Why does Call of Duty fail to innovate?

Andy L. Kubai

November 29, 2015

As a casual Call of Duty player I have always seen a great deal of potential within this very popular franchise, but as a realist I have a tendency to see things for what they truly are. And as a gamer, content creator and advocate of high quality entertainment I expect a lot, not just of myself but from others as well. The reason for that is simple, I care about what you want, because I too am a passionate gamer.

You see, with each new iteration of Call of Duty we have seen very little innovation. For at this point in time it has become nothing more than a yearly routine, and that, to say the least, is disappointing. And the unfortunate truth is that a significant portion of the Call of Duty community has become content with this franchise, and as a result we will continually see more of the same with each new iteration. Simply put, low expectations and a lack of competition is hurting this franchise.

Now, don’t get me wrong, for I’m not some ungrateful and hateful gamer that despises this fast-paced franchise, because I don’t. I’m just frustrated with this franchise and its lack of innovation as of late. Now, whether you’re playing the generic and uninteresting campaign, the been there, done that multiplayer, or Treyarch’s traditional play until you die zombie mode, I can’t help but acknowledge this franchise’s inability to provide fresh, thought-provoking content, specifically in its campaign and zombie game modes.

But as a passionate gamer that sees so much untapped potential within this franchise I can’t help but want more. And that is why I’m writing this. To help you understand that you don’t have to settle, and you don’t have to be content with less than the best, for complacency stifles creativity. And without creativity there is no innovation.

With that said, what are your thoughts, what are your opinions? Do you believe that Call of Duty games continually fail to innovate with each new iteration? Or do you believe that this franchise is fine as it is? Let us know below.