Call of Duty traded enemies for corporations: the story behind

For years, Call of Duty reinforced a narrative pattern in which the United States presented itself as the protector of law and order against foreign enemies. From World War II to modern-day settings, the franchise clearly demonstrated who was "good" and who was "evil."

However, as the saga expanded globally, each narrative choice became more sensitive, reflecting international perceptions and potentially generating political tensions.

Glen Schofield, former director of the franchise, revealed that a key moment was during the Modern Warfare 3 press tour. Upon being ordered to travel to Russia with a security escort, he felt uneasy:

"I didn't feel safer with a bodyguard. I was worried about traveling and wanted to be able to visit those countries safely," Schofield told PC Gamer.

That incident was decisive. For his next project, Advanced Warfare , he decided not to single out any country as an enemy , changing the franchise's classic narrative.

The narrative solution was to pit the player against private military companies (PMCs) and corporations, rather than entire nations. This decision not only mitigated personal risks but also opened up a new creative dimension in gaming:

• More complex and ambiguous antagonists.
• Conflicts centered on corporate and ethical interests.
• Freedom to explore international stories without generating geopolitical controversy.

Advanced Warfare was the first title to implement this strategy, where PMCs became the axis of the conflict, maintaining the excitement and drama of war, but from an innovative angle.

This change in narrative had several consequences:

1. Greater international acceptance , avoiding criticism from foreign governments and media.
2. Creative expansion , allowing exploration of complex villains and more mature plots.
3. Innovation in the saga , which maintained the excitement and action without resorting to national stereotypes.

The focus on private corporations became a model that other shooters began to replicate, proving that video game narratives can evolve without losing their identity.

Glenn Schofield 's decision to replace countries with corporations redefined the Call of Duty narrative, showcasing how video games can combine action with ethical responsibility and creativity. The series remains a leader, but now with a more global and less controversial focus.