A lot of discussion is predictably taking place following the recent announcement ofCall of Duty: Black Ops 7, with the reveal standing as one of the biggest announcements to take place at the Xbox Games Showcase. Coming in the form of a fairly brief trailer, the reveal ofBlack Ops 7gave a good overview of what the title will eventually have in store, particularly in terms of its single-player narrative.
From the trailer, it was confirmed that a lot of the early rumors aroundCall of Duty: Black Ops 7were true, with the characters and themes of the cinematic painting the project as a direct sequel to 2012’sBlack Ops 2. Being set in 2035,Black Ops 7has already shown the advanced semi-futuristic technology that will be at the heart of its single-player and multiplayer modes, with iconic characters like Raul Menendez even making an appearance in the reveal trailer. However, the most prominent figure in the trailer was David Mason, the protagonist ofBlack Ops 2, with it indicating that Treyarch is fully moving past the successful era of games that instead saw Alex Mason at the helm of the franchise.
David Mason is Back in the Driver’s Seat with Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
One of the most ambitious elements of 2012’sBlack Ops 2was the way in which it split its story between a more traditional historic setting and a semi-futuristic 2025 storyline. Crucially, the game’s 2025-set narrative was led by Alex Mason’s son, David Mason. This direct link to the franchise’s roots allowedBlack Ops 2to feature a truly unique and ambitious setting while still anchoring itself to the widerBlack Opsstoryline, with David’s role being a big part ofwhat madeBO2’s story so well-received.
As a direct sequel toBlack Ops 2, it is no wonder that David Mason will once again find himself as a protagonist throughout the events of the upcomingBlack Ops 7. Clearly, Treyarch still feels that there is a lot of narrative potential that David and the semi-futuristicBlack Opsstoryline has to offer. It seemed for a while as if Treyarch was unwilling to laythe consistent appearances of Alex Mason across theBlack Opsfranchiseto rest, yetBlack Ops 7is shaping up to finally signify this changing of the guard.
TheBlack OpsandModern Warfarefranchises have been defined by the wide range of iconic characters that belong to both sub-franchises, with there not being manyCoDfigures that stand out more than Alex Mason.As the major protagonist of the originalBlack Ops, Mason is largely considered the face of the series. With Alex Mason going on to play major roles, it is clear that David’s new stint in the spotlight has a lot to live up to.
David Mason Could Be the Key
One of the toughest parts ofBlack Ops 7’s story from Treyarch’s perspective will be deciding on the canon consequences ofBlack Ops 2’s multiple story paths, althoughBlack Ops 6has already settled one of the most divisive.Black Ops 6confirmed to players that Alex Mason did dieduring the events ofBlack Ops 2, being accidentally killed by Frank Woods due to the deception of Raul Menendez. Alex Mason’s timeline is now quite rigid in terms of what Treyarch can do with the character, making now the perfect time for David to step up to the plate.
Alongside this new canon, it appears as ifBlack Ops 7’s story will be centered around theBlack Ops 2ending in which David Mason executes Menendez. With this triggering the Cordis Die movement to carry out global riots, mass civil unrest is likely the lifeblood ofBO7’s narrative.
This confirmation makes it extremely unlikely for Alex Mason to appear in any significant capacity in futureBlack Opstitles, even through historically-set games. Ultimately, it seems as if Treyarch now has its eyes firmly set on the futuristic era of the franchise’s narrative. The40-year gap betweenBlack Ops 2andBlack Ops 3’s storiesseems like a setting that can go far beyond justBlack Ops 7if Treyarch chooses to continue the sub-franchise. With David Mason being the logical protagonist for these future potential projects, he could easily forge an overall legacy similar to his father’s.
