Call of Duty once prided itself on being a serious, realistic first-person shooter that delved deep into historical conflicts, especially World War II. For many years, it was the go-to game for those seeking authentic military experiences. Then, in 2007, Modern Warfare shifted the series' focus to contemporary conflicts, with the War on Terror becoming the game's primary backdrop. Yet, as the years went by, the series began to embrace more outlandish elements, evolving into something unrecognizable to long-time fans. Players can still obtain cod bo6 codes buy redeem cheap through U4GM to earn Double XP. Use coupon code "allen" to get 5% off at U4gm.
The shift into the absurd began slowly with the introduction of futuristic exosuits in Advanced Warfare and the interstellar travel of Infinite Warfare. The series, once grounded in realism, gradually became more influenced by action movie tropes. The Black Ops series, with its increasingly fantastical storylines, pushed the envelope further. By the time Warzone arrived, Call of Duty had clearly abandoned its initial identity in favor of something far more ambitious—and often, far sillier.
Warzone: Call of Duty's Version of Fortnite
The release of Warzone alongside the rebooted Modern Warfare marked a significant turning point. The battle royale genre was booming, and Call of Duty needed to adapt. No longer content with annual entries and premium map packs, the franchise transitioned to a live-service model, aiming to keep players engaged year-round. This shift was largely inspired by Fortnite, which had become a cultural juggernaut through constant updates, crossovers, and its ever-expanding universe.
While Fortnite started as a tower defense game, it quickly grew into a platform that embraced crossovers with pop culture icons, film, television, and music. Call of Duty followed suit, incorporating collaborations with The Boys, Rambo, Godzilla, WWE, Snoop Dogg, Die Hard, Terminator, and even Nicki Minaj. It was a far cry from the game’s earlier days of gritty military realism.
For many fans, this shift was jarring. The introduction of increasingly ridiculous skins and crossovers felt like a betrayal of Call of Duty’s origins. However, over time, some players have come to appreciate this new direction. What once felt like a departure from a beloved series is now part of Call of Duty's identity, which is unapologetically over-the-top.
The Humanoid Shark Skin and the Rule of Cool
A recent example of this shift is the release of a humanoid shark skin as part of the G’Day Bait bundle. This skin features a man who is literally a shark, sporting a ripped-up shirt, sharp teeth, and what can only be imagined as an Aussie accent. Alongside this, there are skins of raccoon-masked characters, zombies, and other absurd costumes. It’s clear that Call of Duty now follows the "rule of cool," prioritizing outlandish, eye-catching designs over realism. If you’re a returning player, you may be shocked to find yourself playing as a sexy shark or teaming up with Nicki Minaj in Search and Destroy.
While some players might still be turned off by this shift, others have embraced it, leaning into the absurdity of it all. What was once seen as an unwelcome departure has, over time, become part of the charm of the modern Call of Duty experience. It’s no longer just about military simulation; it’s a constantly evolving platform that mirrors the pop culture landscape, complete with quirky, unexpected crossovers.
A New Era of Call of Duty
Despite the initial resistance, Call of Duty’s pivot toward a live-service model has proven successful. Warzone continues to bring in millions of players, while Black Ops 6 has reinvigorated the franchise and attracted players who had long since sworn it off. Call of Duty is no longer a strictly military shooter—it's a pop-culture platform that blends action, absurdity, and a little bit of nostalgia. While the game will never return to its gritty, realistic roots, it’s clear that this new direction is working. The series continues to evolve, and many players are here for the ride, even if it’s a wild one.
