The endless gunfire. The same maps, year after year. You can almost hear the collective sigh of developers trapped in the Call of Duty machine, churning out content for a franchise that, while lucrative, seems to have a creative ceiling. But whispers suggest that one studio might just be tunneling its way out.
Activision, known for its laser focus on the blockbuster arcade shooter, might be giving Sledgehammer Games a chance to stretch its legs with an “action RPG” rich in lore and worldbuilding.
This intriguing possibility surfaced on the LinkedIn profile of Ben Wanat, Sledgehammer’s former creative director. Wanat, while involved in numerous Call of Duty projects, also noted his work on an “unannounced action RPG” from July 2019 to Aug. 2023. His profile suggests Activision may have been planting the seeds for a new franchise.
Details from Wanat’s profile point to a substantial game, complete with “mechanics-rich design,” extensive worldbuilding—cultures, environments, characters—and deep lore, including “lore books” detailing the world’s history and languages. This wasn’t just a minor diversion; it was a full-blown attempt to cultivate a new RPG franchise. The project’s ambition was a sight to behold.
A glimmer of hope from Activision: A potential RPG?
I saw a street performer once, completely encased in silver paint, miming robotic movements. Every day, the same routine. Then one afternoon, he broke character, smiled, and waved at a child. That fleeting moment of humanity is what this news feels like. For years, Activision has treated its studios like silver-painted performers, cranking out the same product. A shift toward something new could be a real change. But why now?
The fate of this project remains unclear. Wanat’s departure from Sledgehammer to found Lurker Entertainment suggests the RPG may have been shelved. Six years of development with no public showing often points to internal troubles.
What are the biggest challenges in developing a new RPG franchise?
Building a new RPG from scratch is like trying to build a skyscraper on quicksand; everything is interdependent and if one aspect fails, the whole thing topples. It needs a compelling narrative, engaging gameplay, and a world that players want to inhabit. It requires a significant investment of time, resources, and creative energy. Plus, standing out in a crowded market requires a unique hook, something that differentiates it from established franchises. The budget implications alone can be terrifying.
Sledgehammer, along with Infinity Ward and Treyarch, possesses incredible talent. The success of games like Modern Warfare 2019 proves their ability to innovate. A move into the RPG space, however, is a different beast. A world away from FPS design. And a risky gamble for ActiVision.
Are action RPGs still popular?
Action RPGs continue to enjoy a strong following, thanks to titles like Diablo IV (Activision Blizzard) and Elden Ring (FromSoftware & Bandai Namco). The blend of visceral combat with character progression and exploration appeals to a broad audience. The ongoing success of these titles demonstrates a healthy appetite for well-executed action RPGs, even with the cost of new AAA titles hovering around $70 (€65.17).
But Activision will need to think carefully about its audience. A cookie-cutter approach will fail.
What does this mean for the future of Call of Duty?
The continued dominance of Call of Duty is all but guaranteed. This alleged new project shouldn’t worry fans of the arcade shooter franchise. The move may actually allow Activision to free up talent internally to focus on what they do best.
The current structure traps studios in an annual cycle. That system feels unsustainable. Something has to give. And maybe this RPG is the start of something new.
Whether Sledgehammer can pull off an RPG remains to be seen. Will this unannounced game ever see the light of day? Only time will tell. Until then, expect more CoD.
Is this a sign of creative expansion, or just a fleeting experiment before returning to the familiar battlegrounds?