A New Call Of Duty Sub-Series Is Coming, After Years Of Black Ops and Modern Warfare
Activision has announced plans for a new Call of Duty sub-franchise, marking a significant shift in the long-running shooter series’ development strategy. Chief Marketing Officer Tyler Bahl confirmed the news in an interview with The Game Business, revealing that one of Activision’s studios is already working on the project.
The announcement comes as Modern Warfare 4 approaches its launch next week (with campaign early access beginning tomorrow), which represents the fifth consecutive year that Call of Duty has released either a Black Ops or Modern Warfare title. This new sub-franchise signals Activision’s intent to break away from the recent cycle of alternating between these two franchises.
While Bahl did not specify which studio is developing the new sub-franchise or provide a concrete release date, industry speculation suggests Sledgehammer Games will be responsible for the next entry, potentially launching in 2027. Modern Warfare 4, being developed by Infinity Ward, will serve as the conclusion to the narrative arc the studio has been building across recent entries.
This strategic pivot reflects a broader pattern in Call of Duty’s history. For years, the franchise alternated primarily between Modern Warfare and Black Ops entries, with occasional standalone titles like Advanced Warfare, WWII, and Vanguard providing variety. The new sub-franchise represents an opportunity to introduce fresh themes, gameplay mechanics, and storylines beyond the established frameworks that have dominated recent releases.
The decision to avoid back-to-back sequels within the same sub-series demonstrates Activision’s desire to maintain franchise diversity and prevent player fatigue. By introducing a new sub-franchise, the publisher aims to keep Call of Duty fresh while continuing to leverage one of gaming’s most successful intellectual properties.