Ethan Crossfield 
Activision has indicated that a future Call of Duty release will launch an entirely new sub-franchise, potentially breaking the long-running Modern Warfare and Black Ops cycle. The publisher has not announced a date, setting, or developer, but reporting from CharlieIntel points to 2027 as the intended starting point, with Sledgehammer Games reportedly leading development.
What happened
In an interview with The Game Business, Activision Chief Marketing Officer Tyler Bahl addressed community reaction to recent Call of Duty releases. The series has moved through consecutive sequels in its two biggest brands, with Modern Warfare 3 following Modern Warfare 2 and Black Ops 7 arriving after Black Ops 6. Bahl said players were not looking for that kind of back-to-back continuation and wanted a clearer change in feel between annual entries. Activision’s answer, according to the executive, is a future game built as a new sub-franchise rather than another Modern Warfare or Black Ops installment. The company has already established the foundations for that project, although it has not publicly revealed its name, era, premise, or release window.
Why it matters
This would be the most meaningful structural shift for Call of Duty in years. Modern Warfare and Black Ops remain the franchise’s defining modern pillars, while standalone-style releases from Sledgehammer have typically filled the gaps between them. A new banner could give Activision room to establish a distinct identity instead of relying on familiar characters, timelines, and sequel numbering. That matters for players who have grown weary of closely linked annual launches, but it also creates a higher bar for the new game. A fresh brand will need to make an immediate case for its multiplayer direction, long-term support, and place in the wider Call of Duty ecosystem.
What to watch next
The 2027 timing and Sledgehammer Games involvement should still be treated as reported rather than formally confirmed by Activision. CharlieIntel has said the new sub-series is expected to begin in 2027 and be primarily developed by Sledgehammer. Earlier claims from leaker GhostOfHope suggested a modern-day setting, no jetpacks, and a strong focus on movement mechanics. None of those design details were confirmed in Activision’s interview. The clearest official signal is simply that a new Call of Duty branch is being prepared. With Modern Warfare 4 approaching release, Activision now has an opportunity to explain how this next identity will differ from the series’ established brands.
Key takeaways for Call of Duty fans
- Activision says a future Call of Duty will introduce a new sub-franchise.
- The planned title is not positioned as another Black Ops or Modern Warfare entry.
- The publisher acknowledges demand for more variety between yearly releases.
- A 2027 release and Sledgehammer Games leadership remain reported, not officially announced.
- Claims about a modern setting and movement-focused gameplay are unconfirmed.
Expert View
A new sub-series is a smarter move than another immediate sequel, provided Activision lets it stand apart in more than name. Sledgehammer has experience delivering Call of Duty games outside the two flagship brands, but the studio’s reported project will need a recognizable multiplayer hook and a confident tone from day one. For the competitive community, genuine differentiation could be more valuable than another familiar annual reset.
