Sledgehammer Games wants out of the Call of Duty treadmill. Ben Wanat’s LinkedIn profile – former Senior Creative Director – reveals the studio developed an unannounced action RPG focusing on franchise planning, player mechanics prototyping, and world design. This marks Sledgehammer’s first non-shooter since their 2014 inception.
From CoD Grind to RPG Ambition
Sledgehammer built their reputation on Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare (2014), WWII (2017), and Modern Warfare 3 (2023). Annual franchise obligations left little room for experimentation. Ben Wanat’s credits include “franchise planning, pitching, hiring, prototypes, player mechanics, world layout, environment and character concepts” for the action RPG.
Zach Hodson elevated to Creative Director suggests project continuity post-Wanat’s August 2025 departure. Sledgehammer hiring Technical UI Designers for “exciting unannounced project” corroborates active development. This represents calculated risk after Black Ops 7’s disappointing reception.
Call of Duty Action RPG or New IP?
Two possibilities emerge from conflicting studio focus:
- CoD Action RPG: Rumors persist about 2027 martial arts-focused subfranchise with heavy movement. Action RPG classification fits extraction shooter mechanics.
- New IP: Complete genre departure mirrors Infinity Ward spawning Elsewhere studio. Sledgehammer seeks RPG identity beyond Activision obligations.
Either scenario breaks CoD’s first-person monotony. Action RPG framework supports squad-based campaigns, gear progression, skill trees – evolutions players demanded since Advanced Warfare’s exo-suits.
Sledgehammer’s Development Timeline
| Title | Release | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Warfare | 2014 | Lead Studio |
| Vanguard | 2021 | Co-Developer |
| MW3 (2023) | 2023 | Lead Studio |
| CoD 2025 | TBD | Support (Treyarch lead) |
| Action RPG | 2028+ | Lead Studio |
2025 Black Ops 7 (Treyarch) frees Sledgehammer completely. 2026 Modern Warfare 4 (Infinity Ward) creates two-year gap. Action RPG targets 2028 leveraging lessons from annual crunch.
Why Action RPG Makes Sense
Sledgehammer’s technical strengths translate perfectly:
- Advanced Warfare’s exo-movement becomes RPG traversal
- MW3’s weapon customization expands into gear systems
- WWII’s squad AI evolves into companion mechanics
- Strong worldbuilding skills apply to open-zone RPGs
Activision learned from annualization fatigue. Black Ops 7’s decline forced genre experimentation. Extraction shooters classified as action RPGs (DMZ, Warzone) validate classification.
Industry Context Forces Change
CoD confronts existential threats:
- Black Ops 6 peaked then crashed
- Battlefield declining despite Microsoft acquisition
- Counter-Strike 2 dominating competitive FPS
- Valorant stealing esports audience
Sledgehammer’s RPG pivot mirrors Infinity Ward spawning Elsewhere. Studios diversify internally rather than risk full cancellation. Martial arts CoD rumors gain credibility through action RPG framework.
FAQs
Is Sledgehammer still making Call of Duty?
Support role on 2025 Black Ops 7. Action RPG represents primary focus post-2026 MW4 (Infinity Ward).
Is this a new Call of Duty game?
Possible. 2027 martial arts subfranchise rumors align with action RPG classification. Extraction shooter mechanics fit genre definition.
Did Ben Wanat’s departure kill the project?
No – Zach Hodson promoted Creative Director. Technical UI Designer jobs confirm active hiring.
What engine powers the action RPG?
IW Engine probable given Sledgehammer expertise. Proven track record across MW3, Warzone 2.0.
When does it release?
2028+ realistic. CoD annual cycle frees 2027 completely. Two-year development post-Vanguard lessons.
Will it have microtransactions?
Expected regardless of CoD affiliation. Activision standardizes battle passes across projects.
Is this related to Battlefield?
No – Sledgehammer exited Battlefield support post-2042. Full Activision focus.
Sledgehammer’s Liberation
Action RPG leak represents Sledgehammer’s declaration of independence. After decade supporting annual CoD releases, studio finally builds original vision. Whether CoD martial arts spin-off or brand new IP, genre pivot demonstrates creative ambition beyond franchise obligations.
Ben Wanat’s departure becomes project milestone rather than death knell. Leadership transition to Zach Hodson signals continuity. Post-Black Ops 7 decline creates perfect window for reinvention. Sledgehammer emerges from CoD shadow ready to compete in hottest genre while leveraging shooter expertise.