Activision confirmed that a future Call of Duty game will introduce a completely new sub-franchise. The move marks a major shift for the long-running shooter series, which has recently relied heavily on the Modern Warfare and Black Ops brands.
Tyler Bahl, Activision’s chief marketing officer, said the company has already laid the groundwork for the new project. He described it as a new sub-franchise rather than a one-off release, indicating that Activision plans to build a lasting new pillar for the franchise.
A break from familiar brands
The upcoming game will not belong to Modern Warfare, Black Ops, or any other established Call of Duty sub-series. Activision has not revealed its title, setting, storyline, or release date.
The confirmation follows years of alternating releases between Modern Warfare and Black Ops. A new sub-franchise could give the publisher room to introduce fresh characters, narratives, gameplay systems, and multiplayer concepts. Although Activision has not officially announced a launch window, Call of Duty reporter CharlieIntel reports that the new sub-franchise will debut in 2027. The report says Sledgehammer Games is leading development.
According to the same report, “The game will use a modern setting. It is also expected to emphasise movement mechanics, although it will not include jetpacks. These details remain unconfirmed by Activision.”
Why the Shift Matters
Call of Duty remains one of the world’s biggest gaming franchises, but repeated entries within familiar sub-series have raised concerns about creative fatigue. A new branch allows Activision to refresh the franchise without abandoning its core first-person-shooter audience.
The move may also help Activision differentiate future annual releases. Instead of extending Modern Warfare or Black Ops indefinitely, the company can develop separate identities, stories, and gameplay identities under the broader Call of Duty banner.
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