Activision has officially confirmed that the hugely popular Call of Duty franchise is set to expand with an entirely new sub-series. Development work on this fresh chapter has already commenced, signaling a significant evolution for the long-running shooter.
A New Direction for Call of Duty
In an interview with The Game Business, Activision’s Chief Marketing Officer, Tyler Bahl, revealed that the foundational development for this new sub-series is underway. While details regarding the game’s name, specific gameplay mechanics, and release date remain under wraps, the announcement marks a departure from the series’ recent focus.
For the past several years, the Call of Duty franchise has primarily revolved around two major sub-series: Modern Warfare and Black Ops. Activision has released titles like Modern Warfare 2 and Modern Warfare 3, followed by planned releases of Black Ops 6 in 2024 and Black Ops 7 in 2025.
Bahl acknowledged that the strategy of releasing consecutive titles within the same sub-series hasn’t always met player expectations. He stated, “Players want to see fresh content.” The emphasis is on significant stylistic shifts, even when games feature different historical settings or introduce new gameplay features. This desire for novelty has spurred Activision to develop a brand-new sub-series aimed at exploring different creative directions for the franchise.
Focus on Modern Warfare 4
Despite the exciting news of a new sub-series, Activision’s immediate priority remains the upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4. Bahl emphasized that the company is dedicated to addressing player feedback with this installment, aiming to deliver an experience that resonates with the community.
The development team behind Modern Warfare 4 is focusing on a realistic military shooter experience. Bahl detailed the team’s ambition to return to the franchise’s roots with a solid, grounded military shooting style. Key elements being reinforced include enhanced cinematic presentation and a heightened sense of realism, all while re-emphasizing the core tenets that have long defined the Call of Duty series.
Early Rumors and Future Prospects
Speculation about a new sub-series has been circulating for some time. In July 2025, prominent leaker TheGhostofHope suggested on X that a Call of Duty title planned for a 2027 release would be developed by Sledgehammer Games and would initiate a new sub-series. At the time, rumors hinted at a modern setting, the exclusion of jetpacks, and a potential focus on improving character movement mechanics.
Further unsubstantiated claims from the same leaker mentioned the possible inclusion of hand-to-hand combat or martial arts elements, such as karate-style kicks and chops. While these specific gameplay features were once mere rumors, they highlight the player appetite for innovation within the franchise, an appetite that Activision now appears poised to satisfy with its upcoming new sub-series.
The confirmation of a new sub-series, alongside the continued commitment to the established Modern Warfare line, suggests a dynamic future for Call of Duty, promising both familiar thrills and exciting new experiences for its vast player base.
