Call of Duty could be about to undergo one of its biggest franchise shake-ups in years, with reports suggesting Activision may bring in a brand new sub-series next year rather than going back to Black Ops or Modern Warfare straight away. If true, the move would be a major shift for a franchise that has relied heavily on those two names for many of its biggest releases. The rumoured change could mean a new setting, new characters, redesigned multiplayer systems, and a new identity for the annual blockbuster shooter for U.S. players.
Call of Duty Could Drop Black Ops And Modern Warfare
For years the Call of Duty release cycle has been dominated by Black Ops and Modern Warfare. Both brands have built enormous followings, returned to again and again through sequels, reboots and connective storylines.
A brand new sub-series would give Activision the chance to reset expectations, while still maintaining the core Call of Duty formula. It might also help to relieve franchise fatigue among players who feel the publisher has relied too much on familiar names.
New Sub-Series Could Bring a New Setting
The biggest question is what direction the rumoured new series could take. Activision has explored historical warfare, modern warfare, near-future warfare, and even more experimental settings throughout the history of Call of Duty.
A new branding strategy might enable developers to add a new time period or fictional conflict, without being tied to the Black Ops or Modern Warfare storylines and characters.
That flexibility can be especially useful when designing a campaign, or building a world.
Multiplayer Changes May Shape the Next Era
Multiplayer is still one of the biggest draws to Call of Duty and any new sub-series will probably have to bring more to the table than just a new name.
Players can expect to see changes to weapons, maps, movement systems, progression and competitive modes depending on where the new project goes. Activision has been steadily linking the Call of Duty releases with shared systems, seasonal content and Warzone integration, making multiplayer design a big part of every launch.
A new series might be an opportunity to reexamine some of those systems.
Warzone Integration To Be Watched Closely
Any big Call of Duty drop now has implications for Warzone. New premium games often bring weapons, operators, maps, and seasonal content that eventually connect to the free-to-play battle royale.
If Activision does something completely new, players will be watching to see how it ties into Warzone and if older content will still work.
The company will also need to balance new gameplay mechanics with the shared ecosystem that has become a core element of the franchise.
Black Ops, Modern Warfare Likely Aren’t Going Away For Good
Even with a new sub-series launching next year, that does not mean Black Ops or Modern Warfare is permanently done for Activision.
Both names continue to be the most valuable brands in the Call of Duty franchise. A temporary hiatus could give developers a little more time to plan future entries, and allow a new series to find its footing.
Activision has a history of rotating through Call of Duty developers and settings, so a new branch of the franchise fits in with its long-established release strategy.
Activision Has Not Confirmed Final Details
Until Activision makes an official announcement, take everything you hear about the rumoured new Call of Duty sub-series with a grain of salt.
The names of releases, developers, settings, platforms and launch windows are subject to change during development. Sometimes leaks and insider reports can provide the accurate information early, but that information might be very different by the time a game is revealed officially.
Sources
Activision – Official Call of Duty news, franchise updates and release information
Call of Duty – Official game news, seasonal updates, and Warzone integration info
Xbox Wire – Official Activision Blizzard and Call of Duty information under Microsoft
IGN – Coverage of Call of Duty Development, Leaks, and Franchise Plans
GameGPU – a new Call of Duty sub-series that might replace the traditional Black Ops and Modern Warfare cycle.
