Innovation appears to be the key focus for Activision as it looks to taking the Call of Duty franchise to the next level later in 2012. Criticism from fans and gamers of the series have focused on the game's repetitive gameplay which is masked with a different title and maps. CEO Eric Hirschberg plans to change all that according to the latest investor conference call.
"(The) next Call of Duty will bring meaningful innovation to the series...We haven't yet announced the content of their game, but it's going to be an innovative take that will further broaden the audience for Call of Duty," said Hirschberg.
The conference revealed that the next COD title plans to be revolutionary and bring something new for gamers. There is general consensus that the franchise will need to inject something different into its current action adventure style first person shooter gameplay. Titles such as Call o Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and 3, and possibly Black Ops, may contain new content and improved graphics,, the gaming experience are becoming trite.
Amidst criticism, the COD series continues to be a success with 7 million members and counting in its Elite online subscription service. Around 1.5 million of them are premium subscribers. The COD Elite subscription did have some hiccups upon its release. Millions of gamers could not log into the service and Activitsion noted that they should have done a beta test first.
But in the end, COD prevailed and the same may be true with its current challenge. Expect to see Hirschberg bring on some 'meaningful innovation' to the strong running COD franchise.
Activision's new innovative title may take the form of Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 and if the company continues to follow its release date pattern, gamers can expect a November 2012 release. Check back for more details as it comes.
