Set in the 1960s during the, the game's campaign follows operative Alex Mason as he attempts to recall certain memories in combat in order to locate a. This station is due to transmit broadcasts to who are bound to use chemical weapons across the United States.
Mason and CIA operative Jason Hudson are the game's main playable characters, as well as soldier in only one mission. Locations featured in the game include Cuba, Russia, United States, Kazakhstan, Hong Kong, Laos, Vietnam, and the Arctic Circle. The multiplayer of Black Ops features multiple objective-based game modes that are playable on 14 different maps included with the game. Improvements to loadout options and killstreak rewards are made. A form of virtual currency, COD Points, allows players to purchase weapons and customization options for their in-game character, as well as attachments and customization options for their weapon. Development for the game began in 2009.