Activision Confirms Brand New Call of Duty Subfranchise Is in the Works, Leading to Rampant Fan Speculation

Activision is actively developing a new Call of Duty subfranchise, suggesting it is ready to move on from Black Ops and Modern Warfare for the time being.

In a new interview with The Game Business, Activision's Chief Marketing Officer, Tyler Bahl, confirmed that one of its studios is developing a new Call of Duty subfranchise. Although Bahl didn't state which studio is making it or when it would release, it is widely believed this will be the next game from Sledgehammer Games, expected to release next year. He also noted that Modern Warfare 4 will conclude the story that Infinity Ward has been telling since 2019, but suggested that universe could continue in the future with certain characters.

However, Activision believes the path forward for Call of Duty is less about leaning on legacy franchises and familiar faces, and more about innovation.

“Where we go with future games, we have to innovate," said Bahl. …