Call of Duty is the most popular video game franchise in the world. It’s so popular, that every year a new game is released, and every year that game breaks the previous one’s sales record. While Treyarch handles the upcoming Black Ops 2, what are the potential options for Infinity Ward’s Call of Duty game coming out in 2013?
Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 – This might seem like the obvious answer, however, I don’t think there will be a Modern Warfare 4. Usually games are released as trilogies (see God of War, Gears of War, Halo, etc) and then are followed up by a prequel or side story type of game. For example, God of War releases its trilogy, then comes out with Ascension. The Halo series had Halo Reach, a prequel, and then added another trilogy five years after Halo 3 came out. Having another Modern Warfare game could put a creative damper on the franchise, especially since Black Ops 2 is set in the year 2025.
The much-rumored Call of Duty in Space – The space themed Call of Duty rumors have been surfacing since 2010, and don’t seem to have an end in sight. That “end” could potentially be the year 2013, if Infinity Ward announces the space themed game. The critics of Call of Duty usually say how the game is the same every year and setting the franchise in space would not only change the game, but it could be the “shot in the arm” the series needs. Black Ops 2 looks like it’s following in the same footsteps as all the other Call of Duty games, but the real standout would be a game that completely changes what we know about the series.
A side story in the Call of Duty Universe – I mentioned earlier that games usually follow a pattern of trilogies to prequels or side stories, so why not a Modern Warfare game that follows a popular team member from a previous game. Following the story of (insert your favorite Modern Warfare character here) would be excellent fan service for the series. Playing as just one character, like Soap, while the events of Modern Warfare 2 and 3 are going on would be excellent.
Final Thoughts – While nobody knows for sure where Infinity Ward will take the Call of Duty series next, you can be sure that it’s in good hands. Changing things up would be a riskier proposition for the developers to take, but could pay off big if it’s a success. Making a Modern Warfare 4 would be playing it too safe, and could make the franchise feel very stale.
What do you think? Where will Infinity Ward take Call of Duty in 2013? What character would you want a side story of? Would a space themed Call of Duty keep you interested in the franchise? Let us know in the comments below.
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