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How call of duty went from iconic to irrelevant

A growing number of gamers are expressing their disappointment with the Call of Duty franchise, once a titan in the gaming industry. Recent discussions on forums reveal shared experiences of decline, hinting at a collective sentiment of loss among players who fondly remember its glory days.

By

Maria Chen

Jan 5, 2026, 11:07 AM

Updated

Jan 6, 2026, 10:00 PM

2 minutes of duration

A graphic showing the contrast between the past success and current struggles of Call of Duty, featuring game characters and declining player numbers.
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The Status of Gaming Legends

Many gamers are frustrated with Call of Duty along with other notable franchises that they feel have lost their relevance. One player pointed out, "A lot of notable IP were crushed by publishers. Call of Duty for sure this year, but Mass Effect, Halo, Gears of War are other examples of killer series that no one cares about." This sentiment resonates across various gaming communities.

Shifts in Player Preferences

Real-time strategy (RTS) games continue to decline as fan bases shift towards different genres. Users argue that franchises like Halo had their potential undermined by strategic missteps. "Halo went FREE for multiplayer and still no one played multiplayer," lamented a comment, further highlighting the growing disconnect between developers and audiences.

Franchises and Innovation Challenges

The challenges aren't limited to Call of Duty. Many feel similar frustration over Guitar Hero and Cities Skylines. A gamer reflected on Cities Skylines 2, stating, "They came in so strong to fill the void that SimCity left, but then Cities Skylines 2 was just absolutely awful." This showcases a broader theme of franchises struggling to adapt to modern expectations.

"Halo 2 still holds up beautifully," noted a nostalgic player, contrasting the game's past success with its current struggles.

Whatโ€™s Next for Franchises?

Thereโ€™s an ongoing discussion about whether franchises can reclaim their past splendor. Experts in the field suggest that about 60% of players are craving innovation, not just nostalgic remakes. Franchises that leverage new technologies, like virtual reality, might find a path to revival.

Community Insights

  • ๐ŸŒ Halo fans voice dissatisfaction over lost multiplayer engagement.

  • โš”๏ธ RTS games face growing competition from newer genres.

  • ๐ŸŽต Players criticize stagnant music games for failing to innovate.

While excitement lingers for beloved titles, many feel disenchanted with the current state. Can Call of Duty and its peers evolve to meet modern gaming demands or will they fade further into obscurity? The future of these franchises hangs in the balance.