The Terminator is Having a Bit of a Gaming Moment
The iconic franchise makes waves in the gaming world with crossovers in Call of Duty and Mortal Kombat
The Terminator franchise, known for its explosive action and thrilling time-travel narrative, has left an indelible mark on pop culture for over four decades. While the series hasn’t seen a critically acclaimed movie since Terminator 2: Judgment Day in 1991, the franchise has remained a staple of mainstream media, especially in the world of gaming. From games to cameos in other popular titles, Terminator has found ways to stay relevant in the gaming landscape, and 2023 is shaping up to be another year where the cybernetic action hero takes center stage.
The Return of The Terminator in Call of Duty
It’s safe to say that Call of Duty has become one of the most popular franchises in the world, and its collaboration with Terminator has given fans the chance to step into the shoes of Arnold Schwarzenegger's T-800 or Robert Patrick's T-1000. The first crossover came back in August 2022, with Call of Duty: Vanguard and Warzone offering special limited-time bundles that allowed players to wield the power of the iconic robots. The bundles featured skins of the T-800 and T-1000, complete with unique voice lines, weapon blueprints, and additional themed cosmetics based on Terminator 2: Judgment Day.
However, the Terminator presence in Call of Duty doesn’t stop there. As the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Season 2 rolls out in early February, players will once again be able to purchase a Terminator-themed Operator bundle. This time, the skin will be based on Schwarzenegger’s original T-800 from the 1985 film, along with a version of the Terminator’s unmistakable metallic endoskeleton. The bundle will also come with several themed items like weapon blueprints, a finishing move, an emote, and a variety of cosmetics. This ongoing crossover demonstrates just how Terminator continues to maintain its place in the spotlight, especially within the Call of Duty community.
T-1000 Joins Mortal Kombat 1
Another major gaming title that has embraced the Terminator franchise is Mortal Kombat 1. The Mortal Kombat series has been known for its colorful cast of iconic guest characters, and it looks like the T-1000 from Terminator 2 is set to join the ranks. As the final DLC fighter in Mortal Kombat 1’s current lineup, the T-1000 will bring his shape-shifting abilities and deadly moves to the roster. While there’s no confirmed release date yet, it’s expected that the T-1000 will arrive sometime in March. Fans can likely expect a brutal and exciting addition to the roster, with the character bringing a new dimension to Mortal Kombat’s signature fighting style.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Mortal Kombat has featured a Terminator character. The T-800 appeared in Mortal Kombat 11 as a DLC character back in October 2019. While the character had Arnold Schwarzenegger's likeness, the voice role was taken over by Chris Cox, as Schwarzenegger didn’t reprise his iconic role. The inclusion of the T-800 was well-received, and now the T-1000 looks to bring even more Terminator action to Mortal Kombat 1’s already impressive roster.
The Ongoing Legacy of Terminator in Gaming
The Terminator franchise may have slowed down in the movie world, but its presence in gaming is stronger than ever. Whether it’s special bundles in Call of Duty, guest appearances in Mortal Kombat, or the numerous other Terminator-themed games and skins released over the years, the franchise’s legacy continues to thrive. As the years go on, fans can expect even more crossovers and updates that keep the Terminator universe alive in the hearts of gamers. For now, Call of Duty and Mortal Kombat are keeping the cybernetic hero at the forefront, ensuring that Terminator will continue to be a part of the gaming world for years to come.