Call of Duty
News, coverage and analysis tracking Call of Duty across the outlets.
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Xbox transfers Rare and Halo franchise to Activision, proposes closure of Ninja Theory and confirms another 268 roles cut amid studio restructure
Xbox has announced a significant restructuring, transferring Rare and the Halo franchise to Activision, and proposing the closure of Ninja Theory. The company also confirmed 268 roles have been cut across various studios, including Halo Studios (formerly 343 Industries). Other studios like Obsidian Entertainment have been transferred to Bethesda, while Undead Labs will continue to develop State of Decay 3 with a new publisher.
Halo’s Next Game Is Coming From An Unexpected Developer: Activision
Microsoft has announced that Activision will develop the next Halo game, establishing a new team for the franchise while a smaller team at Halo Studios continues to support existing titles. This change coincides with significant layoffs impacting Halo Studios and other Xbox developers, as part of a broader reorganization under Bethesda and Activision Blizzard.
Continuing Our Reset
Xbox is undergoing a significant restructuring, eliminating 268 roles across its first-party studios and management. The company is also reorganizing its studios, with Activision taking on new responsibilities and developing the next Halo title, while Bethesda will now oversee Obsidian. Several studios are being divested, though plans for Ninja Theory and Arkane are still being determined.
Handing Halo to Activision Makes Business Sense, but Is That Enough To Save the Series?
The article questions whether handing the development of the next Halo game to Activision, known for its Call of Duty pipeline, is sufficient to revitalize the franchise. It suggests that while the business decision might make sense, it doesn't guarantee the series' success.
Halo Studios Eliminates 268 Roles, Activision Working on Next Halo Amid Xbox’s Reorganization
Xbox has confirmed significant layoffs and studio reorganizations, with 268 roles eliminated at Halo Studios. Activision is now developing the next Halo title with a new team, while Halo Studios will maintain a small support team. Other studios like World's Edge, Rare, Obsidian, Playground Games, Turn 10 Studios, and King have also been affected by the restructuring.
Bungie unvaulting Destiny 2 content was a studio-saving emergency decision, because Marathon updates were never going to…
Bungie's decision to unvault older Destiny 2 content was an emergency measure to save the studio, as updates for their new game Marathon were not sufficient to sustain operations. The controversial content vaulting, which removed campaigns and raids, eroded player trust and broke the game's narrative continuity. While unvaulting content is a positive step towards rebuilding that trust and offering a rich FPS experience, the studio's future remains uncertain given recent layoffs and the ongoing challenges with Marathon's development.
Call of Duty YouTuber Launches Petition to Remove Skill-Based Matchmaking Following Successful Destiny Protests
Call of Duty YouTuber Tdawgsmitty has launched a petition to remove skill-based matchmaking from the franchise. This follows successful protests against the same system in Destiny.
Microsoft file patent for a machine learning system that would "train" itself on your playtime to work out when you'll be least annoyed by in-game ads
Microsoft has filed a patent for a machine learning system designed to optimize in-game advertising delivery. The system aims to analyze player behavior and game state to serve ads during moments least likely to disrupt the user experience, potentially using a credit system to manage ad frequency. This development is seen as a potentially intrusive step in game monetization, contrasting with current practices like ad billboards.
Wolverine Dev Denies Using GenAI After Weird-Looking In-Game Sign Discovered
Insomniac Games has denied using generative AI for assets in Marvel's Wolverine following the discovery of a peculiar in-game bathroom sign. Community and marketing director James Stevenson clarified it was a "UV map bug" with a fix in development. While Insomniac used machine-learning for Spider-Man 2, AI-generated assets are reportedly not being used in Wolverine.
Activision cites data claiming cheating in games is an $8.5bn industry; 69% of online multiplayer studios consider cheating "a significant or very significant problem"
Activision reports that cheating in video games has become an $8.5 billion industry, with cheat developers earning billions annually. A survey indicates 69% of online multiplayer studios consider cheating a significant problem, leading to decreased player retention and revenue loss. Companies like Anybrain are developing multi-faceted security solutions to combat this evolving threat.
Call of Duty maker Activision claims video game cheating is now a £6.3 billion ($8.5 billion) a year industry
Activision claims the video game cheating industry generates approximately $8.5 billion annually through account sales, boosting, and spoofing services. The company's RICOCHET Anti-Cheat team is actively pursuing legal action against cheat sellers, disrupting operations and increasing costs for cheaters.
15 video game franchises that need to end - Reader's Feature
A reader argues that numerous long-running video game franchises have overstayed their welcome and should be retired to encourage innovation. Titles like Assassin's Creed, Call of Duty, Halo, and The Last of Us are cited as examples of games that have become repetitive and are primarily cash grabs, with the author suggesting developers should focus on new intellectual properties instead.
Very Large Man Could Join Helldivers Movie After A Different Very Large (Aqua)Man Dropped Out
Alan Ritchson is reportedly set to replace Jason Momoa as the lead in Sony's upcoming Helldivers movie, with Justin Lin directing. Momoa departed the project earlier this year and will instead appear in the Street Fighter movie. Helldivers 2, developed by Arrowhead Game Studios, was a major success in 2024.
Roguelike FPS Dednet exists to spread "the gospel of PUBG," says creative director, which means it has "infinite" gameplay opportunities
PUBG: Dednet is a new roguelike FPS from the creators of PUBG, aiming to spread the "gospel of PUBG" with "infinite" gameplay opportunities. Creative director Dave Curd explains that unlike its predecessor, Dednet embraces imbalance through roguelike mechanics, encouraging aggressive play and frequent runs. The game features a '90s Pacific Northwest-inspired setting and aims to provide a chaotic, high-risk, high-reward experience for players tired of overly safe game design.
Game’s Price Is Lower Because This Fall Is So Packed, Dev Admits
Developer One More Level and publisher Lyrical Games have priced Valor Mortis at $40 and made it available day-one on Xbox Game Pass to compete with a crowded fall release schedule. Lyrical Games boss Blake Rochkind stated the lower price allows the game to be an "and game" for consumers, while Game Pass provides reach to players who might not otherwise purchase it. The first-person souls-like set during the Napoleonic Wars will launch on October 13 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
10 Browser-Based Drifting Games for Fast-Paced Racing Fun
This analysis details the effectiveness and varying strictness of anti-cheat systems like Valve's VAC, Riot's Vanguard, Activision's Ricochet, and BattlEye across popular games such as Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, and Call of Duty. It highlights that while 'undetectable' software exists, it only reduces risk, and bans can occur weeks or months later through pattern recognition and machine learning, with consequences extending beyond the game itself.
The Case For Playing Games Abroad Instead of Waiting for the Perfect Home Setup
This article analyzes the effectiveness and detection methods of major anti-cheat systems like Valve's VAC, Riot's Vanguard, Activision's Ricochet, and BattlEye. It highlights that while 'undetectable' software exists, it only reduces risk, and bans can occur weeks or months later through pattern recognition and machine learning. False positives, consequences beyond game bans, and the legal implications of violating terms of service are also discussed.
As Wardogs hits a "perfectly acceptable decline," studio boss asks players what they want to change: "Remember, we're in charge here, we're the ones with the vision"
Despite Wardogs' player count declining from its peak, developer Bulkhead is seeking player feedback on issues and design decisions for future updates. CEO Joe Brammer emphasized that the studio retains creative control while encouraging community input, though some players have offered humorous or trivial suggestions.
Activision Blizzard sued by former employee over sexual harassment
Activision Blizzard is facing a lawsuit from a former employee alleging a pervasive 'frat boy' workplace culture that fostered sexual harassment and assault. The lawsuit details accusations of objectification, workplace pornography, and physical assault by male employees and supervisors. The company states it is taking the allegations seriously and strives for a respectful workplace.
Game Pass to end day one launch games say rumours and Xbox isn't denying it
Rumors suggest that Xbox Game Pass will introduce an ad-supported tier and remove day-one game releases starting in spring next year, with cloud streaming becoming a separate add-on. Microsoft has not denied these potential changes, stating they regularly test different offerings, but have not finalized any plans.
