Evolution of Online Multiplayer Gaming: Social Aspects in Call of Duty and Other Franchises from 2010 to 2020

The landscape of online multiplayer gaming has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade, with social aspects playing a crucial role in shaping the gaming experience. This article explores how the evolution from 2010 to 2020 impacted the social aspects of gaming, particularly in franchises like Call of Duty.

2010-2013: The Rise of Voice Chat and MMOs

In the early 2010s, online multiplayer gaming witnessed the rise of voice chat and mass multiplayer online (MMO) games. Traditional MMOs like World of Warcraft (WoW) remained popular, while League of Legends became a hub for competitive gaming. At this time, communications in games primarily relied on Ventrilo, Teamspeak, and Skype, making the early days of team-based games before Discord were deemed the 'Dark Ages' of voice communications. Despite these limitations, clans and guilds became the norm, fostering strong social bonds among players.

However, the rise of troll culture and griefing also emerged. Games like Call of Duty witnessed rampant insults and toxic behavior in multiplayer lobbies. The phrase "Git Gud" (get good) became a popular expression, representing a shift towards competitive and sometimes hostile social dynamics.

2014-2017: Twitch Esports and the Memeification of Gaming

The mid-2010s marked the rise of esports and streaming culture with the rise of platforms like Twitch. Streaming wasn't just about playing games; it also involved interacting with viewers through chat and community. Memes became a significant part of this culture, particularly with the popularization of characters like Pepe.

In 2015, Discord was released, revolutionizing the social landscape in gaming. Discord allowed for the formation of smaller, more niche communities, fostering tighter-knit groups and reducing the prevalence of toxic behavior. Gaming clans began to decline as players opted for more personalized and decentralized communities.

Nevertheless, toxicity remained a prominent issue in many games. The gaming community often celebrated toxic behavior to some extent, but the shift towards more structured and supportive communities was evident in the increasing importance of Squad play and the formation of dedicated groups.

2018-2020: Battle Royale Takeover and Gaming for Normies

The late 2010s saw the emergence of battle royale games such as Fortnite, PUBG (PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds), and Apex Legends. These games not only changed the landscape of competitive gaming but also made gaming more accessible to a broader audience, including those who were previously uninterested in gaming.

Fortnite, in particular, revolutionized the social aspect of gaming by transforming it into a social platform. The game introduced features such as in-game concerts, parties, and events, making it a hot spot for social interaction. The game's popularity among mainstream audiences led to the infiltration of normie culture, often characterized by internet trends and vernacular. While some found it an invasion of gaming culture, it also brought gaming into the mainstream, reaching a wider audience.

Other games like Among Us and Fall Guys further popularized casual social gaming, bringing more people into the fold and emphasizing the importance of social interaction even in simpler game formats. These games highlighted the growing importance of community and social aspects in driving player engagement.

In conclusion, the evolution of online multiplayer gaming has profoundly impacted the social dynamics of gaming, particularly in franchises like Call of Duty. From the rise of voice chat and MMOs to the memes and esports revolution, and finally to the battle royale era, the social aspects of gaming have continually evolved. These changes have not only transformed how players interact but have also integrated social interactions into the very fabric of gaming culture.