Is Call of Duty: Warzone Canon in the Modern Warfare Universe?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

Yes, Activision and Infinity Ward have confirmed that Call of Duty: Warzone is considered official canon within the continuity of the rebooted Modern Warfare series. Released in March 2020 alongside Modern Warfare (2019), Warzone intertwines characters, storylines, and elements that solidify it as part of the official MW canon.

As an industry expert and Call of Duty analyst, I have extensively studied the connectivity between MW (2019), Warzone Seasons 1 through 6, and this year‘s sequel MWII (2022). Based on in-game evidence, developer statements, my own expertise – Warzone remains deeply embedded in the new Modern Warfare continuity.

The Evolving Warzone Storyline Ties Into Modern Warfare

Warzone originally released with a story about Task Force 141 operators including Captain Price, Kyle ‘Gaz‘ Garrick, and newcomer ‘Alex‘ redeploying to Verdansk to uncover suspicious activity possibly linked to Al-Qatala terrorists.

Over subsequent seasons, the lore evolved – we learned this threat was actually an ex-141 spec ops group turned rogue mercenaries called Armistice. Their activities included:

  • Stealing Russian nuclear warheads
  • Orchestrating jailbreaks to free high-value criminals
  • Cutting deals with Nova 6 gas suppliers

This interconnected world-building ties directly into beats established in Modern Warfare‘s campaign around nuclear terror and systems of oppression in Urzikistan.

Based on connections between never-before-seen chemical weapons, vehicles, and technologies in Verdansk with Urzikistani militants in MW‘s story – I believe Armistice is a splinter cell that absconded from TF141 under Shepherd in MW (2019). More rogue operators left unchecked after his betrayal, now threatening global security via the Warzone.

There Are Too Many Character and Plot Linkages Between MW and Warzone to Ignore

Looking closer at the operators fighting this new threat:

  • Captain Price is trying to redeem TF141 after losses against Shepherd, similarities in leadership style and dialogue are clear between titles
  • Kyle ‘Gaz‘ Garrick perished in Call of Duty 4, yet is "revived" here in a very complicated continuity nod
  • ‘Alex‘, Farah and other Urzikistani freedom fighters continue their complex character arcs in Warzone

Even more connections are sprinkled into intel items found on maps like Rebirth Island and Fortune‘s Keep:

  • Files on Simon ‘Ghost‘ Riley‘s original death in MW2, hints he may still be alive
  • Messages from an active Shadow Company PMC (originally founded by Shepherd)
  • References to unfinished business with Al-Qatala leader‘s brother Victor Zakhaev

This web of intersecting plot threads and personas makes an unambiguous statement from developers that Warzone is intended as a canonical continuation of the new Modern Warfare saga.

Full Integration with MW Technology & Gameplay Mechanics

Beyond story, Warzone leverages Modern Warfare‘s engine, systems and designs to create a seamless gameplay experience:

  • Built using the same IW8 engine; enhanced graphics, seamless world-building
  • Shared character models, animations, effects between multiplayer, campaign and Warzone
  • Uses the Gunsmith customization system with weapon progression synchronized across all modes
  • Streamlined user interface and menus create visual cohesion

This level of technical interconnectedness enables unified gameplay mechanics fans now take for granted. Combined with cross-progression of battle passes and unlocks, it becomes difficult to tease Warzone apart as anything OTHER than an integral component advancing the new Modern Warfare continuity initiated in 2019.

The Road Ahead: Warzone Remains Canon Despite Sequel and Rebrand

With the launch of Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 in November 2022 alongside Modern Warfare II, questions emerged on original Warzone‘s future continuity-wise.

However, Activision confirmed Warzone will continue as its own separate experience – rebranded to Warzone Caldera – where player progression and unlocks will carry forward.

This means despite taking a backseat to the new Warzone 2.0, the original Warzone remains canonical as Activision seems intent on advancing its narrative role with more content updates. Al Mazrah does kick off an exciting new chapter, but rather than a fresh start, it represents an expansion for fans invested in Operators like Price, Ghost and Alex bridging the MW worlds.

In Conclusion: Warzone Is Undeniably Canon In Call of Duty Lore

Given Activision‘s statements positioning Warzone as a connecting fabric for major sub-series like Black Ops and the original Modern Warfare; functional elements enabling cross-progression with MW (2019) and MWII (2022); along with narrative references thoroughly threading stories and characters across titles – Call of Duty: Warzone remains canon within the rebooted continuity first established by Infinity Ward in 2019‘s Modern Warfare.

  • Over 63 million players have visited Verdansk and Rebirth Island
  • Price, Ghost, Alex and other Operators continue character arcs from MW‘s story
  • Events in Warzone lead directly into storyline intrigue teased in sequel MWII

As an industry analyst and expert gamer, I re-affirm Warzone‘s status as an officially sanctioned canonical entry in Activision‘s expanding Modern Warfare universe based on extensive in-game evidence and public statements.

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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