Epic Ambitions Cut Short: The Demise of Raven Software’s Ambitious COD Zombies Game
Raven Software, a renowned company known for its significant contributions to the Call of Duty series, had set its sights on creating a groundbreaking COD Zombies live service game. The studio had ambitious plans to build upon the success of Treyarch’s mode and develop a standalone Call of Duty title that would captivate fans. However, their dreams were abruptly dashed when Activision, the parent company, made the shocking decision to cancel the project.
Former Raven Software Lead Designer Michael Gummelt recently revealed on his LinkedIn profile that the studio had not one, but two major projects in the pipeline. One of these projects aimed to create a unique Call of Duty game that would showcase Raven Software’s creativity while drawing inspiration from Treyarch’s Zombie mode. The other project involved resurrecting one of the studio’s beloved IPs but unfortunately shared the same fate as the former.
Initially, Raven Software had announced the development of a self-sufficient COD game, describing it as an “ambitious live service version” of Zombies. However, Activision’s decision to pull the plug on the project prompted the studio to take a bold step back from Treyarch’s mode and shift their focus to a different venture. In 2019, they began working on reviving a cherished game from their past.
Tragically, all of their efforts were in vain as Activision opted to channel their resources into creating Warzone, the immensely popular Call of Duty battle royale game. This choice ultimately spelled the end for Raven Software’s ambitious project, leaving them with no opportunity to see their vision come to life.
Gummelt described the situation, stating, “I was leading a very small incubation team, working on two highly playable and well-developed prototypes as proof of concept for a revival of a classic Raven IP. Unfortunately, the Activision ‘Press Start’ initiative, under which we were working, came to an end shortly after the successful launch of ‘Warzone’.”
Now, with Raven Software recently being acquired by Microsoft as part of the Activision-Blizzard King takeover, gamers are left wondering if this change in ownership will offer the studio a fresh chance to realize their vision and create new titles. Despite the setbacks faced by Raven Software, fans remain optimistic, believing that the studio’s imaginative prowess extends far beyond the realms of the Call of Duty franchise.
FAQ:
Q: What was Raven Software working on before the project got canceled?
A: Raven Software was working on a unique Call of Duty game based on Treyarch’s Zombie mode and a revival of one of their classic IPs.
Q: What led to the cancellation of Raven Software’s ambitious COD Zombies game?
A: Activision, the parent company, made the decision to halt the project and focus on creating Warzone, a popular Call of Duty battle royale game.
Q: Will the recent acquisition by Microsoft provide Raven Software an opportunity to realize their vision?
A: The acquisition has raised hopes among gamers that the change in ownership could offer Raven Software a fresh chance to bring their creative vision to life.
Q: Can Raven Software’s talent extend beyond the Call of Duty franchise?
A: Fans believe that Raven Software possesses imaginative talent that reaches beyond the boundaries of the Call of Duty franchise.
The source of the article is from the blog motopaddock.nl