Sledgehammer Games: A Deep Dive into Their Call of Duty Contributions
Sledgehammer Games has become a significant name in the Call of Duty (CoD) franchise, responsible for developing several critically acclaimed titles and contributing to others. To answer the primary question directly, Sledgehammer Games has primarily developed Advanced Warfare, World War II, and Vanguard. They also played a key role in the development of Modern Warfare 3 and Modern Warfare, in collaboration with Infinity Ward. Let’s explore their journey and impact on the franchise in more detail.
The Sledgehammer Story: From Inception to Modern Warfare
Early Days and a Canceled Project
Sledgehammer Games was established in 2009 by industry veterans Glen Schofield and Michael Condrey. Acquired by Activision the same year, the studio was initially working on a third-person shooter titled Call of Duty: Vietnam. This concept, set during the Cold War, was ultimately shelved as the franchise pivoted its focus.
A Pivotal Supporting Role
Before taking the lead on their own projects, Sledgehammer Games first made its mark by assisting Infinity Ward with the development of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 released in 2011. This experience proved invaluable, providing the studio with the tools and know-how to tackle lead development responsibilities. Their collaborative approach also involved supporting in the making of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (the 2019 reboot).
Sledgehammer’s Lead Titles: A Look at Their Main Contributions
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare (2014)
In 2014, Sledgehammer Games stepped into the limelight as the primary developer of Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare. This title introduced futuristic exoskeletons, changing the gameplay dynamic with enhanced movement options like boost jumps and dashes. The game also boasted a star-studded cast with Kevin Spacey taking on a key role. This was the first Call of Duty title led by Sledgehammer Games, marking a significant milestone for the studio.
Call of Duty: World War II (2017)
Shifting from futuristic combat, Sledgehammer Games took players back to the battlefields of the Second World War with Call of Duty: World War II. This installment focused on grounding the gameplay in realism, offering a more traditional Call of Duty experience that resonated with many fans. The single-player campaign, set in Europe during the war, was particularly praised for its emotional depth and realistic depiction of the conflict.
Call of Duty: Vanguard (2021)
Most recently, Sledgehammer Games led the charge on Call of Duty: Vanguard, which revisited the World War II setting. Vanguard aimed to explore the global nature of the conflict and featured a diverse cast of characters across multiple theaters of war. However, the game received a mixed reception, with some criticizing its lack of innovation.
The Modern Warfare 3 Connection (2023)
Sledgehammer Games is leading development of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023), working in partnership with Infinity Ward. Dave Swenson, the creative director at Sledgehammer Games for MW3 has noted that this iteration represents the game they’ve “always wanted to make.” This implies the game is a culmination of their development experience within the franchise.
Sledgehammer Games and the Future of Call of Duty
Sledgehammer Games continues to play an important role in the Call of Duty ecosystem. Their dedication to both innovation and the core tenets of the series ensures that they remain a driving force in the franchise’s future. Their journey from a studio primarily assisting other teams to becoming a prominent lead developer shows the impact they have had in shaping the direction of Call of Duty.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When was Sledgehammer Games founded?
Sledgehammer Games was founded in summer 2009.
2. Who were the founders of Sledgehammer Games?
The studio was founded by Glen Schofield and Michael Condrey.
3. What was Sledgehammer Games’ first project?
Sledgehammer’s original project was Call of Duty: Vietnam, a third-person shooter that was ultimately cancelled.
4. What is the first Call of Duty game that Sledgehammer Games worked on?
Sledgehammer Games’ first involvement with Call of Duty was as a support studio for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, working alongside Infinity Ward.
5. Did Sledgehammer Games develop Call of Duty: Ghosts?
No, Sledgehammer Games did not work on Call of Duty: Ghosts. They confirmed this information via their official Twitter account.
6. What was Sledgehammer Games’ first full development on a Call of Duty game?
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare was the first Call of Duty game where Sledgehammer Games served as the primary developer.
7. What are the three main Call of Duty titles Sledgehammer Games has led development on?
Sledgehammer Games has been the lead developer for Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Call of Duty: World War II, and Call of Duty: Vanguard.
8. Did Sledgehammer Games work on Call of Duty: Cold War?
Sledgehammer Games was originally involved in the development of Call of Duty: Cold War, however, they were not the primary developer and the game was ultimately led by Treyarch.
9. Is Sledgehammer Games leading the development on Call of Duty 2023?
Yes, Sledgehammer Games is leading the development of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023), in partnership with Infinity Ward.
10. Is Sledgehammer Games involved with Call of Duty: Warzone?
Call of Duty: Warzone was primarily developed by Raven Software and Infinity Ward. Sledgehammer Games has worked with those studios to support new Warzone integrations with their titles.
11. What was unique about Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare?
Advanced Warfare introduced futuristic exoskeletons, enhancing player mobility with abilities like boost jumps and dashes. This was a significant departure from the traditional gameplay at the time.
12. What setting did Call of Duty: World War II return to?
Call of Duty: World War II took the series back to its historical roots by featuring the Second World War setting.
13. Who developed the Modern Warfare Zombies mode for MWIII?
The development of the Modern Warfare Zombies mode is being led by Treyarch, working closely with Sledgehammer Games.
14. How has Sledgehammer Games helped shape the franchise?
Sledgehammer Games has contributed to the Call of Duty franchise through innovation in gameplay mechanics, and a willingness to tackle a diverse range of settings, from historical conflicts to futuristic warfare. They have also proven to be a valuable collaborative team.
15. Is Modern Warfare 3 a new story or a continuation of the old ones?
Modern Warfare III (2023) directly continues the story of the 2019 Modern Warfare reboot and its subsequent sequel, essentially bringing the Modern Warfare franchise to World War III on American soil.