Sledgehammer Games has reportedly begun conceptual work on a fresh entry in the Call of Duty franchise. An industry insider with a track record for programmatic scoops indicated in a recent column that the studio has quietly embarked on development for a new project, separate from existing releases. The report notes that the title is in its earliest phases, with planning and design workflows only just getting underway. A potential release window was floated, with some observers suggesting a target around 2025, though no official confirmation has been issued by the publisher or developer.
The same account claims that the upcoming chapter is unlikely to be a direct continuation of Call of Duty: Vanguard, which covered a World War II setting and did not meet sales expectations. According to the insider, the publisher is weighing a return to the franchise’s cadence of annual releases starting in the near term, and there is chatter about strategic pivots to keep the annual cycle intact while exploring new directions for the core series.
Within the broader context of the franchise, observers have speculated that this generation could see a shift away from the Vanguard-era narrative approach. The chatter around a broader relaunch cadence reflects ongoing industry trends where publishers balance rapid annual launches with meaningful innovations to sustain player interest across multiple platforms. While some predict a break from the typical yearly schedule, others expect continued updates and new experiences designed to appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers.
Looking ahead, there is also discussion about the possibility that 2023 may not bring a substantial new Call of Duty campaign in its traditional form. Analysts note that by 2024 the production landscape may undergo changes as the publisher evaluates its studio arrangements and potential reallocation of resources to support fresh formats and features that align with evolving player expectations.
Earlier industry commentary noted mixed reactions to remasters within the franchise, with some fans expressing disappointment over how a beloved Modern Warfare remaster had been reimagined. Critics who weighed in described the remastered experience as divergent from the original, underscoring the challenge of meeting nostalgia while delivering updated gameplay and visuals for modern audiences.