The next entry in Activision Blizzard’s popular Call of Duty franchise is shaping up as a standalone, full-scale release that also serves as a direct follow-up to Modern Warfare II from 2022. Reports from industry insiders describe a plan where the new game behaves like a fresh title while continuing the narrative and gameplay thread from the 2022 installment.
People close to the project indicate that Activision aims for a release that feels complete on its own, yet remains intrinsically tied to Modern Warfare II. The idea is to deliver a robust single-player campaign alongside a comprehensive multiplayer experience, while integrating elements from the prior game rather than presenting it as a simple expansion.
Sources familiar with the development add that developers may port maps and mods from the previous year to the new title. This approach would allow players to experience familiar environments and modes within a refreshed framework, potentially saving development time while offering updated visuals, balance tweaks, and new content.
Another aspect under consideration is a flexible setting strategy. The studio is reportedly weighing the option of alternating between modern warfare environments and historical themes within the same franchise cycle. This could lead to a cadence where new installments appear roughly every two years, rather than annually, while maintaining continuity across releases.
The decision to adjust the cadence follows a recent shift in the series after a World War II installment released in the early part of the last decade faced mixed reception and underperformed against expectations. The franchise has since explored various formats and eras to broaden its appeal and refresh its core gameplay loop.
Industry observers note that balancing the depth of a full campaign with the evolving multiplayer ecosystem remains a key challenge. The studio appears to be prioritizing a cohesive product that can stand on its own while leveraging the strengths of existing content, including familiar maps and modes, to deliver a compelling experience from day one.
As the project progresses, players and critics alike are watching for how the narrative threads from the 2022 title will weave into the new release, how new settings will be introduced, and how the team will manage the development timeline to meet the expectations of a broad audience across platforms. The pattern suggests a careful blend of originality and continuity, aiming to satisfy longtime fans while attracting new players to the evolving Call of Duty universe.