Activision confirms a new Call of Duty subfranchise is in development

Activision is cooking up a brand new subfranchise for Call of Duty, per IGN. The company's chief marketing officer, Tyler Bahl, confirmed the project in an interview with The Game Business, signaling a shift away from the recent Black Ops and Modern Warfare eras.

Bahl stated that the path forward is about innovation, not leaning on legacy. He said the audience feedback is clear: they want "new or better or different." The marketing exec did not specify which studio is developing the title or when it might release.

According to IGN, speculation points to Sledgehammer Games as the likely developer, with a potential release next year. The outlet also highlighted a 2025 rumor from leaker TheGhostofHope suggesting the game could have a martial arts focus, incorporating elements like karate kicks into its combat.

GameSpot reports that this news follows a five-year streak of annual Black Ops or Modern Warfare releases. The upcoming Modern Warfare 4, out next week, will conclude the current story arc from Infinity Ward, though Bahl suggested its universe could continue in some form.