Amidst the recent emphasis on the Modern Warfare series in the Call of Duty franchise, the anticipation for the 2024 release taking a new direction is palpable. It's confirmed that Treyarch will helm the development of the 2024 CoD, known for their success with the Black Ops series.
Rumors are rife that the 2024 Call of Duty will be linked to the Black Ops franchise, having been in the works for four years already. Despite the lack of official details, numerous leaks and rumors provide a glimpse into what fans can anticipate from Call of Duty this year.
Call of Duty 2024: A Potential Gulf War Setting
Indications point towards the 2024 Call of Duty being situated during the Gulf War, a departure from the usual Cold War backdrop of the Black Ops series. Considering Treyarch's recent Black Ops Cold War set in 1981, a Gulf War setting places the 2024 Call of Duty between 1990 and 1991. This proximity suggests a possible sequel to Cold War, with characters like Adler, Woods, Mason, and Bell making a return.
If 2024's title falls under Black Ops, the game might shift its focus from standard ground combat to security operations and the role of agencies like the CIA in the conflict. Although Treyarch hasn't officially confirmed this setting, leaks and rumors strongly suggest that this year's CoD will unfold during the Gulf War.
2023 leaks heavily hinted at a Gulf War backdrop for the 2024 Call of Duty, with actor Luke Charles Stafford hinting at his role as Ratcliffe in the project. One prevailing rumor speculates that Stafford's character is based on the real-life SAS soldier Peter Ratcliffe, known for his bravery during the Gulf War. Emphasizing non-American operations would be a unique angle for the Black Ops series, potentially offering a refreshing change if these rumors hold true.
2024's Call of Duty: A Shift in Zombies and Campaign Structure
Treyarch's hallmark contribution to the Call of Duty series is the iconic Zombies mode, introduced in 2008's Call of Duty: World at War. The Zombies mode has evolved significantly over the years, with recent controversial additions like the open-world Outbreak Zombies.
In response to criticisms, rumors suggest that the 2024 Zombies mode will return to its classic round-based gameplay, aiming to capture the essence of earlier iterations. Conversely, whispers indicate that the campaign in 2024 might depart from the linear single-player experience typical of Call of Duty games. Instead of discrete missions, the campaign could adopt a fully open-world format, akin to the open combat missions in the recent Modern Warfare 3.
The open combat missions in Modern Warfare 3 received mixed feedback, so a fully open-world campaign in 2024 could spark division. While more official details on CoD 2024 are awaited in the upcoming months, the game seems poised to be a bold progression for Black Ops, honoring the franchise's heritage while venturing into new territory.