Sledgehammer Games likely leading Call of Duty 2021 development with potential sequels
Development Studio Shuffle
The Call of Duty development cycle has evolved significantly since its early days of alternating between Treyarch and Infinity Ward. Sledgehammer Games entered the rotation in 2014, delivering notable titles like Advanced Warfare (2014) and Call of Duty: WWII (2017). After a period supporting other studios, they appear positioned to lead the 2021 installment.
Industry insiders suggest this extended development time (reportedly since August 2019) could result in one of the most polished Call of Duty releases in recent years. The three-studio rotation system allows for longer development cycles while maintaining annual releases – a crucial factor in maintaining the franchise’s quality standards.
Leaker Insights
Tom Henderson, a leaker with established credibility in the Call of Duty community, has provided key insights through his Twitter account and live streams. His January 3rd timeline visualization showed how Infinity Ward’s extended work on Warzone impacted development cycles.
Infinity WardHenderson’s analysis suggests Sledgehammer had nearly 27 months of development time by the projected November 2021 release date. This contrasts sharply with Infinity Ward’s compressed 14-month window had they led development, explaining Activision’s studio reassignment strategy.
Possible Game Directions
The 2021 title’s direction remains speculative, but several compelling possibilities emerge. A sequel to Advanced Warfare could revisit the futuristic setting with improved exoskeleton mechanics, while another WWII installment might expand on the successful 2017 formula. Henderson has also floated the possibility of a direct Modern Warfare sequel, despite Infinity Ward’s traditional ownership of that sub-franchise.
For players wondering what to expect, examining Sledgehammer’s previous work provides clues. Their titles typically feature:
- Strong single-player campaigns with cinematic set pieces
- Innovative movement systems (when applicable to the setting)
- Distinct visual identity separating their games from other CoD studios
With Warzone’s continued success, integration with the battle royale mode will likely influence design decisions regardless of the specific setting.
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