After the word came in last evening about Modern Warfare 2 developer Infinity Ward losing its two studio heads (now confirmed), Activision has now revealed its plan for the famed Call of Duty series.
First thing's first. Remember last year when Visceral Games (Dead Space) creative leads and bosses Glen Schofield and Michael Condrey left the studio for Activision's new outfit? Well, they're now signed on -- under the banner Sledgehammer Games -- to put out a new Call of Duty title at an unspecified time, one which will fall into the "action adventure" category.
Second, an unannounced developer is signed on for yet another installment to be released in 2011.
Treyarch -- who developed Call of Duty 3 and World at War -- are still on board for their new installment this autumn, and Modern Warfare 2 is still scheduled for two map packs this year. Whether or not the firings will affect the quality of the DLC remains to be seen.
This is all part of Activision's new plan for the franchise, which includes a new business unit dedicated specifically to it, led by Activision Publishing's Asia Pacific shop boss Phillip Earl. Also on board on an interim basis are Activision Publishing vets Steve Pearce (CTO) and Steve Ackrich (head of production).
Specifically, the plan is to expand the series "with the same focus seen in its Blizzard Entertainment business unit", putting a focus on "high-margin digital online content and further the brand as the leading action entertainment franchise in new geographies, new genres and with new digital business models."
Asked about the departures, representatives would not comment.
Source:Kotaku
Sections:Microsoft Consoles, Console Games, PC Games, Sony Consoles
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