Call of Duty Leak Hints at Major Franchise Reinvention in 2027

The Call of Duty franchise could be heading toward its most radical shake-up in years, according to a new leak that has sparked intense discussion among fans.

A well-known industry insider claims that the 2027 Call of Duty title, reportedly being developed by Sledgehammer Games, will abandon the long-running Modern Warfare and Black Ops formulas in favor of an entirely new sub-series. If true, this would mark the franchise’s first brand-new line since Call of Duty: Vanguard launched in 2021.

The leaked details suggest several major gameplay changes. The game is said to exclude the Zombies mode, a long-standing fan favorite, and instead focus on alternative experiences such as the popular “Get High” mode. Multiplayer is expected to retain Treyarch’s omnimovement system, introduced in recent Black Ops titles, while completely removing tactical sprint, signaling a shift toward a more grounded and methodical combat style.

These reports arrive shortly after Activision announced a major change in its release strategy. The publisher confirmed it will no longer rotate annually between Modern Warfare and Black Ops, stating that future entries must deliver “absolutely unique experiences.” This move appears to be a direct response to growing concerns about franchise fatigue.

Although Black Ops 7, released on November 14, aimed to build on the massive success of Black Ops 6—the biggest launch in franchise history—analysts suggest it has failed to maintain momentum. Despite fan-focused adjustments such as classic map designs and reduced matchmaking restrictions, interest appears to have dipped.

According to the leak, the 2027 game will feature original characters and a setting inspired by the late 1990s to early 2000s, tapping into nostalgia while offering a fresh narrative direction. The decision to drop Zombies is reportedly intended to prevent overworking Treyarch, which has handled multiple consecutive Black Ops releases.

Meanwhile, fans shouldn’t expect drastic changes immediately. Leaks indicate that Modern Warfare 4, developed by Infinity Ward, is planned for 2026, though insiders describe it as a heavily familiar experience with only minor gameplay tweaks.

If these claims prove accurate, 2027 could represent a turning point—one where Call of Duty finally breaks away from its established formula and attempts to redefine itself for a new generation of players.