Call of Duty, one of the most popular video game franchises in the world, is set to take a bold step with its upcoming release, Black Ops Gulf War. In a departure from its traditional linear campaigns, the game will introduce an open-world experience, giving players a new level of freedom and exploration.
While Call of Duty has experimented with open-world elements in the past, particularly in Modern Warfare 3, Black Ops Gulf War’s open-world campaign has been meticulously crafted from scratch. Insider Gaming reports that the game will not rely on assets from previous entries, ensuring a fresh and unique experience for players.
The release of the new game is expected in October or November 2024, following the pattern of previous mainline Call of Duty launches. The open-world experience in Black Ops Gulf War is said to be similar to the exploration style seen in games like Far Cry. Players and their squad will have the ability to navigate the map using vehicles and a fast travel system, adding a new dimension to the gameplay.
While the exact number of linear missions within the open-world structure is still uncertain, sources indicate that there will be some integration of linear missions alongside the broader open-world gameplay. This combination of linear and open-world missions promises to offer a dynamic and immersive experience for players.
Developed by Microsoft Corp.’s Raven Software, with multiplayer and zombies handled by Treyarch Games, Black Ops Gulf War will also feature the return of familiar Black Ops characters, including Adler. This will undoubtedly please fans of the franchise who have grown attached to these characters over the years.
The shift towards open-world campaigns in Call of Duty may extend beyond Black Ops Gulf War, indicating a potential trend in future titles. The next installment, rumored to be called Call of Duty 2025 and codenamed Saturn, is said to embrace an open-world approach as well. Reports suggest that the map will be divided into various biomes or locations, adding even more diversity to the gameplay.
However, it’s important to note that the specifics of this design are subject to change as the game is still in early development. With approximately 20 months until its expected release in October 2025, there is plenty of time for adjustments and improvements.
The introduction of open-world campaigns in Call of Duty represents an exciting new direction for the franchise. It offers players a fresh and immersive experience, allowing them to explore and engage with the game world in new ways. As fans eagerly await the release of Black Ops Gulf War and future installments, it will be interesting to see how this shift towards open-world gameplay continues to evolve.
