Key information
Activision is actively developing a new Call of Duty sub-franchise, signaling a potential shift away from the established Modern Warfare and Black Ops series. CMO Tyler Bahl confirmed in an interview with The Game Business that an internal studio is currently working on this project, which aims to prioritize innovation over reliance on familiar titles.
Bahl emphasized that the company must innovate to meet evolving player preferences and market changes. While specific details remain unconfirmed, it is widely speculated that Sledgehammer Games is leading the project, with a potential release scheduled for next year. Bahl also noted that while Modern Warfare 4 will conclude the current narrative arc, the universe may persist.
Unverified rumors from 2025 suggest the upcoming title might incorporate martial arts-inspired combat, potentially drawing from the gun-fu style seen in John Wick. Implementing such mechanics in a fast-paced first-person shooter presents technical challenges, though Sledgehammer has a history of attempting radical shifts, such as the exo-movement mechanics introduced in Advanced Warfare.
This new direction marks a significant departure for the franchise, as it will be the first entry in over five years to exist outside the Modern Warfare or Black Ops brands. Whether this project can successfully revitalize fan interest remains to be seen as the studio moves away from its recent conservative output.
