Full Breakdown
Glen Schofield Voices Concerns Over Call of Duty's Future Under Microsoft
10/17/2025, 7:55:00 PM
Concerns About Franchise Direction
Glen Schofield, the former director of several key titles in the Call of Duty franchise, has expressed significant worries regarding the future of the series following Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Speaking at Gamescom Asia, Schofield articulated his skepticism about whether the franchise can maintain its success under Microsoft's management, particularly in light of the company's recent handling of other franchises like Halo and Gears of War. He stated, “I worry about it immensely, I really do,” highlighting concerns about the cultural compatibility between Microsoft and the development teams behind Call of Duty.
Decline in Quality and Key Departures
Schofield's apprehensions are compounded by the perceived decline in quality of recent Call of Duty titles since his departure from Sledgehammer Games in 2019. He noted, “I hate doing this, but since I left Sledgehammer, none of the games have been very good,” referring specifically to the latest installment, Modern Warfare 3 (2023), which he described as receiving a low score of 50. He attributed this decline to the loss of key personnel, including himself and other notable developers, which he believes has adversely affected the franchise's creative direction.
Financial Pressures and Release Cycle
The former director also pointed out the financial pressures that compel Activision to release a new Call of Duty game annually, stating that failing to do so could result in a loss of up to a billion dollars each year. This relentless release cycle, he argues, leaves little room for innovation or improvement, as updates and features are often deferred to subsequent titles. Schofield remarked, “Unfortunately, once you’re assimilated by one of these companies, I think you take on some of their traits,” suggesting that the franchise may lose its unique identity under Microsoft’s corporate structure.
Official Statements & Responses
In his interview, Schofield emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong creative vision within the franchise. He expressed concern that the potential elimination of the previous Call of Duty bonus system, which rewarded developers based on game success, could hinder the ability to attract and retain top talent. He noted, “I don’t know, but I would imagine that the Call of Duty bonus system is out, and now you have theirs, and people are going to go ‘that isn’t that’.”
Criticism & Opposition
While Schofield's concerns reflect a broader anxiety within the gaming community about corporate acquisitions and their impact on beloved franchises, some industry observers argue that the issues facing Call of Duty are not solely attributable to Microsoft. Critics point out that the franchise has struggled with identity and monetization challenges for years, including the introduction of microtransactions and cosmetic skins that detract from the core gameplay experience.
What's Next for Call of Duty
The next installment, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, is set to release on November 14, 2025. As anticipation builds, it remains to be seen whether Activision will address the concerns raised by Schofield and others, or if the franchise will continue on its current trajectory. The gaming community is watching closely, hoping for a return to the series' former glory.
