The Call of Duty franchise has been a mainstay of the video game industry for nearly two decades, thanks to its fascinating narrative, adrenaline-pumping gameplay, and iconic characters. But beyond the battlefield, Call of Duty has also spawned many Internet memes that have gone viral, bringing a touch of humor to an otherwise gritty and intense game. This article delves into some of the most viral Call of Duty memes and explores why they have become such a hit with the gaming community.
50,000 people lived here
One of the most viral Call of Duty memes is “50,000 people used to live here, now it’s a ghost town,” a line from Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. Captain Price utters this phrase as he and his team traverse the desolate landscape of Pripyat, Ukraine. The phrase quickly became a meme for its dramatic and somewhat exaggerated tone, which gamers found amusing. It is often used to describe situations where the number of people or activities is drastically reduced, making it a versatile meme that transcends the gaming community.
Press F to pay your respects
Another iconic Call of Duty meme is “Press F to show your respects” from Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare. In a touching scene, players are asked to press the “F” key to pay their respects at a funeral. The Internet quickly echoes the meme, finding humor in the game’s attempt to evoke emotion through a simple keyboard command. Since then, the meme has been widely used on the Internet to show respect or acknowledge someone’s misfortune, often humorously or sarcastically.
Ghost staring into space
The “Ghost staring into space” meme originates from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. Ghost, one of the franchise’s most beloved characters, often appears in fan-made memes with a blank stare into the distance, usually accompanied by introspective or existential thoughts. This meme resonates with gamers due to Ghost’s popularity and the contrast between his tough exterior and the deep, often humorous thoughts attributed to him in the meme.
No Russians
Finally, “No Russians,” a phrase from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, has also become a viral meme. The phrase is spoken during one of the game’s most controversial missions, in which players, infiltrated by a Russian terrorist group, are instructed not to speak Russian to maintain their cover. The meme often comments on situations where someone tries to go unnoticed or hide their true identity. Its viral nature is due to the mission’s infamy and the phrase’s applicability to various humorous situations.
These viral memes highlight the cultural impact of the Call of Duty franchise, which extends its influence beyond the realm of video games. Whether it’s the dramatic “50,000 people lived here,” the respectful “Press F,” the introspective “Ghost staring into space,” or the covert “No Russians,” these memes have become part of Internet culture.
