For well over a decade, theCall of Dutyfranchise has managed to release a game every single year. From the introduction of new consoles to behind-the-scenes drama like what happened withCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, the franchise has weathered every storm and managed to keep its release record intact.TheCall of Dutyserieshas never taken a skip year, though in 2021, several insiders have made it clear that now would be the time to do so.
However, withCall of Dutyhaving an impressive streak of high-selling yearly releases, it seems unlikely that Activision will ever take a year off from the series. After all, games likeCall of Duty: Black Ops Cold Warhave proven that even rough-around-the-edges entries in the series can succeed, with patches and updates used to get the game into shape. As such, while there are two scenarios that could play out thanks toCall of Duty2021’s supposed issues, only one of the two will likely happen — even if the other may be for the best.
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Call of Duty 2021’s Problematic Development
Considering thatdeveloper Sledgehammer Gameswas supposed to makeCall of Duty2020, it is not too shocking to learn that the game is still struggling in 2021. Swapped withCall of Duty: Black Ops Cold Warlast year, the change of positions can likely be blamed for the rough launch state of the latestBlack Opstitle. Alongside COVID-19 restrictions, Treyarch needed to rush its game out to fill the void left by Sledgehammer’s Call of Duty being pushed back to 2021. As a result, it lacked the amount of content and polish usually seen in aCall of Dutytitle. Unfortunately, it sounds like Sledgehammer’s game will still not be ready in time for its new launch window.
Recently, leakers claimed that development for the game was going so poorly that it would need to be canceled — withCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Multiplayer Remasteredbeing released to help fill the void. While Activision’s confirmation thatCall of Duty2021 is still happeningdispels this portion of the leaks, there is still a chance that the other information about the game is legitimate. A leaker was given a DMCA takedown for a post stating that the game’s main struggles come from an attempt to re-use assets fromCall of Duty: WW2.
WithCall of Duty’s enginesupposedly progressing too far since the 2017 release, this attempt to save time is apparently making development harder. On top of this, reputable leakers like @TheMW2Ghost have warned thatCall of Duty2021 releasing in its current state would be an extremely bad decision. Tom Henderson, another well-known source, backs up this claim. Further, he adds that there is already a recovery roadmap in place, with Activision and Sledgehammer Games both apparently aware of the game’s shortcomings. Henderson has even called the game a “disaster,” saying that its quality will cause many fans to jump over to EA’sBattlefield 6.
The Likely Outcome: A Rushed Release
Unfortunately, whileCall of Duty2021 sounds as if it could heavily benefit from more development time, that is unlikely to happen. Not only are investors expecting a premium game in 2021, but the series has shown withCall of Duty: Black Ops Cold Warthat rushed releases are salvageable. After all, the latestBlack Opsrelease has become one ofthe best-selling games of all time, showing off the sheer power that brand recognition can have. As such, it seems all-but-guaranteed that Activision will stick to the wording in the game’s recent announcement, with the nextCall of Dutydropping in late 2021.
While it remains to be seen if Tom Henderson’s recovery roadmap claims are accurate, one thing thatCall of Dutyfans can expect to see is the various studios working together. A similar strategy toCall of Duty: Black Ops Cold War’s release could be used, with various studios working on separate portions of the game. In 2020’sCall of Duty, Raven Software made the campaign, allowing Treyarch to focus its efforts on multiplayer content andits trademark Zombies mode. In the case ofCall of Duty2021, Sledgehammer Games could benefit from this strategy, with Activision’s various studios helping the game reach the finish line.
WithCrash Bandicootdeveloper Toys for Bobnow assisting withCall of Duty: Warzone, Raven may be able to divert some of its attention to makingCall of Duty2021’s campaign. WithCall of Duty: Black Ops Cold War’s story mode featuring some new characters and memorable moments, it ultimately satisfied fans. In the case ofCall of Duty2021’s Zombies offering, Treyarch stepping into assist could be the right move. Not only has its original Zombies mode proven to be the most successful of all the attempts, but this would allow Sledgehammer Games to focus completely on multiplayer. IfCall of Dutydoes stick with its plan to release a game that is supposedly unfinished, fans can expect to see several studios assisting in order to help the game reach a playable state.
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The Unlikely Outcome: A Skip Year
In a perfect world,Call of Dutywould make 2021 a skip year. Instead of releasing a new game, Sledgehammer’s title would be delayed into 2023, withCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 2’s 2022 releasestaying on schedule. While this would make 2021 the first year without aCall of Dutyrelease since 2004, it seems as if it would be for the benefit of the franchise and the fans. After all, another rushedCall of Dutyrelease would be devastating, as it could see more gamers than ever before turning on the series.
To fill the void,Call of Dutycould continue supporting its active games. AlongsideCall of Duty: Warzonecontent,Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold Warcould become the first true two-year game in the series — getting six more Seasons of content to enjoy. This could be hugely beneficial for Zombies fans, ensuring that the wait until Treyarch’s next Zombies mode feels shorter. On top of this, remasters would help as well, withCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Campaign Remasteredreleasingto give singleplayer fans something to enjoy. A “new” multiplayer experience could be provided via the long-requestedCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Remasteredas well.
Unfortunately, despite all these options for alternate content, such a move seems like a pipe dream. Not only have leakers like Tom Henderson assured fans that there will be no 2022 release ofCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Multiplayer Remastered, but Activision’s proper announcement ofCall of Duty2021 seems to make this strategy even less likely. In turn,Call of Dutyfans’ best hope is that the reports about the game’s developmental issues are false. Otherwise, it will take some great teamwork on the part ofCall of Duty’s active studiosto salvage the 2021 game, meaning that the current fan concerns might not be misplaced.
Call of Duty2021is in development for unspecified platforms.
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