Activision Confirms New Call of Duty Sub-Franchise, Report Points to 2027
Activision CMO Tyler Bahl says the next entry won't be Black Ops or Modern Warfare, while reporter CharlieIntel claims a 2027 launch led by Sledgehammer Games.
Activision Chief Marketing Officer Tyler Bahl has confirmed that a future Call of Duty title will launch an entirely new sub-franchise, according to an interview with The Game Business reported by gamerant.com.
Bahl said the upcoming entry will not belong to Black Ops, Modern Warfare or any other pre-established sub-series, and that the developers have already laid the groundwork for it.
Separately, Call of Duty reporter CharlieIntel claimed on Twitter that the new sub-franchise will start in 2027 and be primarily developed by Sledgehammer Games. Activision has not confirmed that timing or studio assignment.
Earlier reports and recent releases
In July 2025, leaker GhostOfHope claimed a new Call of Duty sub-franchise was being developed by Sledgehammer Games, with a modern setting and movement mechanics as a core focus.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is set to release in full on October 23, 2026, per the article published October 16, 2026. Previously, Modern Warfare 3 immediately followed Modern Warfare 2 in 2023, and Black Ops 7 immediately followed Black Ops 6 in 2025.
Quick answers
When will the new Call of Duty sub-franchise launch?
Activision has not announced a date. Reporter CharlieIntel claimed on Twitter that it will start in 2027.
Who is developing the new Call of Duty sub-franchise?
CharlieIntel claimed it will be primarily developed by Sledgehammer Games. Activision has not confirmed the studio.
Is the new Call of Duty part of Black Ops or Modern Warfare?
No. Activision CMO Tyler Bahl said it will not belong to Black Ops, Modern Warfare or any other pre-established sub-series.