Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007)

Released on November 5, 2007, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare by Infinity Ward represented a complete reinvention of the franchise. Abandoning World War II for a fictional modern conflict, it introduced players to a tight, cinematic single-player campaign and a multiplayer suite that fundamentally changed competitive shooters. The campaign featured missions across the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Russia, told from multiple perspectives. Standout sequences — including a gunship mission seen from above and an unforgettable aftermath of a nuclear detonation — demonstrated that shooters could carry genuine emotional weight. 💥 Multiplayer introduced a persistent progression system with ranked levels, unlockable weapons, perks, and killstreak rewards. This framework was so effective that it became the blueprint for nearly every major multiplayer shooter in the decade that followed. The game sold over 14 million copies and is frequently cited as one of the most influential games ever made. Call of Duty 4 didn't just succeed as a game — it created a template that the entire industry spent years trying to replicate. Which aspect of CoD4's multiplayer — the perk system, killstreaks, or unlock progression — do you think had the most lasting impact on gaming?