Xbox Reportedly Weighs Standalone Call of Duty Zombies Game as Console Delays Disrupt Plans
Microsoft is reportedly considering a major shift in its Call of Duty strategy, with insider sources suggesting that the popular Zombies mode could be split into a separate, standalone title. This move comes amid delays to the next-generation Xbox console, which have forced a reevaluation of marketing and release schedules for the gaming giant.
Console Delays Impact Call of Duty Launch Strategy
According to a report from Call of Duty insider TheGhostOfHope, the delay of the next Xbox has significantly affected Microsoft's plans for the franchise. Originally, the company aimed to launch Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 alongside the new console later this year, leveraging it as a key title to generate hype and compete with other major releases like Grand Theft Auto VI. However, a global RAM shortage has pushed back the expected release of next-gen consoles, with Sony reportedly considering a delay for the PlayStation 6 until 2029 or later.
While Microsoft has not confirmed any changes to its console timeline, declining sales of the Xbox Series X/S have added pressure to expedite the launch. The insider claims that the console delay has "hurt" many of Call of Duty's marketing plans, as Microsoft sought to use Modern Warfare 4 to draw attention away from competitors.
Potential for Dual Call of Duty Releases
In response to these setbacks, Microsoft is exploring the possibility of releasing two Call of Duty games simultaneously with the next Xbox. This could include a traditional multiplayer title and a standalone Zombies game, likely developed by Treyarch. This approach mirrors past strategies, such as the dual release of Infinite Warfare and Modern Warfare Remastered.
TheGhostOfHope further clarified that while Activision is not abandoning annual Call of Duty releases, modes like Zombies or DMZ could become paid standalone products with multi-year support to maintain player engagement. This shift aims to make Activision more agile and less reliant on rigid annualized schedules, potentially allowing quicker responses to trends like the extraction shooter hype.
Implications for the Gaming Market
Splitting Zombies into a standalone game raises questions about its appeal and pricing. While it could offer a focused experience, consumers might be hesitant to pay for a single mode unless Microsoft adopts a free-to-play model similar to Warzone. Additionally, removing such modes from mainline titles could impact their value proposition, as games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 have historically relied on a breadth of content to attract players.
Another key consideration is exclusivity. Following Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the company has committed to keeping Call of Duty on PlayStation consoles. However, a standalone Zombies offering or other content could potentially be exclusive to the next Xbox, serving as a unique draw to lure players from competing platforms.
Uncertain Future Amid Leadership Changes
The validity of these plans remains unconfirmed, and they may have been further complicated by recent leadership changes at Xbox. The sudden shift in management, coupled with ongoing hardware delays, suggests that Microsoft's strategy is in flux. As the gaming industry navigates these challenges, fans and analysts alike await official announcements to see how Call of Duty will evolve in the coming years.
