IntroductionCall of Duty has established itself as one of the leading first-person shooter franchises in the gaming industry, but it is also making strides in the world of esports. The latest iteration of the game, Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, features a dedicated esports mode, and the upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is expected to continue the trend with enhancements to the competitive scene. However, in this article, we will focus on Call of Duty: WWII, which took the historic setting back to the franchise and which had a major impact on competitive gaming. The Impact of Call of Duty: WWII in EsportsCall of Duty: WWII reignited the passion for competitive Call of Duty with its boots-on-the-ground gameplay that required strategy and teamwork. The return to the era of World War II and the historical setting set the stage for some of the most intense and entertaining matches. The Call of Duty World League (CWL) recognized this and made WWII the focus of its 2018 season. It was the first time since 2015 that Call of Duty had returned to its original World War II setting and the competitive scene reaped the benefits. The CWL Pro League featured 16 of the best teams from around the world in an intense season of matches that culminated in the Call of Duty Championship, where 32 of the best teams faced off to determine a winner. The event was held at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, and showcased the best of Call of Duty esports. The Future of Call of Duty EsportsThe success of Call of Duty: WWII has shown that the franchise has the potential to become a major player in esports. With the upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, the developers at Infinity Ward are focused on leveling the playing field and making the game more accessible to new players. This is an important step forward for the franchise in esports as well. The Call of Duty World League is also expanding, with a new franchised city-based league set to debut in 2020. This will bring a new level of professionalism to the scene, with team owners and players being invested in their respective cities. Cities, including New York, Los Angeles, and Paris, have already announced their teams. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare will undoubtedly be a game-changer for the franchise in esports. With its new engine, cross-play support, and emphasis on fair play, it has the potential to attract a new generation of players and fans to the scene. ConclusionCall of Duty has come a long way since its inception in 2003, and it has proven that it has what it takes to succeed in esports. With Call of Duty: WWII, the franchise reached new heights in the competitive scene, and with the upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, it has the potential to become one of the biggest names in esports. The future looks bright for this iconic first-person shooter franchise. |