Talking Point: Revive Me! Does ‘Call of Duty’ Have a Second Chance?

Talking Point is a weekly series that posits a question concerning the gaming industry. We encourage readers, as well as our writers, to offer their thoughts on the topic. Hence the name: Talking Point. Feel free to join in below.

Since last week, rumors have circulated through the internet, that the next Call of Duty game, could be set in World War 2. A mysterious picture appeared of an American fighting madly on Normandy beach with the numbers 4-8-2017 by them. This is the supposed announcement date, and correlating with past Call of Duty marketing it does fit the allotted time frame for Call of Duty announcements. Many believe this a reaction to the Battlefield franchise’s move last year, winding the clock back to a previously (mostly) unexplored area of history for Triple-A shooters. The decision paid off immensely moving at least 15 million units. While the series still has many fans and is financially successful they experienced a drastic sales drop from last year from long-time fans giving up on the IP. The reason for this is obvious: Call of Duty lost its way.

You all know that guy in your friend group who would likely go off the deep end if they made it big. Well, Call of Duty has become the gaming equivalent of going off the deep end, been in rehab for 4 years and having a toxic relationship with a Kardashian. The franchise used to be a critical examination of war, digging you in with a struggling Red Army in Stalingrad, or showing heroics in real life that don’t always end in the famous Nuke scene. Now, the franchise seems like a Saturday morning cartoon with laser guns, and shallow plot lines to boot.

It wouldn’t be the first time the gaming industry has tried to restore a franchise to its former glory. We all remember the countless failed attempts to save the Sonic the Hedgehog series. This, if the rumors are true, would be the first step to redeeming Call of Duty in my eyes. So I have to ask, will this redeem Call of Duty for you? Did you never stop playing it? More in general, what other franchises have been revived and what saved them? What saves franchises and kills them in the first place? Discuss.