Unraveling the Development Timeline of Call of Duty: Vanguard
The development cycle of Call of Duty titles is a topic often shrouded in mystery, intrigue, and sometimes, unfortunate crunch stories. When it comes to Call of Duty: Vanguard, the picture becomes even murkier. While the exact length of the development period is not officially confirmed by Activision, it is widely believed that Vanguard likely had less than two years of full development time, with the bulk of the work condensed into the final year before release. This rushed timeline is often cited as one of the contributing factors to the game’s less-than-stellar reception.
The Origins of a Rushed Project
Traditionally, the Call of Duty franchise adhered to a three-year primary developer rotation cycle involving Infinity Ward, Treyarch, and Sledgehammer Games. This model, initiated in 2012, aimed to provide each studio ample time to craft a polished and innovative entry into the series. In 2020, it was anticipated that Sledgehammer Games, in collaboration with Raven Software, would lead the development of a new title.
However, behind-the-scenes complications arose, disrupting the established development cadence. While specific details remain largely undisclosed, it’s understood that creative differences and leadership changes within Sledgehammer Games contributed to a significant setback early in the process. This turmoil forced Activision to make significant adjustments to the development schedule, ultimately shortening the time allotted to create Vanguard. The consequence of these circumstances was a compressed development cycle for Vanguard and the rushed release of a completed product.
The Impact of a Shortened Timeline
The impact of a truncated development period is often evident in the final product. In the case of Vanguard, some critics and players pointed to a perceived lack of innovation, a reliance on familiar franchise tropes, and a general sense that the game lacked the polish and depth expected from a Call of Duty title. The game reportedly cuts a lot of corners to be able to check all of the normal boxes for a typical Call of Duty game.
Furthermore, the World War II setting, while historically significant, was perceived by some as feeling somewhat recycled, particularly given the franchise’s previous forays into the same era. While the game boasted impressive visuals powered by the Modern Warfare engine, the underlying gameplay and overall experience didn’t always resonate with players.
FAQs: Decoding Vanguard’s Development and Reception
To further shed light on Call of Duty: Vanguard and its tumultuous journey, let’s address some frequently asked questions.
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How long did Call of Duty: Cold War take to make? Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War also faced a shortened development cycle, reportedly lasting only two years instead of the usual three. The COVID-19 pandemic further complicated the game’s development process.
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How long is the Vanguard campaign? The campaign length for Call of Duty: Vanguard is roughly 5-7 hours for most players, depending on skill level and difficulty settings.
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Was Call of Duty: Vanguard a commercial success? While the game reportedly sold over 30 million copies, it was considered a commercial disappointment compared to previous Call of Duty titles. It posted the worst franchise launch since 2007 in some regions.
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Why was Call of Duty: Vanguard considered a failure? Activision Blizzard cited the World War II setting as a major reason for Vanguard’s underperformance. Other factors included the rushed development, perceived lack of innovation, and a sense of franchise fatigue.
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How big was the download size for Call of Duty: Vanguard? The download size varied by platform. On PC, it was around 61GB at launch, with an option for a smaller 36GB download for Multiplayer and Zombies only. On PS5, the download was 64.13GB, requiring 89.84GB of space.
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Is Call of Duty: Vanguard realistic? While Vanguard utilizes a next-generation engine to deliver impressive visuals, realism is a subjective aspect. The game prioritizes fast-paced action and cinematic moments over strict historical accuracy.
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Which Call of Duty game has the longest campaign? Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 holds the record for the longest campaign, taking up to 15 hours to complete the base experience.
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Was Call of Duty: Vanguard the worst Call of Duty game ever? Whether Vanguard is the “worst” is subjective and depends on individual player preferences. However, it is widely considered one of the weaker entries in the franchise due to the failures described above.
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Why is it important to study how games are made? Understanding game development processes, including the challenges and successes, offers valuable insights into software development, project management, and the creative industries. Games Learning Society provides research and resources on game-based learning and game design that illuminates these facets.
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Is Call of Duty: Vanguard still worth playing? Despite its flaws, Vanguard still offers a classic WWII setting, over 25 multiplayer maps, and a Zombies mode. Whether it’s “worth it” depends on individual preferences and expectations.
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Is Call of Duty: Vanguard an unrealistic game? While the game delivers breathtaking visual fidelity and lifelike characters, it is powered by the next-generation engine introduced in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare.
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What Call of Duty game has no campaign mode? Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 is the first entry in the series to omit a traditional single-player campaign, focusing solely on Multiplayer, Zombies, and the Blackout battle royale mode.
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What is the easiest Call of Duty campaign mode? Call of Duty: Ghosts is often regarded as one of the easiest games to beat on Veteran difficulty, thanks to the ability to slide past enemies and use cover effectively.
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How Long Does it Actually Take to Reset Your Vanguard? The time needed to reset your Vanguard account can vary depending on the specific action you are trying to perform and the platform you are using.
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How does Vanguard relate to the larger discussion of game studies and game design? The challenges faced during Vanguard’s production underscore the importance of effective project management, realistic timelines, and creative team cohesion in game development. Exploring these issues aligns with the goals of GamesLearningSociety.org, which studies the design and implementation of games for educational and research purposes.
Lessons Learned and Future Implications
The development and reception of Call of Duty: Vanguard serve as a cautionary tale about the risks associated with rushed production schedules and the importance of creative vision. While the game may have fallen short of expectations in some areas, it provides valuable lessons for developers and publishers alike. Maintaining the delicate balance between meeting release deadlines and delivering a high-quality, innovative gaming experience remains a crucial challenge in the ever-evolving world of game development. The exploration of games and learning offers valuable insights into how games are designed, played, and used for educational purposes. Check out the research and resources available at Games Learning Society to delve deeper into this fascinating field.