October 29, 2023, marks the 20th anniversary of the Call of Duty franchise, an extraordinary journey backed by world-class developers and a dedicated community. This article offers an in-depth look at this two-decade-long adventure, from its early roots to its recent innovations.
The Inception - Call of Duty (2003)
Released on October 29, 2003, the original Call of Duty was developed by Infinity Ward, a studio that celebrated its own 20th anniversary in 2022. This title was designed to break new ground in the first-person shooter (FPS) genre by focusing on a World War II narrative. With 24 campaign missions, players could embody different soldiers such as Private Martin of the U.S. 101st Airborne Division and Sergeant Evans of the British 6th Airborne Division.
Expansion and Sequel - Call of Duty: United Offensive and Finest Hour (2004)
Released on September 14, 2004, United Offensive was an expansion pack for the original game. It was also the first to introduce a rank system where players could earn experience points (XP) to advance from Private to Platoon Sergeant. Accompanying this were new abilities and in-game bonuses like additional ammunition and artillery strikes.
A New Standard - Call of Duty 2 and Big Red One (2005)
The year 2005 saw the launch of Call of Duty 2, which served as a pivotal sequel for the franchise. Not only did it become a launch title for the seventh console generation, but it also introduced features like auto-healing and downloadable content (DLC) in the form of "map packs." The game contained refined campaign and multiplayer experiences that fortified its reputation as an exceptional FPS title.
Arrival of Treyarch - Call of Duty 3 (2006)
Developed by Treyarch, Call of Duty 3 was released on November 7, 2006. For the first time, players could select their "class" in multiplayer, laying the foundation for the "Create-a-Class" system that would later become a mainstay in the franchise.