The theme of World War III is one of the most common in military video games. The idea of a global conflict between the world's greatest powers provides a scenario for dramatic stories, major military operations and spectacular battles. It is especially popular in the genre of first-person shooters and military strategies, where players can participate in modern or futuristic wars involving the most advanced military technology.
In the period from 2010 to 2020, a number of games depicting a hypothetical World War III or a conflict very close to it were released. We present five interesting titles that explored this topic in different ways.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2011)
The third installment of the popular Modern Warfare trilogy brings one of the most famous depictions of the Third World War in video games. After the events of the previous games, the conflict between Russia and the Western powers escalates into a global war.
The plot follows the elite unit Task Force 141, which tries to stop the ultra-nationalist leader Vladimir Makarov, whose actions incite an international conflict. Players take part in battles all over the world, from New York and London to Paris and Berlin. The campaign is known for its large film scenes, intense battles and the dramatic ending of the trilogy.
Modern Warfare 3 was a huge commercial success and one of the best-selling titles of its generation.
Battlefield 4 (2013)
The Battlefield series is known for large multiplayer battles and a realistic depiction of modern warfare, and Battlefield 4 continues that tradition.
The action of the game takes place in the near future, where political tensions between major world powers threaten to turn into a global conflict. Players assume the role of an American soldier who tries to prevent a military coup in China and the escalation of the war between China, Russia and the United States of America.
The game is particularly famous for its environmental destruction system called “Levolution”, which allows buildings to be destroyed and the battlefield to change during battle. With a large campaign and huge multiplayer maps, Battlefield 4 became one of the most important military shooters of the decade.
World War 3 (2018)
World War 3 is a tactical multiplayer shooter from the Polish studio The Farm 51 that tries to present a realistic scenario of modern global war.
Unlike many other military games that emphasize spectacle and action, World War 3 focuses on the authenticity of military equipment, tactics and realistic combat situations. Players can participate in battles that take place in real European cities such as Warsaw, Berlin and Moscow.
The game uses modern military technology and vehicles, including drones, tanks and modern infantry equipment. The goal is to create a convincing depiction of the conflict between NATO and other world powers in a hypothetical Third World War
Wargame: Red Dragon (2014)
While many World War III games focus on action, Wargame: Red Dragon approaches the subject from a military strategy perspective.
This realistic real-time strategy puts players in control of a large military force during an alternate Cold War scenario that escalates into a global conflict. The game includes more than a thousand different military units – from tanks and helicopters to warships and fighter planes.
Battles take place on large maps representing real-world locations in Asia Pacific, and players must carefully plan their moves to outwit their opponents. Due to its deep tactical system, Wargame: Red Dragon has become highly regarded among military strategy fans.
Homefront (2011)
Homefront brings a different view of the Third World War - one in which the United States of America is occupied by a foreign power.
The action takes place in the near future where the Korean peninsula has united and become a global military power. After the economic and political collapse of the USA, a new superpower launches an invasion on American soil.
Players assume the role of a member of the resistance movement fighting against the occupying forces. The story is inspired by historical guerilla wars and depicts the civilian population trying to survive in an occupied country.
Although the game received mixed reviews, its political background and depiction of occupied America left a strong impression on players.
