The Finals, which is currently trending on Steam after entering open beta, has faced criticism for using AI-generated voice overs instead of casting actors.
Voice actor Gianni Matragrano, who appears in Evil West, Vertigo 2, and more, criticised developer Embark Studios’ decision to use AI-generated voices on X/Twitter. Matragrano said the sound in The Finals “doesn’t sound good”, but he and other voice actors also highlighted the impact of AI on their livelihoods and the controversy around using it.
Matragrano pointed to a July 2023 episode of Embark Studios’ own Meet the Makers podcast, where two audio designers only referred to as Andreas and Carl confirmed they used “incredible” AI tools to create the voice overs in The Finals.
“It can’t replicate the noise that I make when I stand up from my chair, but it wants to take my job? Don’t make me laugh.”
“We use AI with a few exceptions,” Andreas said. “So all the contestant voices, like the barks, and both our commentators are AI text-to-speech. For things we call vocalisations, like player breathing, vaulting, jumping, that’s something we use us in the studio to record, just grunting. We can’t really get the AI to perform those kind of tasks yet.”
Genshin Impact, Dying Light, and Ghostrunner 2’s Kit Harrison slammed this statement on X/Twitter. “What really sticks with me is that they needed to bring in real actors to get the grunting, effort, and breathing sounds because the AI can’t do it,” the voice actor said. “It can’t replicate the noise that I make when I stand up from my chair, but it wants to take my job? Don’t make me laugh.”
It was also criticised by Elsie Lovelock, who appears in Baldur’s Gate 3, Wargroove, and more. “The kicker is, it still sounds like crap regardless of how realistic they think it sounds,” she said on X/Twitter.
Gearbox Software narrative director Sam Winkler shared a similar message. “Shipping content with AI voice over is bad, flat out,” he said on X/Twitter. “Especially for a game that has so clearly polished every other aspect of its presentation to a gleaming finish, this sticks out like an infected thumb.”
Embark Studios’ Andreas defended The Finals’ use of AI voice over on the podcast episode, however. “The reason that we go this route is that AI text-to-speech is finally extremely powerful,” he said. “It gets us far enough in terms of quality and allows us to be extremely reactive to new ideas and keep things really, really fresh.
“So, for instance, if a game designer comes up with a new idea for a game mode, we can have voice over representing that in just a matter of hours instead of months. We don’t have to do [temporary] recordings that need replacing. I think we’re really coming into a new dawn when it comes to video game voices. And if it sounds a bit off, it still blends kind of well with the fantasy of the virtual game show aesthetically.”
Matragrano pointed to Andreas’ use of “far enough in terms of quality” as a damning statement, and refuted the idea that implementing voice actors takes months.
“We are constantly banging out rush order sessions for like, within a day or two,” he said. “You can literally get pro-grade voice over for less than a grand total, bang out a couple recording sessions, and bam you have all the audio you need.
“When you need more, you can book another session. We actually make it very easy. And then it’ll just sound good and not be something even players who don’t really care about AI ethics keep complaining about.”
Somewhat ironically, Embark Studios also has a “Making The Finals” series on YouTube which has an episode dedicated to “capturing authentic sound”. IGN has reached out to Embark Studios for comment.
“It gets us far enough in terms of quality and allows us to be extremely reactive to new ideas and keep things really, really fresh.”
The use of AI in video games and beyond has been a hotly debated and controversial topic as of late, even coming at the centre of the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) strike.
The guild also voted in September 2023 to authorise a strike as a part of the resumption of bargaining over its Interactive Media Agreement, which governs voice, motion capture, and other actors working in video games. While this doesn’t mean a strike is currently happening, it does mean that SAG-AFTRA negotiators have the power to call one if negotiations continue to stagnate.
“We want to ensure that they don’t replace all the humans with computers,” Interactive Negotiating Committee member Zeke Alton told IGN in September 2023. “Not a prohibition on it, but just as we move forward with the technology, how do we move with it and not get left behind.
“We’re having the argument now specifically about these AI algorithms and they are wiping out large portions of the workforce. And so if we lose that and set the precedent for corporations to remove the lower levels of their workforce using algorithms, that then proliferates into every workforce on the planet, and that can have disastrous results for the economy and for society as a whole.
“That’s why this is an existential fight, not just for us, but to anybody else out there watching: you’re next. And would you like to have the precedent of being protected or the precedent of being removed?”
In our preview of the game, IGN said: “The Finals is a fast-paced first-person shooter that focuses on arcadey game styles and game-show mechanics. What makes it unique is that everything, and I mean everything, can be destroyed. It’s a lot to take in, but after playing a bunch of it, all of the elements manage to work really well together when the game isn’t stuttery and buggy.”
Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He’ll talk about The Witcher all day.
The Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link mobile game has received a teaser trailer from Square Enix alongside an iOS and Android release window of 2024.
The trailer gives fans a sneak preview of the story, which centers on the player character traveling to Scala ad Caelum in the astral plane sometime after the events of Kingdom Hearts Union χ, and a new gameplay mechanic that involves traveling throughout the world without setting foot outside your home and collecting character pieces that grant you specific powers.
Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link is an all GPS Action RPG for iOS and Android!
We are now recruiting testers from the United Kingdom and Australia for the Closed Beta Test. Apply here:https://t.co/PZD5gUa5JW
Square Enix is also recruiting testers from Australia and the UK for the closed beta test of Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link, which will begin next month. There are only 3,000 spots open, however, with an even split between Android and iOS owners.
Those who want to participate in the closed beta have until November 19 to apply on the game’s website. The testing period for the iOS version runs from November 29 through December 8, while testing for the Android version is scheduled for January 2024.
Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link was announced alongside Kingdom Hearts 4 at the series’ 20th Anniversary event in 2022, with Square Enix describing the game’s story as taking place in “an unwritten era”. The characters roaming around Scala ad Caelum and the societies they were a part of have long been forgotten, and the game’s era serves as a missing link between the Union χ era and the current one.
Cristina Alexander is a freelance writer for IGN. To paraphrase Calvin Harris, she wears her love for Sonic the Hedgehog on her sleeve like a big deal. Follow her on Twitter @SonicPrincess15.
2023 is finally the year where 2TB PS5 SSD upgrades are actually worth the price. Last year, prices for 1TB PS5 SSDs averaged around $150, whereas 2TB SSDs hovered closer to $300. This year, we’re seeing 1TB SSDs trickle below the $70 price point and 2TB SSDs can drop to $100 or lower (like this Crucial P5 Plus 2TB SSD for $99.74). Note that you can’t use any old SSD and expect it to perform well on the PS5 console. You’ll want to pick up a PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 solid-state drive with at least a 5,500MB/s read speed to match the PS5’s internal drive.
TL;DR – The Best PS5 SSD Deals Right Now
Note that Sony recommends a heatsink attached to your SSD and not all SSDs listed here have pre-installed heatsinks. For the ones that do, we’ll be sure to mention it. For the ones that don’t, all you have to do is purchase your own heatsink (like this one for $9) and install it yourself. For our top recommended picks for 2023, check out our full breakdown for the Best PS5 SSDs.
Crucial P5 Plus 2TB SSD for $99.74
Clip the $5.25 off coupon on the product page to get this price. The Crucial P5 Plus meets all the requirements for your PS5 SSD upgrade. It supports transfer speeds of up to 6,660MB/s which is well above the 5,500MB/s minimum threshold. Yes there are faster SSDs out there, but if your intention is to put this in your PS5, then that extra speed is worthless because you’re bottlenecked by the original PS5 SSD. If you’re worried about opening up your PS5 case, don’t worry it’s very easy. Crucial has an official YouTube PS5 SSD install guide.
Silicon Power 2TB PS5 SSD with Heatsink for $104.97
The Silicon Power XS70 SSD with a preinstalled robust aluminum heatsink costs about $100. The aluminum heatsink is still slim enough to fit in the PS5 without obstruction. It boasts transfer speeds of up to 7300MB/s read and 6800MB/s write, comfortably faster than the 5500MB/s minimum recommended requirement. It actually performs a little better than the Crucial P5 Plus, the original WD Black SN850, and the Samsung 980 Pro, although that won’t make a difference in your PS5.
Adata Legend Max 2TB PS5 SSD with Heatsink for $119.99
The “Legend” is Adata’s newest lineup of high-speed PS5-compatible SSDs, replacing the XPG Gammix S70 Blade and the Adata Premium. The “Max” in the name means that this model has a preinstalled heatsink that’s slim enough to fit in the PS5 drive bay. This is one of the faster SSDs on the market with read speeds of up to 7400MBps and write speeds of up to 6800MBps.
Samsung 980 Pro 2TB M.2 SSD with Heatsink $129.99
Samsung SSDs need no introduction. They’ve made some of the most popular and reliable PS5 SSDs on the market. The 980 Pro has been out for a long time, way back in January of 2020. A testament to its reliability is the fact that Samsung didn’t feel any need to release any newer flagship model until only this year. In terms of performance, it’s no longer the fastest SSD on the market (the 990 Pro is), but it’s still a very fast drive. It certainly more than meets the minimum 5600MB/s speed requirement to be used as a PS5 storage upgrade, with speeds of up to 7,100MB/s.
Nextorage 2TB PS5 SSD with Heatsink for $129.99
There’s an interesting story behind this drive. Nextorage was actually originally created by Sony as an SSD division catered to the PS5 console. For whatever reason, Sony decided to ditch that idea and sold this business to another stakeholder in the company, Phison (they make memory controllers found in SSDs from Seagate, Corsair, and Sabrent, and more). Phison eventually accomplished the goal of releasing an SSD catered specifically for the PS5 console in the form of this product right here.
WD Black SN850p 2TB PS5 SSD with Heatsink for $149.99
WD is the only brand that sells an officially licensed PS5 SSD. The SN850P is physically the same SSD as the SN850X, which is the latest generation of WD’s flagship Black series M.2 SSDs. The SN850P’s upgrades over the SN850 include newer flash chips (BiCS5 vs BiCS4) and an updated firmware, both of which offer improved sequential and random read/write speeds. It’s easily one of the fastest SSDs on the market.
Corsair MP600 PRO 2TB PS5 SSD with Heatsink $124.99
Corsair is a very well known brand for DIY PC builders. Corsair makes some of the best gaming products on the market, and that includes solid-state memory like RAM and SSDs. The MP600 Pro is Corsair’s fastest M.2 SSD and the “LPX” model is “optimized for PS5” because it includes a rugged preinstalled heatsink that is slim enough to fit in the PS5 bay without any issues. We like this RAM so much, we rated it the best PS5 SSD for 2023.
Samsung 990 Pro 2TB PS5 SSD with Heatsink for $144.99
The Samsung 990 Pro is an excellent SSD for your PS5. From a purely performance perspective, it’s overkill; the stock SSD in your PS5 will be the limiting factor. You’ll want to pick up an PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 solid state drive with a rated 5,500MB/s read speed to match the PS5’s internal drive and the 990 Pro is much faster. However, at the current price point, this SSD is cheaper than many slower options, so you might as well get it anyways.
What if the SSD Doesn’t Include a Heatsink?
Sony recommends you install an SSD that has an attached heatsink. If the SSD you purchase doesn’t include one, it’s simple enough to buy one for $9 on Amazon and add it yourself. Most of these heatsinks are just attached using an adhesive like thermal tape.
Budget to Best: PS5 SSDs
There may be other SSD deals out there, but these are the PS5 SSDs we’ve tried ourselves and highly recommend. They also double up as outstanding boot drives for your gaming PC, in case you don’t need additional storage for your PS5 console.
How To Install a New PS5 SSD
It’s extremely easy! Removing the case cover is completely toolless. In fact, the only screw you have to remove is the one that keeps the cover for the SSD bay in place. You don’t even put it back when you’re done. Sony has a quick and easy YouTube video guide.
A recruiting drive at FromSoftware suggests a major expansion of the Elden Ring, Dark Souls, and Bloodborne developer is underway.
As reported by IGN Japan, FromSoftware is currently recruiting employees across several departments as it works on “several new projects”. The developer currently has no announced games in development beyond the Elden Ring expansion Shadow of the Erdtree, however, and FromSoftware didn’t share anything more in the job advertisements either.
Roles are available in game planning, research and development, programming, character design, background design, cinematic art, motion design, production, sound design, and more than a dozen other departments, certainly suggesting FromSoftware is looking to expand its development capabilities.
Fans have been calling for new entries in its most famous franchise for years now, of course, with sequels to Dark Souls 3 and Bloodborne perhaps the most sought after new games. FromSoftware last released a Dark Souls game, the franchise that properly put it on the map, in 2016, while Bloodborne is fast approaching its ten year anniversary after launching in March 2014.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice also set up a sequel, but these games releasing as solo entries proves FromSoftware isn’t afraid to create brand new franchises. Those who enjoy the tough as nails action role-playing games will therefore just have to wait and see what the developer announces next.
Shadow of the Erdtree currently lacks a release date, with FromSoftware only sharing a handful of concept art images for the expansion when it announced it in February. It more recently released Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon in August, which earned an 8/10 in IGN’s review.
Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He’ll talk about The Witcher all day.
It’s been six years since the Nintendo Switch launched in 2017, and after a long and successful reign, you may be wondering what new piece of hardware will be next. We’ve seen updates to the current switch with the OLED and Lite models, though we’re still in the dark on what Nintendo’s next-gen offering could be.
After becoming the 3rd best-selling console in history this year, it’s fair to say that Nintendo might want to keep things close to its chest. Yet, even with all the secrecy surrounding the possibility of a new Nintendo Switch, we’ve collected all the details we could find about the mystery follow-up ahead of its eventual official announcement and release.
Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date
While Nintendo hasn’t yet announced any official follow-up to their incredibly successful Nintendo Switch console, there are some rumors swirling about how close we might be to a potential product reveal.
Nintendo’s president, Shuntaro Furukawa, confirmed in an interview with Nikkei, and translated by VGC, that Nintendo will support the current-gen Switch until at least March 2025. This sentiment is also backed up by previous comments Furukawa made regarding the future of the Nintendo Switch in a financial briefing Q&A in 2022. In this interview, he committed to focusing on “building long-term relationships with our consumers (through Nintendo Accounts),” he went on to reiterate “, While continuing to release new Nintendo Switch software for consumers to enjoy, we aim to maintain relationships across hardware generations through services that utilize Nintendo Accounts and by providing opportunities for them to experience our IP through other non-gaming channels.”
During Gamescom 2023, Eurogamer reported that the Nintendo Switch 2 was being demoed at the show, showing off a “souped up” version of one of the Nintendo Switch’s most beloved games, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. While a potential demo device doesn’t directly mean a consumer product will be on the market soon, it does indicate Nintendo may be looking forward to what’s next and likely wants game developers to get ready for what the future can offer.
Even with all the juicy gossip, it’s best not to hold your breath on what’s coming from the Japanese tech titan’s next console until there is an official announcement; fingers crossed we’ll get that confirmation soon.
Nintendo Switch 2 Price
There are plenty of Nintendo Switch models to consider while shopping right now, with pricing shifting dramatically depending on the version you’re looking to invest in. Looking forward to a potential Switch 2, inflation and internal specs, amongst other variables, will likely play a part in what we’ll pay for a new console at launch.
It’s hard to know what the pricing of this mystery device will be, but we’ve listed the RRP of the current range of Nintendo Switch models as a reference:
Nintendo Switch Lite: $199.99
Nintendo Switch: $299.99
Nintendo Switch OLED: $349.99
Nintendo Switch 2 Models
With the range of Nintendo Switch consoles currently on the market, you may be left wondering if you’ll have the same number of choices to pick between when the next iteration rolls around.
The latest Nintendo Switch OLED model features a remarkable screen, and it feels like the future of the console, it being the most recent edition to Nintendo’s lineup. However, according to a VGC report, the next-gen Nintendo Switch may potentially feature an LCD screen instead.
The current array of Nintendo Switch models are numerous and were released over the console’s multi-year lifespan, so it’s reasonable to believe there may be several versions of a potential Nintendo Switch follow-up, too.
Nintendo Switch Design – What Will the Nintendo Switch 2 Look Like?
There isn’t a lot of information on how Nintendo’s next-gen console will look, though there are plenty of features in the current-gen Nintendo Switch we’d love to see return for a follow-up console.
VGC reported that development kits for the potential new console are already with partner studios, with sources citing some returning features. According to VGC’s report, the new Nintendo Switch could keep the portability of its predecessor and feature a cartridge slot for physical games.
The patent details a magnetic field for controls rather than the plastic circuit boards seen in the current generation console. However, it’s worth mentioning that patents don’t necessarily translate directly to future products, so there’s no guarantee on whether the Nintendo Switch 2 will feature updated Joy-Cons, and we’ll have to wait for official word from Nintendo on that front.
It’s been notoriously difficult to get your hands on a PS5 since its launch in late 2020 between industry-wide chip shortages and scalpers reselling consoles for nearly $2,000, but the supply has finally caught up to demand for the most part, and now it’s far more common to see the consoles in stock in-store and online at most retailers.
If you’re looking for the best places to purchase PS5 consoles online in 2023, we’ve got you covered with a full breakdown below, including pricing on current PS5 consoles, the best time to buy a PS5, information on PlayStation Plus plans, as well as where to trade in your exisiting PlayStation consoles and games.
Where to Buy PS5 Consoles Online Right Now
If you’re looking to buy a new PlayStation 5 this year, here’s where you can purchase them online in 2023. You can also check out our guide to PS5 deals for potential discounts.
PlayStation 5
The PlayStation 5 is Sony’s latest and greatest and features true 4K visuals with support for ray tracing, an ultrafast 825GB SSD, and the all-new DualSense controller that immerses you in your games through haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.
PlayStation 5 – Digital Edition
The PlayStation 5 Digital Edition is identical to the standard PS5 in every way, save for the fact that it does not have a UHD Blu-Ray drive affixed to the side and retails for an MSRP of $399.99. As the name implies, this console requires all of your games to be purchased digitally from the PlayStation Store, as it does not accept any physical media.
How Much Does a PS5 Cost?
There are currently two editions of the PlayStation 5: the standard PlayStation 5 console and the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition console. The standard PlayStation 5 (which plays both physical and digital games) retails for an MSRP of $499.99, while the digital-only PS5 Digital Edition retails for an MSRP of $399.99. There is also going to be a PS5 Slim released in November that will cost between $449.99 and $499.99 depending on if you add the Blu-Ray drive.
There are also a number of limited-edition PS5 bundles throughout the year that feature a unique color or design, and sometimes include a download code for a game in the box, as well.
PlayStation Plus Pricing
PlayStation Plus is Sony’s online membership that allows you to play online with your friends, upload your save data to the cloud, as well as granting you access to a handful of free games each month. Last year, Sony added two additional tiers to PlayStation Plus: PlayStation Plus Extra and PlayStation Plus Premium. These additional tiers provide access to a library of games akin to Xbox Game Pass, with the latter giving you access to classic PlayStation Games and more recent first-party PlayStation titles.
Here’s what each tier of PlayStation Plus will get you:
PlayStation Plus Essential
PlayStation Plus Essential is effectively what the standard PlayStation Plus experience has been for the past decade or so. This basic plan costs $9.99/month or $79.99/year and allows you to play multiplayer games online with your friends, upload your save data to the cloud, and get exclusive discounts and pricing on games and add-on content. Additionally, you’ll receive a few games each month that can be added to your library and accessed as long as you have an active subscription.
PlayStation Plus Extra
PlayStation Plus Extra costs $14.99/month or $134.99/year and includes everything in the PlayStation Plus Essential tier, while also adding a game catalog featuring hundreds of games that you can download and play, as well as access to a curated collection Ubisoft+ Classics that includes titles from popular Ubisoft franchises such as Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and more.
PlayStation Plus Premium
PlayStation Plus Premium costs $17.99/month or $159.99/year and includes everything in the PlayStation Plus Extra tier, while also adding access to the Classics catalog – a number of games from PS1, PS2, and PS3 that you can play on your PS5 console. Additionally, you’ll be able to play game trials for specific PS5 games, as well as stream many games from the cloud to your console, PC, and mobile device.
Best Time to Buy a PS5
Generally, the best time to buy a PS5 console is during major yearly shopping events such as Black Friday and the various Amazon Prime Day sales. Although PlayStation consoles rarely go on sale, you can often scoop up limited-time bundles that include additional an additional game or two, and more.
How to Trade in Your Old PlayStation Consoles
If you’re looking to trade in your old PlayStation consoles, you can do so at select retailers in-store and online. Often, the most widely available retailers are GameStop and Best Buy. However, you can also trade your used devices online at retailers such as Amazon and Microsoft.
Some retailers will offer you cash for your used goods, while others may provide you with a gift card that can be used in-store and online. This is a great way to offload your old gaming gear and get some money that you can put towards a newer console and games.
While trading devices in at retailers will often net you the lowest amount for your used consoles, there are also online marketplaces such as eBay, Craigslist, and OfferUp that may fetch higher prices, but you’ll often be responsible for packing and shipping costs, or be required to meet someone in person for the transaction, the latter of which poses its own risks.
Where to Trade in PlayStation Games
Similar to PlayStation console trade ins, you can also trade your existing games in at specific retailers. The most widely available retailer accepting used video games is GameStop, but they are notorious for giving you pennies on the dollar for your pre-owned titles. However, if you’re looking for an easy way to offload some of your library for cash or in-store credit, this is a convenient option. You can always look up the expected trade-in value on GameStop’s website before heading into a store, so you know exactly how much you’ll receive. Additionally, you can trade in your used games online through Amazon in exchange for an Amazon gift card.
Matthew Adler is a Commerce, Features, Guides, News, Previews, and Reviews writer for IGN. You can follow him on the site formerly known as Twitter @MatthewAdler and watch him stream on Twitch.
One of the most expensive industries in the world, the movie biz has been steadily increasing its income as well as its production costs to keep up with the new tech and content demands of viewers and filmmakers alike. Due to this, most of the movies on this list are from the past few years. With big-budget Hollywood movie companies like Disney, Amazon, and Universal buying up and utilizing all the smaller names in film, it’s easy to see how the movies on this list got here–most notably all the movies owned by Disney.
To clarify: the movies on this list are all movies that are finished and released to the public, not including films that aren’t. The numbers in this article reflect the costs of filming, not including costs such as promotions, advertisements, commercials, posters, etc. Since most production companies do not release actual production costs, this data has been estimated–more than likely underestimated–by movie industry professionals and writers tasked with doing so.
12. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (2007)
$300 Million
In a three-way tie for 10th on this list, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End is by far the most impressive as the oldest by 4 years. Unfortunately, the returns on that investment didn’t go quite as planned as the $300 million movie grossed just $309 million in domestic box offices. As the third installment in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, the quality was a bit lacking from the previous two and shows in financial records as well as reviews.
11. Justice League (2017)
$300 Million
DC’s response to the wildly successful Marvel movie franchise, Justice League shoots for the stars with their first ensemble cast film. Not well received by audiences and critics alike, the huge $300 million budget returned a lifetime domestic gross of $229 million: ultimately a box-office failure. This prompted the Zack Snyder cut to be released years later, which only somewhat increased overall revenue but still cost the studio millions.
The last movie tied for 10th on this list, Star Wars: The Last Jedi is the first of the new Star Wars trilogy movies to be mentioned. Grossing an impressive $620 million at the domestic box office, this addition to the canon had a lot to offer general audiences. As it is still the lowest budget out of the three, the visual effects in the movie are still extremely entertaining and exciting to behold.
The first of the big-time ensemble cast Marvel movies on this list, Avengers: Infinity War was and continues to be a smashing success in the new era of superhero movies. While the market is definitely over-saturated and overdone, this particular sequel will likely go down in history as one of the best, most action-packed superhero movies of all time. Raking in almost double its budget from its gross domestic box office earnings, the cost and the effort was most certainly worth it.
In the 10th installment of this absolutely over-the-top film franchise, Fast X carries on the 22-year tradition with glorious, shameless gusto. Undoubtedly boosted by its international following after all these years, the film barely surpasses its giant budget, only earning $146 million domestically. Despite this, Fast X is part of a super film franchise chock-full of recognizable names and faces that has shown zero signs of slowing. Who knows how many more Fast and Furious movies there will be.
The highly-anticipated sequel to the visual masterpiece that preceded it, Avatar: The Way of Water is surprisingly low on this list due to the amount of special effects and CGI it required. With James Cameron’s revolutionary camera technology developed by him and his company, this is the first of many sequels to come that will break budget and box office records for years to come. As it stands, Avatar is third highest grossing movie of all time.
One of the most impressive cost/income spreads on this list is Avengers: Endgame: the incredibly successful final installment to the Avengers ensemble cast films. Due to the rippling success from Avengers: Infinity War, the Avengers’ creative team for this film had few financial concerns. Showing returns of $858 million in domestic box offices, any and every cost for this film was well worth it.
Higher on this list than one might expect: Avengers: Age of Ultron places with the highest budget of all the Avengers ensemble films. Though it was not as successful as the following two installments, the cost of CGI and added visual effects can be clearly seen in the third act of the film.
4. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)
$379 Million
One of the less-successful contributions to the film franchise, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides continues the saga but ultimately falls short of its financial goal. Costing $379 million and returning $241 million domestic, it seems that Johnny Depp was the only one to gain from this considering he made $55 million for this role and $265 million for all 5 films combined.
One of the three financial Star Wars giants on this list, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker didn’t perform quite as well as the studio must have expected. As the third and final installment of the new Star Wars trilogy, expectations from audiences were high and pressure on the studio was even higher. Overall, the film performed well but just barely gained a net profit.
One of the more ridiculous films on this list, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is what happens when a huge CGI budget is handed to dino-nerds: two hours of big explosions, big dinos, and a paper-thin plot. While the visual effects and CGI were all on point for this film, the lackluster writing appeared to be an afterthought for the studio. Thankfully, audiences will always want to watch more dino action, so the Jurassic Park film franchise retains a promising future.
With the highest budget and highest domestic box office earnings on this list, Star Wars: The Force Awakens steals the show and deepens the already crater-deep pockets of Lucasfilm i.e. Disney. As the first of the newest Star Wars trilogy, audience anticipation was extremely high. Knowing this, the studio went for the safe route and made the plot quite similar to Star Wars: A New Hope. Despite viewers seeing through this, audiences came back again and again to watch it in theaters, taking in the solid visual effects and giving the film $936 million in domestic box office earnings.
Connor Sheppard is an Oregon-grown culture writer for IGN with previous work on The Manual. Intrigued from a young age by pop culture and movies, he has developed into an experienced critic and consumer of all things media. From his time earning a bachelor’s degree in digital communications at Oregon State University, he found a love for writing and appreciating specific actors and directors in the many films he watches.
The best daily deals for Sunday, October 22 include a Callisto Protocol on PS5 for just $3.75, a TCL 65″ Smart TV for $399, $300 off a great Acer Predator gaming laptop, and a lot more.
Callisto Protocol PS5 for $3.75
The Callisto Protocol is a good game, but you don’t need to take my word for it, just check out our review from Tristan Ogilvie. While this game, which was originally set to be a tie-in with PUBG, it also draws a lot of inspiration from Dead Space, and right now you can get a Day One Edition physical copy of the PS5 version from GameStop for just $3.75. You’ll have to pay a few bucks for delivery if there isn’t one you can pick up from your local store, but it’s still far cheaper than you could get it otherwise.
TCL 65″ Q5 QLED Smart TV for $399
TCL is a solid brand for affordable quality, and while this 65″ QLED HDR Smart TV is normally $599, you can save $200 and get it for $399 at Best Buy. It has Google TV support, is direct lit, and 60Hz refresh rate and HDR 10+.
TCL 85″ QM8 QLED 4K Smart TV for $1871
Sports season is in full swing (sorry for the baseball pun, everyone, but GO ASTROS!) and big screen TVs are a great way to enjoy your favorite championship. This massive 85″ QLED 4K Smart TV has HDR Ultra, supports refresh rates up to 240Hz, and has Google TV, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, and a whole lot more, and you can save $900 on Amazon.
Acer Predator Helios 18″ Gaming Laptop for $2199
This Acer Predator Helios comes with an Intel 13th Gen i9, 32GB of RAM, and a GeForce RTX 4080 with a 1TB SSD, meaning you’ll have all the power you need to play all your favorite games. It normally goes for $2,499 but you can save $300 at Best Buy right now.
WD 12TB Elements Desktop External Drive for $181
If you need extra storage for your games, movies, or whatever else, this massive 12TB external USB 3.0 hard drive from WD could solve all your problems. I’ve been using one for ages to store my game capture, games, images, movies, and it’s been incredibly convenient, and you can save 41% on Amazon right now.
Samsung 65″ OLED 4K S90C Smart TV for $1,597
If you’ve been looking for a good TV, OLED is the way to go, and this Samsung 65″ Smart TV is a stellar pick. With Dolby Atmos support, Object Tracking Sound Lite, and Quantum HDR, your stuff will look, sound, and feel better and more detailed. And While it normally costs $2,597.99, you can get it right now for just $1,597.99.
Samsung 990 Pro SSD 4TB NVMe M.2 for $299
If you want fast storage retrieval but you don’t want to skimp on space, this 4TB NVMe is the way to go. With speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s, it’ll get you where you need to go, and you can save $45 while doing it.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom for $47.95
Tears of the Kingdom is absolutely one of the best video games to come out this year, and now you can knock off a whopping $22.04 off the regular asking price. Now is a great time to grab a copy for yourself, or for a loved one for the upcoming holiday season (or just a random Saturday).
LEGO Classic Large Creative Brick Box 10698 for $32
LEGOs rock. Everyone knows it. The only people who hate LEGO blocks are parents who like to walk around their houses in the wee hours of the morning in bare feet. If you wanna snag a Classic Large Creative Brick Box, which lets you build a ton of different types of things, this 790-piece kit is just what the doctor ordered.
SanDisk 256GB Ultra Fit USB 3.1 Flash Drive for $11.79
If you want a sizable travel drive to make moving files and things between computers securely, this SanDisk Ultra Fit is a low profile drive with a whopping 256GB drive, and you can bring it home for just $11.79.
LEGO Ideas Vincent Van Gogh The Starry Night 21333 $136
Amazon is offering the LEGO Ideas Vincent Van Gogh The Starry Night 21333 for only $136. That’s a 20% discount from its original $169.99 MSRP and the first time we’ve seen this particular build on sale. With a brick count of over 2,000 pieces and currently priced at only 5.8 cents per brick, it’s very well worth the price of admission. The LEGO Ideas The Starry Night is a 3D rendition of one of Vincent Van Gogh’s most icononic masterpieces. This is a collab with The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and it looks amazing. LEGO did a great job of recreating of Van Gogh’s expressive brush strokes, and the uncommon brick colors are a great addition to any LEGO collector’s stash. Amidst the 2D backdrop are really neat 3D elements like the rolling clouds, the stars in the sky, the undulating hills, the tree in the foreground, and more. A Vincent Van Gogh mini-figure is also included, complete with paintbrush, palette, and easel.
Magic: The Gathering 2022 Starter Kit (2 Ready-to-Play Decks) for $7.49
Save 50% off this 2022 MTG starter kit. This kit isn’t aimed at high-dollar collectors, but it is an inexpensive way to try out the MTG card game without spending a lot of money on booster packs. The contents include:
2 ready-to-play 60-card decks—1 white-blue deck and 1 red-green deck
1 Magic play guide booklet
2 deck boxes
Codes for two people to unlock both decks to play online in MTG Arena
5 rare cards—including 1 rare foil card
Lenovo Legion Tower 5 Gen 8 RTX 4070 PC for $1250.49
To get this deal, you will need to use two stackable coupon codes: “CELEBRATE2023” and “EXTRA5“.
Lenovo has the Lenovo Legion Tower 5 Gen 8 RTX 4070 gaming PC for only $1250.49 after stackable coupon code “CELEBRATE2023” and “EXTRA5“. That’s the best price right now for a well-equipped RTX 4070 gaming PC. Not only do you get the powerful RTX 4070 GPU, you’re also getting a current AMD Ryzen 7 CPU and a spacious amount of RAM and SSD storage.
Need something more powerful? The RTX 4070 Ti model is $1658.99
To get this deal, you will need to use two stackable coupon codes: “CELEBRATE2023” and “EXTRA5“.
This config is housed in a Legion 7i tower, which is physically larger in size and accomodates three more system fans than the 5i for even better airflow: two more 120mm fans up top and one more 120mm fan up front for a total of 6 fans. The RTX 4070 Ti performs better significantly better than the RTX 4070 or 3080. This is a better card if you want to push very high refresh rates at 1440p or if you want something that can handle 4K comfortablywithout paying over $1K for an RTX 4080 or 4090.
65″ TCL QM8 4K Mini LED QLED TV for Only $901
or 75″ for $1308
If you’re in the market for an affordable, future proofed gaming TV, then take a look at the brand new 2023 TCL QM8 Mini-LED TV. This TV came out in May of 2023 and features all the technology you’d want in a current generation gaming TV including a gorgeous Mini-LED panel and 4K@120Hz support for PS5 and Xbox Series X consoles. As a side note, I have this TV and it’s currently connected to my PS5 console in my game room. This TV is easily one of the best displays I’ve owned. I still prefer my (considerably more expensive) LG Evo C2 OLED TV in the living room where I have full light control. However, my game room has very poor light control, with a lot of sunlight that filters in during the day. The TCL QM8 is much brighter than my OLED and, in my experience, this TV is better there.
Apple AirPods Pro with Lightning Connector for $189
Walmart is offering the 2nd gen Apple AirPods Pro truly wireless noise cancelling earbuds with Lightning connector for only $189. That’s a $60 price drop from its $249 MSRP and the best price we’ve ever seen. This isn’t the new USB Type-C variant that was released recently, but other than the connection type, these two AirPods Pro models are almost identical.
Expiring Sunday: a 1 Year Sams’ Club Membership for Only $15
From now until October 22, Sam’s Club is offering 70% off its 1-year general membership. The membership normally costs you $50, so right now you’d only be paying $15. The promotion is reserved for new memberships only. Sam’s Club is owned and operated by Walmart. Like Costco, this is a warehouse-style retail and online storefront that offers low prices on bulk products and boutique consumer goods.
PowerBlock Sport 50 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair) for $199.99
Bowflex isn’t the only option when it comes to adjustable dumbbell sets. PowerBlock is another trusted brand that offers its own version, and right now it’s on sale. Woot has the PowerBlock Sport 50 adjustable dumbbell set for only $199.99. Amazon Prime members get free shipping (otherwise play $6 flat rate shipping). That’s currently less than half the price of an equivalent set of Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells. Each PowerBlock 50 dumbbell is adjustable from 10 pounds all the way to 50 pounds in 5 pound increments with just a turn of a dial. It’s definitely more efficient than constantly swapping plates.
2021 Apple iPad 10.2″ 64GB for $249
Amazon has the 2021 Apple iPad 10.2″ Wi-Fi 64GB tablet for only $249.99. This iPad normally retails for $329, so you’re saving about 25%. This is the lowest price we’ve seen for what is already the most affordable iPad you can get. Even though this is an older model iPad, it’s brand new and comes with a 1 year warranty.
Brian Barnett writes reviews, guides, features, & more for IGN & GameSpot. You can get your fix of his antics on YouTube, Twitch, Twitter, Bluesky, & Backloggd, & check out his fantastic video game talk show, The Platformers, on Spotify &Apple Podcasts.
Online shopping has become the preferred method for many looking to purchase new consoles as inventory is generally more available, and you don’t have to leave the comfort of your home. Some retailers even offer the option to purchase online and pick up your items in store, allowing you to secure your purchase and pick it up when you’re ready. If you’re looking for the best places to purchase Xbox consoles online, we’ve got you covered with a full breakdown below, including pricing on current Xbox consoles, the best time to buy an Xbox Series X or Series S, information on Xbox Game Pass, as well as where to trade in your exisiting Xbox consoles and games.
Where to Buy Xbox Consoles Online
If you’re looking to buy a new Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, or Xbox One, here’s where you can purchase them online in 2023. You can also check out the latest Xbox deals for potential discounts.
Xbox Series X
Microsoft’s flagship console, Xbox Series X, retails for an MSRP of $499.99 and features 1TB of storage and true 4K gaming.
Xbox Series S
Xbox Series S is the less-powerful, all-digital variant of Microsoft’s current console lineup that starts at an MSRP of $299.99. The base model features 512GB of storage and 1440p resolution gaming in a 60% smaller package.
Xbox One
Xbox One is Microsoft’s previous generation console that released in 2013. While it’s not currently being manufactured, you can still find refurbished models online at some retailers. There are three standard models available: the original Xbox One, a slimmer redesign called Xbox One S, and the more powerful Xbox One X. It’s worth noting that Xbox Series X|S are backwards compatible with Xbox One games, so your money may be better spent on the current generaton consoles.
Latest Xbox Deals
How Much Does a New Xbox Cost?
Xbox has a variety of different consoles at different price points to satisfy the needs of any gamer. The flagship console, Xbox Series X, retails for $499.99 but can also be financed via Xbox All Access at select retailers for $36.99/mo for 24 months which also includes 2 years of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. It’s worth noting that you’ll need to qualify for a line of credit with Citizen’s Pay Line if you opt for Xbox All Access.
Xbox Series S, the smaller, all-digital console, retails for $299.99 for the 512GB model or $349.99 for the 1TB model. Additionally, both can be financed via Xbox All Access starting at $26.99/mo for 24 months.
While Xbox One consoles aren’t currently in production any longer after being quietly discontinued in 2020 to focus on production of Xbox Series X|S, you can find them pre-owned or refurbished at resellers such as GameStop and Amazon, as well as through third-party marketplaces such as eBay, Craigslist, and more.
Additionally, you can often find bundles throughout the year that include either an Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S, sometimes with a unique color or design, as well as an included game, trial of Xbox Game Pass, or in-game content.
Xbox Game Pass Pricing
Xbox Game Pass pricing was recently updated in September 2023 with the discontinuation of Xbox Live Gold, and now features a streamlined tier list depending on whether you play exclusively on Xbox consoles, PC, or both.
Xbox Game Pass Core
Xbox Game Pass Core is $9.99/month and includes online multiplayer for Xbox consoles, a catalog of 25 games to play, and exclusive member discounts and deals. This plan effectively replaced what was previously known as Xbox Live Gold.
Xbox Game Pass Console
Xbox Game Pass Console is $10.99/month and includes access to the entire Xbox Game Pass catalog for Xbox Consoles, including day one Xbox first-party titles. It also includes exclusive member discounts and deals. However, this plan does not include online multiplayer for Xbox, but is a great option if you prefer single player games and want enjoy the hundreds of games available on Xbox Game Pass.
Xbox Game Pass PC
Xbox Game Pass PC is $9.99/month and includes access to hundred of games to play on PC including day one Xbox first-party titles, an EA Play membership, and exclusive member discounts and deals. This is a great option if you only play on PC and want access to the Xbox Game Pass catalog of supported games.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is $16.99/month and combines both Xbox Game Pass Console and Xbox Game Pass PC to provide access to the entire Xbox Game Pass catalog of games on whichever platform you choose, as well as online gaming for Xbox. You’ll be able to play Xbox first-party titles day one, as well as stream hundreds of games over the cloud to compatible devices. Additionally, you’ll be able to play EA titles with an included EA Play membership, and access member-exclusive deals, discounts, and perks.
Best Time to Buy an Xbox
Generally, the best time to buy an Xbox console is during major yearly shopping events such as Black Friday and the various Amazon Prime Day sales. Often times, you can scoop up the console at a discount, or purchase limited-time bundles that include additional games, Xbox Game Pass trials, accessories, or in-game content.
How to Trade in Your Old Xbox
If you’re looking to trade in your old Xbox consoles, you can do so at select retailers in-store and online. Often, the most widely available retailers are GameStop and Best Buy. However, you can also trade your used devices online at retailers such as Amazon and Microsoft.
Some retailers will offer you cash for your used goods, while others may provide you with a gift card that can be used in-store and online. This is a great way to offload your old gaming gear and get some money that you can put towards a newer console and games.
While trading devices in at retailers will often net you the lowest amount for your used consoles, there are also online marketplaces such as eBay, Craigslist, and OfferUp that may fetch higher prices, but you’ll often be responsible for packing and shipping costs, or be required to meet someone in person for the transaction, the latter of which poses its own risks.
Where to Trade in Xbox Games
Similar to Xbox console trade ins, you can also trade your existing games in at specific retailers. The most widely available retailer accepting used video games is GameStop, but they are notorious for giving you pennies on the dollar for your pre-owned titles. However, if you’re looking for an easy way to offload some of your library for cash or in-store credit, this is a convenient option. You can always look up the expected trade-in value on GameStop’s website before heading into a store, so you know exactly how much you’ll receive. Additionally, you can trade in your used games online through Amazon in exchange for an Amazon gift card.
Matthew Adler is a Commerce, Features, Guides, News, Previews, and Reviews writer for IGN. You can follow him on the site formerly known as Twitter @MatthewAdler and watch him stream on Twitch.
To say that Call of Duty is an important piece of video game history would be an understatement. It’s hard to think of first-person shooters (or even action games in general) without mentioning this series, which became one of the most successful works in media after revolutionizing single-player campaigns and online battles.
For decades, the multiplayer scene has been partially dominated by this franchise, with entries that have explored several war conflicts both from our past and possible future. Apart from creating iconic characters in the genre, like Captain Price and Alex Mason, the series has also introduced unexpected figures to their lines, like Spawn, Snoop Dogg, Lionel Messi, and more.
Due to quite a few subseries, a reboot, and many studios that have worked or are working in the series, it can be a bit troublesome to determine how many Call of Duty games have been released.
If we consider only the main entries, including all the World War II titles, the Modern Warfare series and its reboot, and the Black Ops series, there are 19 video games in the franchise. 20 if you add the upcoming Modern Warfare III.
Then there’s the Chinese free-to-play Call of Duty Online, released in 2015 and shut down in 2021. 2019’s Call of Duty Mobile took its place, becoming an entry that it’s still running today.
The unique Zombies modes have become a staple of the series since their first inclusion in 2008’s World at War, and they have appeared in multiple entries since then.
Finally, the franchise entered the Battle Royale and Live Service genres with Warzone, launched in 2020, which became a huge success from the very beginning. Two years later, it was replaced by Warzone 2.0, a complete overhaul of the game’s map and experience.
As a side note, Call of Duty also joined the comic business with some issues based on Zombies, the Black Ops subseries, and Vanguard.
To avoid confusion, it’s worth mentioning that the reboot of the Modern Warfare series will be numbered with Roman numbers. Also, Black Ops 4 is not added to the list below for its lack of campaign (it’s a multiplayer-only experience).
Call of Duty Games in Chronological Order
Beware of minor spoilersfor the stories, characters, and relevant events of each game in the list below.
1. Call of Duty (2003)
The franchise’s birth was developed by Infinity Ward and published in 2003. Set in World War II, this would be the first of many entries in the series to focus on this historical event, following the steps of other household names like Medal of Honor.
In the first Call of Duty, you get to play three different campaigns as different soldiers from three countries: the United States, Britain, and the Soviet Union.
The North American soldier, Private Martin, starts his training in 1942 and participates in the invasion of Normandy in 1944, while the British Sergeant Evans fights in Operation Tonga in the same year. Evans will later be helped by Captain Price, a recurrent name in the franchise. On the other hand, the Soviet Alexei Ivanovich Voronin’s campaign takes place in the Battle of Stalingrad.
2. Call of Duty 2 (2005)
The sequel of the original title repeats the settings and nations but with some different perspectives. For example, instead of three campaigns now you get to experience four with one North American soldier, one from the Soviet Union, and two from Britain.
As Private Vasili Koslov, you’ll have to defend Moscow from Nazi German soldiers, while North American Bill Taylor joins the army that assaults La Pointe du Hoc, in the famous D-Day. The British soldiers, Sergeant John Davis and David Welsh participated in the conflict in North Africa. Davis is led by Captain Price.
3. Call of Duty: World at War (2008)
A few years after Call of Duty 3, the team at Treyarch came back and delivered their last entry based on the conflict that the series has been breathing off since its beginnings. This time, however, the campaign was only divided into two fronts: North American and Soviet forces.
You follow American Marine Private C. Miller in the Makin Island raid in 1942, and later in the Battle of Peleliu, which confronted American forces with the Japanese army. The Soviet battle takes place in the Battle of Stalingrad, but this time on the Eastern Front and fill the boots of Private Dimitri Petrenko.
4. Call of Duty 3 (2005)
The first main game in the series not to be developed by Infinity Ward, Call of Duty 3 was Treyarch’s first attempt at recreating World War II events.
Taking place specifically in 1944, armies from Britain, Poland, the United States, Canada, and France fight against the Nazi German forces in the village of Chambois, France during the Battle of Normandy.
This is the only main entry that you cannot play on a PC.
5. Call of Duty: WWII (2017)
After almost a decade and a half of the first game, studio Sledgehammer Games would return the franchise to World War II. However, this will be the first time in the main series that there’s only one protagonist in the whole campaign: Ronald “Red” Daniels, accompanied by his loyal squad. As Red, you’ll fight Nazi German forces across the European theater of War, from Normandy to Germany.
While this game has some brief flashback sequences in 1940, which would set it as the first game in the series chronologically, the core of the title takes place in 1944.
6. Call of Duty: Vanguard (2021)
In the last entry set in World War II, developer Sledgehammer Games tried one more time to bring Call of Duty to its roots and explore this historical event from a different glass.
Contrary to 2017’s WWII, you are presented with multiple characters on different fronts, such as the Eastern and Western Front. The main objective is to know more about Phoenix, a secret Nazi project that could change the tide of war in favor of Nazi Germany.
Vanguard also has flashback sequences for the different protagonists starting in 1941, but the majority of the campaign is set in 1945, near the end of the war.
7. Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010)
After two big entries, developer Treyarch changed eras and tried something new with Black Ops. Going through 1961 to 1968, you’ll experience the events of the Cold War and part of the Vietnam War for the first time in the series.
Your main protagonist, Alex Mason, works with the CIA and is tasked to remember events that would help find Soviet sleeper agents. These agents are around the United States, and they plan to release a dangerous chemical weapon called Nova 6.
8. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (2020)
Developed both by Treyarch and Raven Software, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War helps to connect the original Black Ops and Black Ops 2. While the main protagonist this time is nicknamed “Bell”, you actually get to choose your own name, gender, and other details like dialogue lines.
Set in 1981, you’ll also see the faces of previous games, as Alex Mason, Frank Woods, and Jason Hudson will group up with you. Under CIA’s Russell Adler, your elite team is supposed to catch a Soviet figure that goes by “Perseus” who is planning an attack to the United States.
9. Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 (2012)
The sequel to the original Black Ops presents two timelines: on the first one, you follow Alex Mason’s footsteps several years after he and his team successfully stopped Nova 6. It’s 1986, and Jason Hudson asks Mason to aid with the search for Frank Woods, who disappeared in Cuando Cubango, Angola.
The second timeline is centered around David Mason, Alex’s son, who’s looking for Raul Menendez in 2025. Menendez is the leader of Cordis Die, a terrorist organization that provoked the Second Cold War.
10. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007)
The last entry to have a number after “Call of Duty”, Modern Warfare is the first time the series abandoned its classic Allies vs Axis conflict for something more recent.
In 2011, Yasir Al-Fulani, the president of some fictional country from the Middle Eastern, was executed by Khaled Al-Asad, the leader of a revolutionary party. Meanwhile, around the globe, Russia is going through a civil war provoked by Imran Zakhaev, an arms dealer.
A squad commanded by Captain Price and formed by protagonist John “Soap” MacTavish and other characters will have to work to stop an international crisis.
11. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009)
Five years after the events of the previous game, Modern Warfare 2 tells the story of Vladimir Makarov, an Ultranationalist who continues the work of Imran Zakhaev. It turns out that this extremist party gained control of Russia, so Makarov gained the power to start committing terrorist acts against the United States.
Well-known faces like the recently named Captain Soap and Captain Price will join forces with Sergeant Gary “Roach” Sanderson, Lieutenant Simon “Ghost” Riley, “Nikolai”, and other agents to stop Makarov’s secret plan.
12. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2011)
The end of the first trilogy, the pursuit of terrorist Vladimir Makarov comes to its climax with Modern Warfare 3. Captain Price’s team re-arranges itself with Yuri, an ex-Spetsnaz known by Nikolai. Captain John “Soap” MacTavish is also present for the final mission.
Makarov captures Boris Vorshevsky, the president of Russia, who was going to establish peace with the United States. After threatening the president’s daughter, Makarov acquired nuclear launch codes, becoming an international danger once again.
13. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare I (2019)
In 2019, Infinity Ward decided to reboot the successful Modern Warfare series by re-using some classic characters in a new timeline. Well-known faces like Captain Price are present in a new conflict with Russia.
Set in the same year it was released, a fictional republic that goes by the name of Urzikstan is invaded by a Russian army. While this attack is going on, a terrorist organization called Al-Qatala, also from Urzikstan, begins with operations against different countries in the world. Captain Price, alongside his classic Task Force 141 and the Urzikstan Liberation Force, will try to de-escalate the conflict.
14. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022)
Also taking place in 2022, Modern Warfare II follows the story of the reboot, featuring returning characters from Task Force 141 and the Urzikstan Liberation Force leader Farah Karim.
Al-Qatala is still a threat, but all eyes are on Quds Force, an Iranian revolutionary group commanded by Hassan Zyani. Zyani works supported by Al-Qatala and the cartel of a Mexican fictional city called Las Almas, and plans terrorist acts against the United States after the assassination of General Ghorbrani, an Iranian forces leader.
15. Call of Duty: Ghosts (2013)
A standalone entry with little to no connections to previous titles, Call of Duty Ghosts was developed by Infinity Ward in 2013. As its name indicates, it was focused on the special operation group called Ghosts, a US team tasked with secret missions.
It’s 2027, and after a decade of conflicts in the Middle East and an oil crisis, a South American force called the Federation of the Americas initiated a war against the United States. Working with your new team, you’ll have to stop Gabriel T. Rorke, the former leader of Ghosts.
16. Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare (2014)
Advanced Warfare was the first entry to take place several decades from its release date. Also, it was the first game developed by Sledgehammer Games, a studio that would later take back Call of Duty to older times.
Set in 2054, you control Jack Mitchell, a member of the United States Marine Corps who will later fight in the private military corporation known as Atlas after suffering an accident. On this occasion, the enemy forces are Chechenian, a separatist group called KVA led by Joseph “Hades” Chkheidze.
It was one of the first entries to feature strong changes in the gameplay due to its futuristic setting, like the fact that soldiers now wear Exoskeletons, which bring them unique abilities.
17. Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 (2015)
The end of the initial Black Ops trilogy made by the studio Treyarch got a final part set in the future. More specifically, in the year 2065, when a Third Cold War between the Common Defense Pact and the Winslow Accord is happening. Robotic drones, cyborg supersoldiers, unpiloted air forces, and other technological advancements take the center stage in this war.
One more time, a black ops team composed of you (simply referred to as “The Player”), Jacob Hendricks, and your cybernetics division will be tasked to prevent the conflict from reaching a more dangerous state. You’ll have to investigate a strange event in Singapore, and look out for the 54 Immortals, a crime organization.
18. Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare (2016)
No Call of Duty game went further in time than Infinite Warfare. While the latest Black Ops took place in not-so-distant futures and reinforced this with special vehicles and equipment, Infinite Warfare raised the bar by taking the conflict to outer space.
Around the 2080’s, the United Nations Space Alliance was created after humans had spent all the natural resources available on Earth. Beginning the colonization and exploitation of resources on other planets, this alliance is defended by the Solar Associated Treaty Organization, a military force that battles the totalitarian regime Settlement Defense Front from Mars.
How to Play the Call of Duty Games By Release Date
Call of Duty (2003)
Call of Duty 2 (2005)
Call of Duty 3 (2006)
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007)
Call of Duty: World at War (2008)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009)
Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2011)
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 (2012)
Call of Duty: Ghosts (2013)
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare (2014)
Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 (2015)
Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare (2016)
Call of Duty: WWII (2017)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare I (2019)
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (2020)
Call of Duty: Vanguard (2021)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023)
What’s Next for Call of Duty?
At the time of writing these lines, fans of the series are still waiting for the release of the next entry, Modern Warfare III, which will launch on November 10 and close the reboot trilogy.
Meanwhile, Warzone 2.0 keeps getting frequent updates for its user base of millions of players, and Warzone Mobile is expected to be launched soon. It is yet to be seen if the series will jump into other media like TV series or movies, since Stefano Sollima’s film was announced a couple of years ago but never produced.
