The Call of Duty franchise has long ceased to be just a series of games. For many, it has become synonymous with first—person shooters – as recognizable as a familiar logo or the sound of a weapon reloading. Millions of players around the world return to it over and over again, because Call of Duty is able to catch on: with drive, scale and thus the feeling of “one more match and that’s it.” Since the release of the first part, the series has come a long and, admittedly, impressive way. She was constantly changing, adjusting to the times, taking risks, experimenting, and time after time expanding the idea of what a shooter could be like — both in terms of plot and in terms of multiplayer.
From the very beginning, Call of Duty was not afraid to change the scenery. Players were thrown into the mud and chaos of the Second World War, then into the fictional conflicts of the present, then into a gloomy and technological future. From mundane, hard—fought battles to almost cinematic special operations, each part offered its own rhythm and its own mood. This is especially noticeable in the Black Ops line, where reality is often mixed with fantasy, and the plot is presented unexpectedly and boldly. It is this diversity that has made the series so tenacious. Over the years, a huge community of fans has formed around her, who are waiting for new releases almost like a holiday.
Multiplayer deserves a separate conversation. For many players, he became the heart of Call of Duty. Quick matches, minimal time to think, constant tension — everything here works on adrenaline. It is not surprising that over time, the online mode has become a full-fledged cultural phenomenon. There are esports leagues, tournaments, streams, professional teams and players for whom Call of Duty is not just a hobby. And if you look at the total number of games released, it becomes clear how big the franchise has become. The main parts, the offshoots, the remasters — it all came together in a large, almost endless universe. The legendary Modern Warfare trilogy, the iconic Zombies mode in Black Ops — each game has its own face and its own character.
How many Call of Duty games are included in the main series?
Today, Call of Duty is one of the pillars of the gaming industry. For more than twenty years, the series has not only stayed afloat, but has become one of the most recognizable and influential franchises in the history of video games. If we talk specifically about the main line, it has 23 games. And this is not just a dry figure. Each part has its own setting, its own ideas and its own vision of combat. In some cases, the emphasis is on realism and the atmosphere of the Second World War, in others – on high technology, special operations and futuristic weapons, as in the games of the Black Ops series.

Interestingly, fans often divide Call of Duty games by era and development studio. This approach really helps to understand what to expect from a particular part. Some appreciate the historical authenticity and gloomy tone of “war” games, while others appreciate the dynamics, gadgets and modern surroundings of Modern Warfare. In any case, Call of Duty knows how to present an action so that the player feels inside the events, and not just watching them from the sidelines.
It is also important not to confuse the main games with remasters and ports. The main series consists of new releases, while the reissues only update the old parts, improving the graphics and technical component. Yes, remasters allow you to relive your favorite moments, but they don’t count as separate games in the main line. The relaunch of Modern Warfare deserves special attention. Modern Warfare (2019), Modern Warfare 2 (2022) and Modern Warfare 3 (2023) are not sequels in the usual sense, but reboots that retell a familiar story and adapt it to a modern audience.
In addition to the main series, the franchise has received a powerful development thanks to Warzone. This is an independent project in the genre of battle royale, which is noticeably different from the classic Call of Duty multiplayer. Free access and familiar shooting mechanics have made Warzone incredibly popular. It was attended not only by long-time fans of the series, but also by newcomers who had previously bypassed Call of Duty.
Warzone has combined elements from different parts of the franchise and transferred them to a huge open map. It combines the signature dynamics of shooting, a constant sense of danger and the need to think ahead. Constant updates, seasons, and events keep the game going and keep the audience interested. In many ways, it is the flexibility and ability to adapt to the players that explain the longevity of Call of Duty. The developers try not to stand still, adding new mechanics, improving graphics and experimenting with the presentation of the plot.

The online community has become another important element of the success of the series. Clans, ranking matches, tournaments, and esports have long transformed Call of Duty into a social space. In addition, collaborations with famous actors, musicians and media personalities are added, which make the game world even more lively and recognizable. Such details work for the atmosphere and expand the audience of the franchise far beyond the ordinary gamers.
As a result, Call of Duty has confidently taken its place in the history of video games. 23 main games, dozens of add-ons, remasters and spin-offs, as well as the successful Warzone project have made the franchise truly ambitious. And, apparently, this is far from the end. Call of Duty continues to change, to look for new ideas and to hold the attention of players, proving that first-person shooters still have great potential and a future.
| TITLE | YEAR | LEAD DEVELOPER | SERIES |
| Call of Duty | 2003 | Infinity Ward | WWII |
| Call of Duty 2 | 2005 | Infinity Ward | WWII |
| Call of Duty 3 | 2006 | Treyarch | WWII |
| CoD 4: Modern Warfare | 2007 | Infinity Ward | MW |
| World at War | 2008 | Treyarch | Black Ops |
| Modern Warfare 2 | 2009 | Infinity Ward | MW |
| Black Ops | 2010 | Treyarch | Black Ops |
| Modern Warfare 3 | 2011 | Infinity Ward and Sledgehammer Games | MW |
| Black Ops II | 2012 | Treyarch | Black Ops |
| Ghosts | 2013 | Infinity Ward | Standalone |
| Advanced Warfare | 2014 | Sledgehammer Games | Standalone |
| Black Ops III | 2015 | Treyarch | Black Ops |
| Infinite Warfare | 2016 | Infinity Ward | Standalone |
| WWII | 2017 | Sledgehammer Games | WWII |
| Black Ops 4 | 2018 | Treyarch | Black Ops |
| Call of Duty Mobile | 2019 | Activision, TiMi Studio Group, Tencent Games | Standalone |
| Modern Warfare | 2019 | Infinity Ward | MW |
| Warzone | 2020 | Infinity Ward, Raven Software | Battle royale |
| Black Ops Cold War | 2020 | Treyarch, Raven Software | Black Ops |
| Vanguard | 2021 | Sledgehammer Games | WWII |
| Warzone 2 | 2022 | Infinity Ward, Raven Software | Battle royale |
| Modern Warfare 2 | 2022 | Infinity Ward | MW |
| Modern Warfare 3 | 2023 | Sledgehammer Games | MW |
