What's Happening?
Activision, the publisher of Call of Duty, has publicly denied rumors about the development of a standalone Zombies game. This denial comes after a social media claim by a leaker known as TheGhostofHope, who suggested that Activision was preparing two
separate Call of Duty games for the launch of Microsoft's next-generation Xbox console, expected no earlier than 2027. The rumor indicated that one of these games would be a traditional multiplayer game, while the other would be a standalone Zombies title, potentially developed by Treyarch. Activision's response, posted on its official Call of Duty social media account, dismissed the rumor with the statement, 'The rumor factory working overtime. This ain't it.' This response is notable as Activision rarely comments on rumors, leaving some ambiguity about which parts of the claim are untrue.
Why It's Important?
The denial from Activision is significant as it addresses the expectations and speculations surrounding the future of the Call of Duty franchise, a major player in the gaming industry. The rumor had suggested a strategic shift in Activision's release plans, which could have impacted the franchise's market positioning and consumer expectations. Additionally, the mention of Microsoft's next-gen console plans highlights the ongoing competition and technological advancements in the gaming industry. The potential delay in new console releases due to factors like the AI-fueled chip crisis also underscores the broader challenges facing the tech industry, affecting timelines and strategies for major companies like Microsoft and Sony.
What's Next?
While Activision has denied the specific rumor of a standalone Zombies game, the company has indicated plans for significant changes to the Call of Duty franchise following the underperformance of Black Ops 7. This could involve new strategies to maintain its annual release schedule without repeating sub-brands consecutively. Meanwhile, Microsoft's next-gen console development continues, with a conservative release estimate of 2027, though this could be delayed further. Sony is also reportedly considering delaying the PlayStation 6 launch due to the chip crisis. These developments suggest a period of strategic adjustments and potential delays in the gaming industry.
