This 2012 video game predicted the 2025 US–China Trade War, and the internet can’t believe it |

Call of Duty: Black Ops II Video game predicted the 2025 US–China Trade War

In an uncanny case of fiction overlapping with reality, gamers and political observers alike are drawing parallels between the storyline of Call of Duty: Black Ops II—a military-themed video game released in 2012—and the current trade and diplomatic standoff between the United States and China in the year 2025. What once seemed like a purely speculative plot about futuristic warfare and international cyberconflict now appears to mirror ongoing global developments with surprising precision. The similarities extend beyond general themes of geopolitical rivalry; specific plot points, economic triggers, and even calendar dates portrayed in the game have stunned the public and sparked widespread conversation across social media. With global trade relations in flux and international security concerns mounting, the apparent foresight shown in Black Ops 2 is being reexamined not just by fans but by those analyzing the complexities of present-day international relations.

Call of Duty’s 2012 vision of a 2025 US–China showdown

Released in November 2012, Call of Duty: Black Ops II marked a significant departure from previous entries in the franchise by venturing into a near-future setting. The game toggles between the late 1980s and the year 2025, featuring a new form of Cold War involving advanced technology, cyberweapons, and autonomous military drones.
The central antagonist, Raul Menendez, orchestrates a cyberattack on China’s stock market, triggering a worldwide economic crisis. In retaliation, the fictional Chinese government halts exports of rare earth elements—a vital component for global electronics and military equipment—effectively weaponizing its monopoly on these resources. The crisis rapidly escalates, resulting in heightened tensions between the United States and China, placing the two superpowers on the brink of a second Cold War. The game’s storyline further intensifies with drone warfare, hijacked military systems, and a global battle for control over digital and economic infrastructures.

Real-world events in 2025 resembling game narrative

As of April 2025, geopolitical events involving the United States and China bear a striking resemblance to this storyline. As per reports, former US President Donald Trump has recently announced a sweeping set of tariffs on global imports, framed as “reciprocal measures” against trade imbalances. While many nations face a tariff rate of 10%, China has been specifically targeted with rates as high as 84%, with indications that this figure could rise to 125% in the near future.
This dramatic escalation in trade barriers closely mirrors the game’s depiction of economic warfare. In addition, mounting discussions about rare earth supply chains and China’s control over these resources have surfaced, echoing the fictional embargo that catalyzed the game’s global conflict.
Perhaps most remarkably, Black Ops 2 places the onset of its fictional war on April 19 and 20, 2025—dates that are now just days away. Social media users have taken notice, widely circulating screenshots from the game showing these specific dates and drawing eerie comparisons to real-world headlines.

Gamers react to the fiction-reality parallel

Across social media platforms, users are expressing amazement—and some concern—at the overlap between the game’s plot and actual developments in global politics. Posts have ranged from humorous takes to serious reflections.
One user noted, “It’s 2025 and we’re basically living through the Black Ops 2 campaign in real life.” Another joked, “Trump might’ve taken his foreign policy directly from Black Ops 2.” A more serious comment suggested, “The developers of Black Ops 2 need to be investigated. How did they predict this so accurately?”
The viral nature of these posts has turned Black Ops 2 into a surprising focal point of current geopolitical discussions, despite being a 13-year-old video game.

Importance of rare Earth elements in modern conflict

A central theme in both the game and today’s geopolitical tensions is the strategic importance of rare earth elements. These 17 metallic elements are essential for manufacturing high-tech devices, electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and advanced weaponry. China currently dominates global rare earth production, accounting for more than 60% of total output and refining capabilities.
Any real-world restriction or embargo on rare earth exports, as fictionalized in Black Ops 2, could severely disrupt global supply chains and technological infrastructure—adding economic leverage to diplomatic standoffs. Recent discussions among US and European policymakers have acknowledged the vulnerability of depending on a single source for such critical materials.

Technological warfare and cybersecurity risks

Another major parallel between the game and real-world developments is the role of cyberwarfare. In Black Ops 2, the antagonist gains control of the US drone fleet through a large-scale digital breach. In reality, cybersecurity concerns have become a central issue in international relations, with numerous cyberattacks targeting government institutions, financial markets, and defense contractors in recent years.
Governments across the globe are now actively investing in cyberdefense and cybersecurity infrastructure to protect against threats similar to those envisioned in the game. Artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and digital espionage have all become frontline components of 21st-century military and diplomatic strategy.

Platforms where Call of Duty: Black Ops II is available

For those interested in revisiting the game that seems to have foretold elements of today’s geopolitical climate, Call of Duty: Black Ops II is available on:

Despite its age, the game remains a cult favorite due to its innovative mechanics, branching narrative structure, and now, its unexpectedly prescient plot.