and was released on November 8, 2011. It was the final installment in the Modern Warfare series and was developed using the IW engine. The game received widespread critical acclaim and was a commercial success, selling over 6 million copies in its first week of release, making it the biggest entertainment launch in history at the time. It went on to sell over 30 million copies worldwide by 2013, solidifying its place as one of the best-selling video games of all time.

The development of Modern Warfare 3 began soon after the release of its predecessor, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. Infinity Ward, the lead studio on the project, worked on the game for over two years, improving upon the successful formula of the Modern Warfare series. The game featured new multiplayer modes, improved graphics, and an epic single-player campaign that took players on a journey through various iconic locations around the world. The release of Modern Warfare 3 marked the end of an era in the Call of Duty franchise and set the stage for future installments to build upon its success.

Metacritic score: 78/100

2012

Call of Duty: Black Ops II

Call of Duty: Black Ops II, developed by Treyarch and released on November 13th, 2012, was the ninth installment in the Call of Duty franchise. With its futuristic setting and new multiplayer features, Black Ops II was a huge success, breaking multiple records and becoming one of the best-selling video games of all time. By the end of 2012, the game had sold over 7.5 million copies worldwide and had generated over $500 million in revenue.

The development of Black Ops II began in 2010 and was headed by Mark Lamia, the studio head of Treyarch. The game was built on a modified version of Treyarch’s own in-house game engine, allowing the team to push the boundaries of what was possible in a Call of Duty game. The game’s multiplayer mode was praised for its innovation, including the introduction of the “Pick 10” system, which allowed players to choose and customize their loadouts in new and exciting ways. The game’s campaign mode was also well-received, with players being able to make choices that affected the outcome of the story. Black Ops II was a critical and commercial success, cementing the Call of Duty franchise as one of the biggest and most successful video game franchises of all time.

Metacritic score: 74/100

2013

Call of Duty: Ghosts

Call of Duty: Ghosts was developed by Infinity Ward and was released on November 5, 2013. It was the tenth main installment in the Call of Duty series and was met with widespread commercial success. By the end of 2013, Call of Duty: Ghosts had sold over 12 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling games of the year. The game was released for various platforms including Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and next-generation consoles like the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

The development of Call of Duty: Ghosts began in 2010, with Infinity Ward using a modified version of the game engine used in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. The game was designed to provide players with a new and unique experience, with the introduction of new game modes, weapons, and characters. The game also introduced a new story, set in a near-future world where the United States is no longer the dominant superpower and a new global conflict has emerged. With its high-quality graphics, intense action, and immersive storyline, Call of Duty: Ghosts quickly became one of the most popular first-person shooter games in the world, and has since been recognized as one of the most successful titles in the Call of Duty franchise.

Metacritc score: 68/10

2014

Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare

Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare was developed by Sledgehammer Games and published by Activision. It was released on November 4, 2014 for various gaming platforms such as PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows. The game was set in a future world where advanced technologies and robotics had changed the face of warfare. Advanced Warfare was directed by Glen Schofield and Michael Condrey, both of whom had previous experience in the video game industry.

The success of Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare was immediate, with the game receiving positive reviews from critics and fans alike. It was praised for its graphics, storyline, and the use of advanced technology in the gameplay. The game sold over 50 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling video games of all time. The game’s success led to the creation of several sequels, including Call of Duty: Black Ops III and Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare. Advanced Warfare’s impact on the video game industry was immense, and it established itself as a staple in the first-person shooter genre.

Metacritic score: 78/100

2015

Call of Duty: Black Ops III

Call of Duty: Black Ops III was developed by Treyarch, a studio known for their contributions to the Call of Duty franchise. The development of the game began in late 2013, and it was released on November 6th, 2015 for multiple platforms, including Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. The game was a commercial success, selling over 15 million copies worldwide by May 2018.

Call of Duty: Black Ops III was well-received by both fans and critics, earning praise for its smooth multiplayer experience, engaging campaign, and captivating Zombies mode. The game also marked a significant departure from previous entries in the series, introducing new mechanics such as the grappling hook and the ability to boost jump. The game’s success cemented Treyarch’s place as one of the top studios in the gaming industry and solidified the Call of Duty franchise as a staple of the first-person shooter genre.

Metacritic score: 73/100

2016

Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare

Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare was the thirteenth installment in the popular Call of Duty franchise, developed by Infinity Ward. The development of the game began in 2014, and it was released on November 4th, 2016, for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows. The game was set in the distant future, where players took on the role of a Tier 1 Special Operations pilot, battling against a fanatical enemy army known as the Settlement Defense Front.

Infinite Warfare received a mixed response from fans and critics, but it still managed to perform well commercially. The game was praised for its visually stunning environments, engaging storyline, and fast-paced multiplayer action. Despite a few criticisms regarding its futuristic setting, the game was a financial success, selling over 4 million copies worldwide within its first month of release. The success of Infinite Warfare solidified the Call of Duty franchise’s position as one of the most popular and lucrative gaming franchises of all time.

Metacritic score: 73/100

2017

Call of Duty: WWII

Call of Duty: WWII, directed by Glen Schofield and Michael Condrey, marked the return of the popular first-person shooter franchise to its roots in World War II. The game was released on November 3rd, 2017 and quickly became one of the best-selling games of the year. The development of the game was led by Sledgehammer Games, a studio formed in 2009 by industry veterans who had previously worked on the popular Dead Space franchise.

Call of Duty: WWII was created with the goal of bringing players back to the era of the Second World War, and it certainly succeeded in that regard. The game was built using a modified version of the in-house IW engine, which was also used for previous Call of Duty games. The team worked tirelessly to create an immersive experience for players, with a focus on historical accuracy and attention to detail. The game received widespread critical acclaim for its single-player campaign, multiplayer modes, and zombies mode, all of which offered something for players of all tastes.

Metacritic score: 73/100

2018

Call of Duty: Black Ops 4

Directed by David Vonderhaar, Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 is the fifteenth installment of the hugely popular Call of Duty series. Development of the game began in 2015, with Treyarch taking the lead in development. Black Ops 4 was released on October 12, 2018, for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, and quickly became one of the best-selling games of the year.

The game was developed using the in-house Treyarch game engine, which was built specifically for the franchise. The engine provided the development team with a solid foundation for creating a fast-paced, action-packed game that was optimized for online multiplayer. With its focus on tight, tactical gameplay and a diverse range of customization options, Black Ops 4 has become a staple of the franchise, with a dedicated and passionate community of fans who continue to play the game to this day.

Metacritic score: 82/100

2019

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2019

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2019, the sixteenth installment in the iconic franchise, was a triumphant reboot of the Modern Warfare sub-series. Developed by Infinity Ward, the studio responsible for the original Modern Warfare game, it was released on October 25th, 2019, for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. Building on the success of its predecessors, the game garnered critical acclaim and quickly became a fan-favorite, offering a fresh take on the first-person shooter genre while staying true to its roots.

The development of Modern Warfare 2019 began in earnest in 2017, with Infinity Ward taking on the ambitious task of revitalizing the Modern Warfare series. The game was powered by a new, custom-built IW Engine, allowing for groundbreaking graphical fidelity and stunning environmental detail. The team, comprised of seasoned developers and fresh talent alike, focused on delivering a gripping single-player campaign, refined multiplayer experience, and a highly engaging cooperative mode. By leveraging the power of the new engine and the expertise of its development team, Infinity Ward successfully reinvigorated the franchise and solidified the enduring legacy of the Modern Warfare series.

Metacritic score: 81/100

2020

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War

Directed by Dan Vondrak, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War reignited the flames of the iconic Black Ops series with its release on November 13th, 2020. Available on platforms such as PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Microsoft Windows, the game brought players back to the volatile geopolitical era of the Cold War. The title took the gaming world by storm, diving into a thrilling campaign and continuing the legacy of its predecessor, Call of Duty: Black Ops 4.

The development of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War was led by the collaborative efforts of Treyarch and Raven Software, both well-established studios within the franchise. The game’s development began in 2018, and it employed the use of an upgraded IW engine, which was previously utilized in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019). The developers drew inspiration from real-world events and political tensions, crafting an immersive experience that brought players face to face with the uncertainties of the Cold War era. The game’s riveting narrative and attention to historical detail contributed to its massive success and solidified its place within the pantheon of Call of Duty titles.

Metacritic score: 76/100

2021

Call of Duty: Vanguard

Call of Duty: Vanguard, a highly successful entry in the storied franchise, was developed by Sledgehammer Games, a studio well-versed in the art of crafting unforgettable first-person shooter experiences. The game was officially unveiled on August 19th, 2021, and subsequently released on November 5th, 2021, for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. This installment transported players back in time to World War II, delivering a captivating single-player campaign and intense, action-packed multiplayer matches that kept fans engaged for countless hours.

Sledgehammer Games, the masterminds behind previous Call of Duty titles such as Advanced Warfare and WWII, expertly helmed the development of Vanguard. The talented team leveraged their extensive experience and the power of the IW Engine, a highly modified version of the iD Tech 3 engine, to create a visually stunning and immersive experience. Throughout the development process, which began in early 2020, the team focused on crafting a gritty and authentic representation of World War II that resonated with fans of the franchise and newcomers alike.

Metacritic score: 72/100

2022

Call of duty: Modern Warfare II

Call of duty: Modern Warfare II, the latest installment in the unforgettable gaming franchise released on October 28th, 2022. Not to be confused with the 2009 Modern Warfare II, this reboot follows the same incredible single-player characters through a gripping story with campaign missions spanning the globe, with incredible action-packed sequences and phenomenal gameplay to match.

Built on top of the proven IW Engine, MWII’s visual appearance is quite frankly the best yet, with life-like animation and beautiful environments. In its first three days of release, the game had garnered over $800,000,000 (800 Million) US Dollars in sales, Surpassing the previous record of 2011’s MW3.

Metacritic score: 79/100

2023

Call of duty: Modern Warfare III

Call of Duty MWIII is the most ambitious Call of Duty game yet, combining aspects of every COD game in the history of the series. Taking maps from the original MW2, introducing a brand new Zombies mode, and extensive gun customisation, it’s open beta has received overwhelmingly positive feedback.

It’s fast-paced movement is something that CoD players have been crying out for, and Infinity ward have heard those cries, making the movement the most fluid it’s ever been in the series.