What to know

  • Call of Duty 2027 is rumored to be a completely new sub-franchise led by Sledgehammer Games.
  • The setting may span the late 1990s to early 2000s, rather than near-future warfare.
  • Zombies mode and tactical sprint are reportedly being removed or reworked.
  • None of these details are officially confirmed by Activision yet.

Discussion around Call of Duty 2027 has intensified just weeks after the launch of Black Ops 7, with multiple industry insiders pointing to a major shift in direction for the annual shooter. While Activision has not formally announced the 2027 entry, recent leaks suggest the publisher is preparing a reset rather than another sequel tied to existing sub-series.

According to these reports, Sledgehammer Games is expected to lead development, with the project positioned as the first entry in a brand-new Call of Duty line. That would mean no direct continuation of Modern Warfare or Black Ops, instead focusing on new characters, a standalone narrative, and a fresh identity designed to separate it from recent releases.

The rumored setting is one of the most notable departures. Insiders claim the game could take place between the late 1990s and early 2000s, an era largely untouched by recent Call of Duty titles. This time frame could allow for grounded weaponry, real-world conflicts, and a tone that contrasts with both futuristic entries and present-day military storytelling.

Gameplay changes are also said to be significant. One widely shared claim is that Zombies mode may be absent, breaking from a feature that has become a core expectation for many players. Tactical sprint is also rumored to be removed, potentially slowing down movement and shifting combat toward more deliberate pacing.

That does not mean innovation would stop. Reports suggest movement systems introduced in recent games could still evolve, possibly refining omni-movement rather than abandoning it entirely. If accurate, this would signal a selective approach to change: cutting some long-standing mechanics while doubling down on others.

As with any early leak, skepticism is warranted. Activision has previously cautioned fans against treating unverified reports as fact, especially several years ahead of release. Development plans can change, and features discussed internally may never reach the final product.

Even so, the broader context matters. The Call of Duty franchise continues to dominate player engagement, but criticism around repetition and annual fatigue has grown louder. If these rumors prove accurate, Call of Duty 2027 may represent an attempt to address that criticism by rethinking what the series looks and plays like, rather than relying on familiar branding alone.