Call of Duty 2023 reportedly was Modern Warfare 2 "premium expansion", now standalone release

eurogamer.net:

This year's Call of Duty will be another Modern Warfare game, just a year after 2022's Modern Warfare 2.

That's according to Bloomberg's Jason Schreier, who detailed Activision's upcoming entry in its annual shooter series in a report last night.

This game was originally planned as a «premium expansion» for Modern Warfare 2, but is now being spun out into a full release, breaking the series' regular pattern of cycling through its various sub-brands.

Modern Warfare 2-2, or whatever it ends up being called, is reportedly being developed by Sledgehammer Games, which previously helmed 2021's Call of Duty Vanguard. The studio is also receiving assistance from main Modern Warfare creator Infinity Ward.

It's expected the game will include familiar maps and modes from last year's effort — raising the question whether it will end up splitting the userbase between those who have 2-2, and those who don't.

A continuation of last year's Modern Warfare 2 story will also be included.

Activision's decision to launch a second premium Modern Warfare game in as many years is an interesting choice for the company, which has previously been criticised for releasing Call of Duty games too quickly, with too little ongoing support.

Here's what's up with this year's Call of Duty: — It's more Modern Warfare — led by Sledgehammer, supervised by Infinity Ward — Was originally «premium expansion» but morphed into full game — Current plan is to continue MW2 story and carry over MW2 contenthttps://t.co/PQGONp8Bks

Of course, Activision also now has its ongoing Warzone 2.0 to lean on for revenue — although its numbers have dipped after launch.

Bloomberg reported back in January 2022 that Activision was considering ditching Call of Duty's