A New Call of Duty Subfranchise Is Currently Under Development

Activision is looking to shake up its flagship shooter series. In a recent interview with The Game Business, Activision Chief Marketing Officer Tyler Bahl confirmed that the company is actively developing a brand-new Call of Duty subfranchise, signaling a potential pivot away from the long-standing Black Ops and Modern Warfare brands. As reported by IGN, the move comes as the publisher identifies a clear need for innovation to meet evolving player tastes and a shifting gaming landscape.

Focusing on Innovation

While Bahl did not disclose which specific studio is heading the project or provide a release window, industry speculation suggests it could be the next title from Sledgehammer Games. Bahl emphasized that the audience is demanding “new, better, or different” experiences, noting that the company must adapt as competitors emerge rapidly. This strategic shift aims to move beyond legacy titles and familiar faces, though Bahl did note that the Modern Warfare universe, which has been central to Infinity Ward’s storytelling since 2019, may still see certain characters return in future projects.

Rumors and Studio History

Speculation regarding the new title is already heating up. According to information cited by IGN, rumors suggest Sledgehammer Games may be exploring a focus on martial arts mechanics, potentially drawing inspiration from “gun-fu” style combat. This would mark a significant departure for a series typically defined by its fast-paced, first-person gunplay. Sledgehammer has a history of attempting to innovate within the franchise, dating back to their early, cancelled Vietnam-era third-person project and the introduction of advanced movement and exosuits in Advanced Warfare.

Why it matters

For players, this announcement confirms that the repetitive cycle of Modern Warfare and Black Ops releases is likely coming to an end. After more than five years of constant reliance on these two subfranchises, a new entry suggests that Activision is finally prepared to take risks with the series’ core identity.

While details on the gameplay mechanics remain speculative, the shift toward innovation indicates that developers are looking for ways to refresh the Call of Duty formula. Players should watch for official confirmation on the studio involved and any potential technical playtests, as this could signal a fundamental change in how the franchise handles its competitive and narrative-driven modes in the coming years.