Activision Confirms New Call of Duty Sub-Series Is Coming After Black Ops and Modern Warfare

Activision is preparing a new Call of Duty sub-series as part of its plans to move beyond repeated Black Ops and Modern Warfare sequels. The publisher has already laid the groundwork for a future title that will introduce a different direction for the long-running shooter franchise.

Speaking to The Game Business in an interview published on October 15, 2026, Activision chief marketing officer Tyler Bahl said the company is responding to players who want something different from its annual releases. While the new sub-series is planned, Activision has not revealed its name, setting, developer or release window.

Bahl explained that the recent cycle of Modern Warfare and Black Ops sequels did not deliver the variety players expected. Although the games featured different settings and mechanics, he acknowledged that the community wanted a more noticeable change in tone.

"It was not something that our community was looking for," Bahl said, referring to the consecutive sequels. He confirmed that a future Call of Duty title will establish a new sub-series and that Activision has already begun preparing for it.

However, the publisher has not explained what will distinguish the project from its existing games. There are no confirmed details about its setting, characters or gameplay systems. Bahl's comments also do not establish when the new sub-series will arrive. Activision has not announced whether it will be the franchise's next release after Modern Warfare 4.

Activision's plans follow several years of closely connected releases. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 launched in 2022, followed by Modern Warfare 3 in 2023. The publisher then released Black Ops 6 in 2024 and Black Ops 7 in 2025.

Following criticism of Black Ops 7, Activision announced a change to its release strategy in December 2025. The company confirmed that it would no longer release consecutive installments from the same Modern Warfare or Black Ops sub-series.

The publisher also promised more meaningful innovation in future games rather than relying on incremental improvements.

Bahl's latest comments provide a clearer indication of how Activision intends to deliver that change. Introducing a new sub-series would allow the franchise to explore a different identity without permanently abandoning its established titles. The publisher has not announced plans to discontinue either Black Ops or Modern Warfare.

Before introducing its next sub-series, Activision is preparing to launch Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 on October 23, 2026. The game is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Nintendo Switch 2.

Bahl described the upcoming release as the conclusion of the current Modern Warfare storyline. However, he said familiar characters and other elements could return or be reimagined in future games. The publisher is also using Modern Warfare 4 to address criticism of recent entries. According to Bahl, the game emphasizes grounded military combat, cinematic storytelling and a more authentic presentation.

Activision is placing greater importance on rebuilding player trust. Bahl said the company is not measuring the game's success against a specific sales or player-count target. Instead, it wants to deliver an experience that meets the expectations established during development and promotion.

The response to Modern Warfare 4 will help shape Activision's next steps. For now, the new sub-series remains a confirmed future direction rather than a fully revealed game.