You might remember some big talk from Activision regarding a third-person action spin to the gargantuan franchise several months ago. Well, it’s now several months later and that plan seems to have fallen through. “We came on board to make a third-person action adventure game, in the Call of Duty franchise, and we were working on it about six months,” said Glen Schofield, Sledgehammer co-founder.
The Shift in Focus
However, they couldn’t pass up “the opportunity to work on the biggest thing in the industry with Infinity Ward,” especially as “there’s a lot of people on the team who have worked on Call of Duty before, who have worked on first-person shooters before, so there’s a lot of built-in knowledge about the first-person shooter genre and a lot of passionate gamers. Some guys on the floor are tenth level prestige in Black Ops.” We’re sure they are, we just hope they’re tenth level prestige in Radiant and narrative design as well.
The decision to pivot from a third-person action adventure to a first-person shooter was not taken lightly. The Call of Duty franchise has a storied history of success in the first-person shooter genre, and the opportunity to contribute to such a well-established series was too significant to ignore. The team at Sledgehammer Games, with their extensive experience and passion for the genre, felt that they could bring a fresh perspective and innovative ideas to the table.
Challenges and Opportunities
Transitioning from a third-person action game to a first-person shooter presented its own set of challenges and opportunities. Developing a third-person game involves different mechanics, camera angles, and player interactions compared to a first-person shooter. The team had to quickly adapt to these changes and leverage their expertise to ensure a seamless transition.
One of the key advantages of working on a first-person shooter like Call of Duty is the established fan base and the high expectations that come with it. The franchise is known for its intense gameplay, realistic graphics, and engaging storylines. Sledgehammer Games aimed to uphold these standards while also introducing new elements to keep the gameplay fresh and exciting.
For example, the team explored new ways to enhance the multiplayer experience, which is a cornerstone of the Call of Duty series. They experimented with different game modes, maps, and customization options to provide players with a diverse and immersive experience. Additionally, they focused on improving the narrative aspect of the game, ensuring that the storyline was compelling and resonated with players.
Another significant aspect of the development process was the collaboration with Infinity Ward. Working alongside a studio with a rich history in the Call of Duty franchise allowed Sledgehammer Games to gain valuable insights and learn from their experiences. This collaboration fostered a creative environment where ideas could be exchanged, and the best practices could be implemented.
The decision to shift focus also had implications for the team’s workflow and project management. Developing a game of this scale requires meticulous planning, coordination, and communication. The team had to ensure that all aspects of the game, from design and development to testing and marketing, were aligned and executed efficiently.
In conclusion, while the initial plan to create a third-person action adventure game in the Call of Duty franchise did not come to fruition, the decision to pivot to a first-person shooter was driven by the opportunity to work on one of the biggest franchises in the industry. The team’s passion, expertise, and collaboration with Infinity Ward played a crucial role in shaping the game’s development. As a result, players can look forward to an exciting and immersive experience that stays true to the core elements of the Call of Duty series while introducing new and innovative features.
Source Gamespot
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