Sledgehammer Games is working on a previously unannounced action RPG. This information comes from the LinkedIn profile of former Creative Director Ben Wanat. Meanwhile, Call of Duty is also looking for... Black Ops 7 in a creative and playful crisis of confidence, and Activision has already reacted.
Wanat worked as Senior Creative Director at Sledgehammer Games until August 2025, where she led the development of an action RPG. his profile He explicitly mentions tasks such as franchise planning, pitching, prototyping, player mechanics, world layout, and conceptual work on environments and characters. This is not an early idea sketch, but rather indicates a project with a clear creative focus.
What is Sledgehammer Games planning beyond Call of Duty?
It remains to be seen whether this is a completely new brand or a radical genre shift within the Call of Duty universe. Both are plausible, as Activision has already announced its intention to move away from annual, incremental releases. At the same time, insider reports about new sub-franchises and experiments have been circulating for months.
A well-known insider is talking about a Call of Duty spin-off with strong focus on martial arts fightsMovement systems and melee combat are planned for 2027. An action RPG would fit this strategic opening, but would also be a significant risk for a brand that has been clearly anchored in the FPS segment for decades.
Where do we really stand?
It has only been cautiously confirmed that Sledgehammer Games was working on an action RPG. It is unclear whether the project has continued since Wanat left the studio. Likewise, there has been no official statement from Activision or Sledgehammer itself.
Action RPGs also thrive on system depth, balancing, and long-term motivation. This is precisely where... Call of Duty Most recently, it has polarized with its focus on progression, monetization, and grindcore. Whether these problems can simply be addressed in a new genre remains to be seen. "or whether it would be resolved cleanly is an open question."
Should Sledgehammer Games actually move away from the classic Call of Duty formula, it would be a perhaps overdue step. The franchise needs fresh ideas, not just cosmetic updates. At the same time, an action RPG is no guarantee of quality or success.
The crucial question for you: Do you want a Call of Duty that reinvents itself, or would you prefer a completely new action RPG without any baggage? Join the discussion.
