Rumors swirl around the future of the Call of Duty franchise, with multiple insider claims shaping expectations for the upcoming years. One well-regarded insider suggests Activision will skip releasing a new mainline Call of Duty in 2023, opting instead for premium downloadable content that would sit in front of a next generation Modern Warfare 2 experience. The nature of this premium DLC remains unspecified, leaving fans to speculate about which maps, modes, or narrative enhancements might arrive first and how they would complement the current Modern Warfare 2 universe.
Before this premium DLC drops, another insider hinted at renewed activity around classic maps in Modern Warfare 2 from 2009, with updates aimed at bringing beloved battlegrounds into a modern framework. Such a move would bridge nostalgia with contemporary balance and performance standards, inviting both returning players and newcomers to revisit iconic locations with refreshed visuals and revised weapon ecosystems.
Journalist Jason Schreier has previously indicated that the Call of Duty series may pause its traditional yearly cadence in the near term, suggesting a short break to reassess development pipelines and long term direction. This pause could be used to align technical foundations with evolving player expectations, potentially paving the way for bolder experiments or a more stable release schedule down the line.
In other development chatter, reports have surfaced that Sledgehammer Games could release a new installment in 2025 that advances the Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare storyline. Early discussions reportedly looked at continuing the Vanguard-era narrative, but softer sales performance prompted a pivot toward a different setting, which could influence the tone, mechanics, and pacing of the next entry. Fans are watching closely to see how this shift would resonate with competitive play, campaign storytelling, and cross‑gen accessibility across current consoles and PC.
With Modern Warfare 2 slated for a fall release, the window opens for early access opportunities tied to the campaign during the initial days of launch. Players who pre-order anticipation often translates into early campaign play, giving them a head start on the narrative arcs and mission objectives that set the stage for post-launch content and community events. The evolving roadmap for this franchise continues to emphasize a blend of single‑player storytelling, expanded multiplayer, and cross‑platform progression that keeps long‑time fans and new players engaged across multiple years.
As the industry watches how Activision and its development studios navigate finite development cycles, the broader market context also matters. Platform availability, post‑launch support cadence, and the balance between premium content and free updates will likely influence how players invest in the Call of Duty ecosystem. The series’ ability to adapt to changing player expectations while preserving its core identity remains a central topic of discussion among fans, analysts, and commentators alike.
Note: These observations reflect ongoing speculation within the community and industry press as developers outline strategic priorities for upcoming releases and updates in the Call of Duty franchise.