Of all the Call of Duty 2021 leaks thus far, one thing that fans have latched onto is the game’s supposed title. Rumored to be called Call of Duty WW2: Vanguard, or sometimes just Call of Duty: Vanguard, this subtitle is being used by fans across the internet. While there is certainly a chance that this does turn out to be the name of the next Call of Duty game, fans should not be too certain that the title will carry over to release.
Not only have leakers like Modern Warzone suggested that the title could be changed upon release, but it would match the approach taken by Call of Duty’s biggest competitor. On top of this, a direct sequel to Call of Duty: WW2 is questionable to say the least, making the rumored title a bit less believable. With Call of Duty using codenames in the past, but changing them before release, players should bot be too shocked if Call of Duty: Vanguard continues this trend.
Could Call of Duty: Vanguard Follow In Battlefield 2042’s Footsteps?
Prior to the reveal of Battlefield 2042, nobody had predicted the game’s title. Most had simply referred to it as Battlefield 6, which would have made sense given how the mainline games are usually titled. Instead, DICE shocked gamers with the game’s unique title. While it works well given the year-based names of other Battlefield games, it certainly would not have been something that games predicted. In fact, it was assumed that the game would be a different title.
Per the reputable insider Tom Henderson, the game had been rumored to have the title of Battlefield. Removing any subtitle, the name suggested a reboot of sorts that would take the franchise in a new direction. While Battlefield 2042 is doing some new things, including a Specialist system and dynamic weather, it is not the new beginning that many had expected. Instead, it is a traditional Battlefield experience on a larger scale, with the suggested title of Battlefield proving to be incorrect.
While it is unclear if the game’s name changed during development or was always meant to be named Battlefield 2042, it is applicable to Call of Duty’s situation either way. Rumored titles have been false before, with both Battlefield 6 and Battlefield turning out to be inaccurate. Instead, fans of the franchise were given a title that they did not expect, and the same could happen with Call of Duty WW2: Vanguard. As such, when the game releases, fans should not be shocked if the name turns out to be inaccurate, with a completely different subtitle attached instead.
Why A Direct Sequel To Call of Duty: WW2 Does Not Make Sense
Another thing working against Call of Duty WW2: Vanguard is the original game’s story mode. The Call of Duty: WW2 campaign tells a self-contained story that follows a platoon of soldiers. The game wraps up with protagonist Red Daniels returning home from the war, leaving his Bronze Star at his brother’s grave. He then returns to his wife and son, beginning his life away from the battlefield and giving him a much-deserved happy ending. As such, his story is wrapped up completely, as is that of his platoon.
With this in mind, the name Call of Duty WW2: Vanguard does not make much sense. While it suggests a continuation of the story, there is no real story for such a game to continue. Further, though the story of Red and his fellow soldiers like Zussman was solid, none of the characters have become as iconic as Frank Woods or Captain Price. As such, it would be hard to build a campaign around them. While there could theoretically be more to tell with Josh Duhamel’s Sergeant Pierson, few fans of the franchise would be clamoring for more of the character.
This extends to Call of Duty: WW2’s Nazi Zombies mode as well. While it did have its strengths, such as its gnarly enemy designs and the introduction of the armor concept, it never did catch on. Its characters fell flat, and while the story had its moments, it lacked the mystique of Treyarch’s Aether narrative. With the title Call of Duty WW2: Vanguard, though, it could be assumed that this specific version of the Call of Duty Zombies mode would be returning as well. While it did have its fans, Sledgehammer Games would have a hard time convincing fans to come back for more. With its dark ending also not leaving much room for a follow-up, it is hard to imagine a second outing for Sledgehammer's Nazi Zombies.
Call of Duty: Vanguard And Past Call of Duty Codenames
The final thing to keep in mind about Call of Duty: Vanguard is that it could simply be a codename for Sledgehammer Games’ latest project. Call of Duty has dabbled with codenames in the past, and they have not stuck with the game upon release. The latest example of this is The Red Door, which was Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War’s codename. While it does reference a significant plot point from the campaign, it was ultimately very different from what the game’s final title became.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 fans may remember Call of Duty: Iron Wolf as well, as it served as the 2012 title’s codename. Overall, titles like this show that a game could have an internal name that is very different from that of the final product. As such, players may want to look at the title as a hint of what the game could be like as opposed to its actual name. With vanguard being defined as the part of a military force that leads the charge into battle, players can expect to be seeing some of the conflict’s greatest fights from the very beginning.
While it is impossible to say if Call of Duty WW2: Vanguard will or will not serve as the title for the game, the Call of Duty community has a few reasons to be doubtful. Further, if it were to stick, it would make sense if the “WW2” portion were dropped. Not only is Call of Duty: Vanguard a fine enough name on its own, but it would sever ties between 2021’s entry and the divisive Call of Duty game from 2017. As such, until it is officially confirmed, gamers should remain doubtful of the Call of Duty: Vanguard title.
Call of Duty: Vanguard is rumored to be releasing this November for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.