Why Isn’t Treyarch Making COD 2023?
Treyarch, the studio behind the beloved Black Ops series, wasn’t directly at the helm of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023) for a specific reason: timing and workload allocation. While Treyarch is involved in the game’s development, their primary focus was shifted towards the development of Call of Duty 2024, widely expected to be Black Ops: Gulf War. Giving Treyarch ample time to develop their next flagship title ensures a more polished and bug-free experience.
The Rationale Behind the Studio Rotation
Standard Studio Rotation
The Call of Duty franchise has traditionally operated on a rotating development cycle, with different studios taking the lead on each annual installment. This approach allows each studio roughly three years to develop a title. This rotation typically involves Infinity Ward, Treyarch, and Sledgehammer Games. By rotating studios, Activision aims to maintain a consistent release schedule while allowing each studio adequate time to innovate and refine their respective sub-franchises within the Call of Duty universe.
Treyarch’s Focus on COD 2024
The decision to have Sledgehammer Games lead the development of Modern Warfare III (2023) stemmed from several factors. The most significant of these was Treyarch’s dedication to Call of Duty 2024. This gave them sufficient time to work on their next major entry, making sure that it would be a return to form.
A Shift from the Original Plan
Originally, Activision was expected to release a premium expansion for Modern Warfare II (2022) instead of a new standalone title in 2023. However, this plan changed, and the expansion was evolved into a full-fledged game, Modern Warfare III (2023), with Sledgehammer Games leading the development.
Treyarch’s Indirect Involvement
Though Sledgehammer Games led the main development for Modern Warfare III, Treyarch is involved, most notably in the Modern Warfare Zombies mode. Their expertise in the zombies sub-franchise makes them the ideal studio to take the helm, working in partnership with Sledgehammer Games. This allows them to contribute to the 2023 release while simultaneously focusing on their primary project for 2024. This collaborative approach leverages the unique strengths of each studio, enhancing the overall quality and diversity of the Call of Duty experience.
Looking Ahead: Call of Duty 2024
With Treyarch fully engaged in Call of Duty 2024, expectations are running high. The rumored setting of the Gulf War, along with the potential return of familiar characters from the Black Ops universe, has generated considerable buzz within the community. This extended development cycle aims to deliver a polished and immersive experience. The importance of giving game developers ample time to test and refine games can be researched further at resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the Call of Duty development cycle and Treyarch’s involvement:
1. Is Call of Duty taking a year off?
No. Despite earlier rumors, there will be a new Call of Duty title in 2023, namely Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, led by Sledgehammer Games.
2. When is the release date for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III?
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III was released globally on November 10th, 2023.
3. Is Treyarch making Call of Duty 2024?
Yes, Treyarch Studios is developing Call of Duty 2024, which is widely speculated to be a sequel to Black Ops: Cold War and set during the Gulf War.
4. What is Call of Duty 2024 expected to be about?
Call of Duty 2024 is rumored to be titled Black Ops: Gulf War and will likely take place during the First Persian Gulf War, continuing the narrative from Black Ops: Cold War.
5. What was Treyarch’s last Call of Duty game?
Treyarch’s most recent title was Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (2020), developed in conjunction with Raven Software.
6. Is Treyarch still a part of Activision?
Yes, Treyarch was acquired by Activision in 2001 and remains a key studio within Activision Blizzard.
7. What is the studio rotation for Call of Duty?
The main studios that alternate leading development on Call of Duty titles are Infinity Ward, Treyarch, and Sledgehammer Games.
8. What role does Treyarch have in Modern Warfare III?
While Sledgehammer Games led the primary development, Treyarch is heading the development of Modern Warfare Zombies, leveraging their expertise in the zombies sub-franchise.
9. Why isn’t Infinity Ward making Call of Duty 2023?
The studio rotation meant Infinity Ward had taken the lead on Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022).
10. Will Verdansk ever return to Warzone?
While Activision has not made any promises, a return to Verdansk in Warzone remains a possibility, given its popularity among players.
11. Who owns Call of Duty now?
Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard, which includes the Call of Duty franchise, in October 2023.
12. Was Treyarch bought by Xbox?
Because Xbox is a brand of Microsoft, the answer is yes. The acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft means that Treyarch, along with other Activision-owned studios, is now part of the Xbox Game Studios.
13. Why are some fans feeling bad for Treyarch?
Some fans may express sympathy for Treyarch due to the pressure and expectations surrounding their upcoming Call of Duty 2024, particularly after some fans have expressed disappointment in some recent releases, and the desire to see Treyarch’s next title really shine.
14. How much did Activision pay to acquire Treyarch?
Activision acquired Treyarch Inventions for approximately $20 million in stock in 2001.
15. Who created the Zombies game mode?
Treyarch is credited with creating and popularizing the Zombies game mode, first introduced in Call of Duty: World at War.
In conclusion, while Treyarch isn’t the lead developer on Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023), their absence is strategic. Their primary focus is on Call of Duty 2024, which will allow them to deliver a well-polished and ambitious title. As a result, it will be up to Sledgehammer to carry the torch in the meantime. Additionally, Treyarch’s leadership in developing Modern Warfare Zombies reflects their ongoing significant role in the Call of Duty universe.