A recent leak has suggested that Activision is considering releasing a standalone Call of Duty Zombies game alongside the next generation of consoles. The leak, posted by TheGhostOfHope, claims that the idea emerged following delays to the next Xbox and changes to the franchise’s release schedule. If confirmed, this would mark a departure from traditional Call of Duty releases, which have historically bundled Zombies content with the main game.
For nearly twenty years, Call of Duty followed a strict annual release cycle, with new titles launching each November to coincide with the holiday season. However, this approach has shifted in recent years. After the release of Black Ops 7, Activision announced that it would no longer release back-to-back titles from the same franchise, aiming to provide a more distinct experience with each new entry.
How the Leak Describes the Planned Releases
According to the leak, the standalone Zombies game would be released alongside a traditional multiplayer-focused title, likely Modern Warfare 4, and developed by Treyarch. The model could resemble previous dual releases such as Infinite Warfare and Modern Warfare Remastered, which launched around the same time.
TheGhostOfHope also claimed that Microsoft wants Activision to adopt a more flexible approach to its release schedule, moving away from strictly annualized launches. While the standalone Zombies game would receive regular updates similar to Warzone, the single-player campaign is expected to remain included with the main multiplayer release.
Delays and Strategic Shifts
The leak also highlights how delays to the next Xbox may have affected Call of Duty’s marketing strategy. Originally, Modern Warfare 4 was planned as a launch title, positioned to draw attention alongside other major releases such as GTA VI. With the console delayed, the idea of splitting the releases into a dedicated multiplayer game and a separate Zombies title has reportedly gained traction.
These changes reflect a broader shift in how Activision approaches Call of Duty. By separating multiplayer and Zombies content, the publisher may provide more focused experiences for players while allowing additional time for updates and content expansions.
Potential Community Impact
A standalone Zombies game could offer significant benefits to the dedicated Zombies community, providing a game solely focused on the cooperative mode. However, there are questions about how this approach might affect the traditional multiplayer experience and overall franchise cohesion. Current reports suggest that Modern Warfare 4 is still targeted for a 2026 release, while next-generation consoles may not arrive until 2028 at the earliest.
If this strategy proceeds, it could signal a major shift for Call of Duty, emphasizing modular releases that cater to specific gameplay modes and long-term player engagement.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will the standalone Zombies game replace multiplayer content in Call of Duty?
No, according to the leak, the standalone Zombies game would be released alongside a traditional multiplayer title. Single-player campaigns would still be included with each release.
Who is developing the standalone Zombies game?
The leak suggests Treyarch is likely developing the standalone Zombies game, continuing its history of involvement with Zombies content.
When will Modern Warfare 4 release?
Current reports indicate that Modern Warfare 4 is expected in 2026, although plans may adjust depending on console release schedules.
Will the next-gen consoles launch alongside these games?
The next generation of consoles has reportedly been delayed until at least 2028, which could impact marketing and launch strategies for both titles.
Will the Zombies game receive regular updates?
Yes, the standalone Zombies game is expected to be updated regularly, similar to Warzone, while keeping single-player campaigns bundled with main releases.
Why is Activision changing its release strategy?
Activision is moving away from annualized, back-to-back releases to provide unique experiences each year and to adapt to console delays and evolving market conditions.
