Call of Duty 2027: New subfranchise aims to bring a breath of fresh air with a martial arts focus

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Mark Tomson
Managing Director of PlayFront. Mark Tomson shapes the vision of independent PlayStation reporting. His focus: technical analysis, hardware evolution, and the strategic positioning of the gaming industry. He stands for...
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Call of Duty 2027 may launch a new subfranchise with martial arts elements. Sledgehammer wants to break new ground with this, without zombies and jetpacks.

After years of switching between Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and Black Ops It seems Activision has recognized the signs of the times. Call of Duty 2027 according to current insider information It will not only be a new installment in the series, but also the launch of a fresh subfranchise, developed by Sledgehammer Games. And this move could provide much-needed impetus, because lately, despite technical advancements, the franchise formula has seemed increasingly predictable.

Between gunplay and karate

According to leaks, Call of Duty 2027 The franchise is focusing more on modern war scenarios while integrating martial arts elements like kicks and close-quarters combat moves. At first glance, this sounds unusual for a franchise that otherwise scores points with high-gloss gunfights. But a closer look reveals possible inspirations, such as... Gun Fu from John Wick, which seamlessly combines close and ranged combat.

There will be no jetpacks, no zombie mode, no futuristic gadgets, but rather a clear focus on dynamic movement and precise mechanics. This sets the title apart not only in terms of gameplay from other games. Call of Duty: Black Ops or Advanced Warfare Not only in terms of style, but also in tone. No over-the-top sci-fi, no nostalgic Cold War fetish. But a stylistically clearer vision, provided the execution is good.

Sledgehammer Games: A well-deserved reboot or last chance?

Sledgehammer Games It hasn't had it easy in recent years. Shortened development cycles at Call of Duty: Vanguard and Modern Warfare III led to mixed results. Call of Duty 2027 The studio could finally do what it apparently wants to do: create a new IP within the COD universe, without baggage and hopefully under better production conditions.

Whether this succeeds depends not only on the combat system, but also on how well the new concept is communicated and integrated into the game. Martial arts in a realistic shooter sounds risky, but also appealing, provided the gameplay works.

Call of Duty 2027 This could be more than just a new installment – ​​it could be the start of a long-overdue reorientation. If Sledgehammer Games is given the time, resources, and creative freedom this time, a true fresh start is possible. And after more than 20 installments, it's desperately needed.

Until then, fans can look forward to the premiere of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 rejoice, the planned for Gamescom.

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Lumpy
19. July 2025 15: 08

RIP COD, seriously. Are we getting a mix of FPS and TEKKEN or MK instead?

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