Thursday, 26 Dec 2024

Activision’s CEO Discusses Call of Duty, Crash, and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds

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Last month, Game Informer had the opportunity to visit Sledgehammer Games and get an exclusive look at Call of Duty: WWII. During their visit, they had a chance to sit down with Activision CEO Eric Hirshberg and discuss various topics, including the decision to return to World War II, the future direction of the franchise, and the success of Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy.

Returning to World War II

The decision to return to World War II was not a simple one. It was a combination of listening to the Call of Duty community’s desire for innovation and new experiences, as well as the passion of the development team at Sledgehammer Games. The team felt that it was the right time to take the franchise back to its roots, and the setting of World War II felt like a natural fit. The grand scale of the war and Sledgehammer’s ability to create impactful, cinematic moments made it a perfect match.

The Future of Call of Duty

While Hirshberg could not reveal specific details about future titles, he expressed that World War II and historical settings have the potential to be explored more than once. He also addressed the idea of Call of Duty moving towards a game-as-a-service model. He explained that Call of Duty already has a strong and dedicated community, and they are constantly working to improve and unify the player experience across different game modes.

The Headquarters and Social Experience

One of the exciting features in Call of Duty: WWII is the headquarters, a 3D social space where players can interact with each other. Hirshberg described it as a thoughtful and well-thought-out design that could potentially transform the way the community interacts with one another. While he acknowledged the comparison to Destiny’s tower, he emphasized that the headquarters came from the idea of creating a more social experience within Call of Duty.

The Value of the Call of Duty Experience

Hirshberg highlighted the value of bundling the campaign, multiplayer, and zombies modes together. The crossover between these modes not only creates a better experience for players but also increases the longevity of the game. He also mentioned that they are continually working on improving the player experience and incentivizing players to keep playing from one entry to the next.

Call of Duty and the Battle Royale Genre

When asked about the possibility of blending the battle royale genre with Call of Duty, Hirshberg expressed that it could be a fun way to play. He acknowledged that Call of Duty has both invented new ways to play and been inspired by other games, and believes that they could put their own creative stamp on the genre.

The Success of Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy

Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy has exceeded expectations and has been well-received by fans. Hirshberg expressed his personal attachment to the game and the joy of seeing so many people appreciate the effort that went into recreating the classic titles. He emphasized the value proposition of the trilogy, offering all three games at a great price.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the conversation with Activision CEO Eric Hirshberg provided valuable insights into the decision-making process behind Call of Duty: WWII, the future direction of the franchise, and the success of Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy. Activision remains committed to delivering innovative and engaging experiences for the Call of Duty community, while also exploring new possibilities in the gaming industry.

FAQs

  • Q: Is Call of Duty: WWII a one-off or will historical settings be further explored?

    • A: While specific details cannot be revealed, historical settings are considered rich territory and may be explored more than once.
  • Q: Will Call of Duty move towards a game-as-a-service model?

    • A: Call of Duty already has elements of a game-as-a-service with its stable community, but there are ongoing efforts to improve and unify the player experience.
  • Q: Will the headquarters and social experience be a staple in future Call of Duty games?

    • A: The headquarters is an exciting feature that could transform the way the community interacts, but its success will depend on player response.
  • Q: Will the Call of Duty experience continue to offer a campaign, multiplayer, and zombies mode bundled together?

    • A: The bundling of these modes creates a better experience and increases player longevity in the community.
  • Q: Is there a possibility of blending the battle royale genre with Call of Duty?

    • A: While it’s a fun concept, blending the battle royale genre with Call of Duty would require careful consideration and creative execution.
  • Q: How has Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy performed?

    • A: The trilogy has exceeded expectations and has been well-received by fans, offering a great value proposition.