Call Of Duty: Timeline, Release Dates & Black Ops 6 Details

Allie Hintz 17 May 2025

Has the seemingly unstoppable juggernaut of the "Call of Duty" franchise finally begun to show signs of wear? Despite the evolving landscape of the gaming world, "Call of Duty" continues to dominate, with a new installment, "Black Ops 6," poised to make its mark on October 25, 2024.

For nearly two decades, the "Call of Duty" series has been a cornerstone of the first-person shooter genre. Its annual releases have become a ritual for millions, and the franchise has consistently broken sales records. The latest iteration, "Black Ops 6," developed by Treyarch, is slated to arrive on a variety of platforms, promising a fresh experience for both veteran players and newcomers. Before its official launch, a focus group was reportedly held in Los Angeles, where key details about the game were shared, giving hints of gameplay features, the multiplayer experience, the campaign's setting, and even the eagerly anticipated return of Zombies mode.

Feature	Details
Game Title	Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Developer	Treyarch
Release Date	October 25, 2024
Platforms	Steam, Microsoft Store, Battle.net, PlayStation, Xbox
Genre	First-Person Shooter (FPS)
Setting	Details discussed in Los Angeles Focus Group (Campaign location under wraps)
Multiplayer	Details discussed in Los Angeles Focus Group
Zombies Mode	Confirmed return, with details discussed in Los Angeles Focus Group
Pricing	$79.99 / 69.99 (Based on suggested retail price)
Additional Content	Battle Pass, Blackcell, and Tier Skips accessible in-game with Season 1 battle pass availability

For those eager to dive in, "Black Ops 6" will launch on Friday, October 25th. The game will be available on Steam, the Microsoft Store, and Battle.net, with a price tag of $79.99 or 69.99, depending on your region. Players on PlayStation, Xbox, or those purchasing via the Microsoft Store on PC will experience a midnight launch. Steam and Battle.net users, however, should prepare to wait until specific times to access the game.

The "Call of Duty" series, since its debut in 2003, has traversed a vast timeline, covering military conflicts from the 1940s to the futuristic battles of 2187. The original "Call of Duty," released in October 2003, immediately made its mark, offering a compelling experience as a direct competitor in the market, showcasing missions from the perspective of American, British, and Soviet soldiers.

Looking back at the history of this franchise, the series has also witnessed the rise of gaming platforms. The third game in the series, "Call of Duty 3," was the first to be available on the Nintendo Wii and PlayStation 3, showcasing the series' expanding presence. Simultaneously, it marked the final chapter on the original Xbox. "Call of Duty 3" was also the first title produced by Treyarch Studios, a studio that would become synonymous with the "Black Ops" sub-series.

The series continues to explore various conflicts. "Call of Duty: World at War" transported players back to the battlegrounds of World War II, and the "Modern Warfare" sub-series, beginning in 2007, offered a contemporary and highly successful entry into the franchise. "Modern Warfare 2" released in 2009, built upon the success of its predecessor, making a significant impact and solidifying the series' popularity. The game's multiplayer mode became especially well-regarded.

The "Black Ops" sub-series, commencing in 2010, has been a staple of the "Call of Duty" universe. With its espionage narratives and Cold War settings, it has differentiated itself from other entries. Subsequent games, like "Black Ops II" and "Black Ops III," have continued this trend, with the latest installment, "Black Ops 6," promising to continue the saga on October 25, 2024.

The "Call of Duty" games can be experienced in both release order and chronological order. The release order is straightforward, tracing the evolution of the series year by year, while the chronological order reveals the timeline of the military conflicts. "Black Ops 6" is expected to build on the established formula, offering a blend of campaign, multiplayer, and zombies.

The annual release schedule of "Call of Duty" games since 2003 suggests a commitment to regularly updating the franchise with fresh content. From "Call of Duty" in October 2003 to "Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare" in 2016 and now "Black Ops 6," the franchise is one of the most reliable and consistent in the industry.

Remastered versions of older titles have also been released, such as "Modern Warfare Remastered," which accompanied "Infinite Warfare" in 2016. These remastered versions offer a way for both new and existing players to experience the classics with enhanced visuals.

The enduring appeal of "Call of Duty" may be attributed to several factors. Its consistently high production values, engaging gameplay, and compelling stories have consistently appealed to players. The annual release schedule also means players never have to wait too long for a new experience. The continuous addition of new features, such as battle passes and other unlockables, also keeps the player base engaged.

The game's consistent presence in the market since the 2009 release of "Modern Warfare 2" has been significant, according to data from Circana. The franchise's financial success and critical acclaim have cemented its place within the industry, and the upcoming "Black Ops 6" is another chance for the series to build on its legacy.

The core experience of a "Call of Duty" game typically involves a combination of elements. The single-player campaign typically offers a narrative-driven experience, setting players in the midst of a military conflict. The multiplayer component allows for online combat with others. Zombies mode provides a co-operative experience, in which players band together to fight waves of the undead.

While the specifics of "Black Ops 6" are still emerging, the core tenets of the franchise are likely to be present. The success of past games has proven the formula works, so it is reasonable to expect a familiar, yet upgraded experience, with the focus on high-octane action and narrative.

The release date for "Black Ops 6" is October 25, 2024. As the date draws closer, additional information is likely to be released, including further details on gameplay, campaign setting, and multiplayer modes. For the fans, the countdown has already begun.

The "Call of Duty" series has also played a pivotal role in driving technological advancements in the gaming sector. The franchise has always been at the forefront of pushing graphics capabilities on each platform. The engine updates and new gameplay mechanics have influenced the broader shooter genre.

In conclusion, the "Call of Duty" franchise has survived and evolved, maintaining its prominence in the gaming world. The upcoming release of "Black Ops 6" on October 25, 2024, is another pivotal moment, offering a new experience for players. As the launch date approaches, players and fans await the next chapter in this gaming saga.