Activision says groundwork has been laid for a new Call of Duty subseries, although it has not announced a title, studio, setting or official release date.
Activision is preparing a new branch of the Call of Duty franchise as the publisher looks beyond its long-running Modern Warfare and Black Ops subseries.
Chief marketing officer Tyler Bahl discussed the plan in an interview with The Game Business, subsequently reported by VGC. Bahl indicated that work has already begun on a future subseries, but did not identify its title, development team or setting.
The comments arrive ahead of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, which is scheduled to launch on 23 October 2026.
Recent Call of Duty releases have repeatedly returned to the franchise's two best-known labels. Activision's comments suggest it wants to establish another identity rather than relying indefinitely on those familiar names.
Bahl also characterised Modern Warfare 4 as a conclusion to the current narrative era. That does not necessarily mean the Modern Warfare brand will never return; it signals a planned change in creative direction for future releases.
The Modern Warfare series has been one of Call of Duty's most recognisable identities, but Activision is now preparing another branch of the franchise.
Dexerto reported that sources cited by CharlieIntel expect the new branch in 2027. However, a 2027 release date should be treated as reporting rather than a formal Activision announcement.
There is currently no confirmed name, setting, studio assignment or gameplay concept for the new subseries. Claims about any of those details should remain clearly labelled as speculation unless Activision provides further information.
For developers, a new franchise branch can offer room for different art direction, systems and storytelling while still operating within the production expectations of a major annual release.
The next milestone is Modern Warfare 4's launch. Beyond that, Activision's plans are still taking shape publicly.
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