The landscape of the gaming industry is ever-evolving, and with it comes a myriad of opinions from those who have shaped its trajectory. Glen Schofield, the former head of Sledgehammer Games, recently shared his apprehensions regarding the future of the iconic Call of Duty franchise now that it has come under the stewardship of Microsoft. In a candid conversation with VGC, Schofield reflected on the implications of such a significant transition.
Concerns Over Franchise Direction
Schofield articulated his worries, drawing parallels with other well-known shooter franchises like Gears of War and Halo, both of which have seen varying degrees of success under corporate management. “I worry about it immensely, I really do,” he admitted. “Because what’s happening to Gears of War, where’s Halo… you know what I mean?” His concerns extend beyond just Call of Duty, as he pointed out the broader trend of established titles falling into obscurity once they are absorbed by larger entities. “You look at EA, you look at these big companies, and I’m like where’s the Strike games? Where’s this game? And there’s so many that just fall by the wayside,” he lamented.
Delving deeper into the operational shifts that accompany such mergers, Schofield speculated on the potential changes to the Call of Duty bonus system, suggesting that it may be replaced by Microsoft’s own framework. “Unfortunately, once you’re assimilated by one of these companies, I think you take on some of their traits,” he noted, hinting at the challenges that can arise when a franchise’s identity becomes intertwined with its parent company.
Reflections on Quality and Legacy
Schofield did not shy away from discussing the perceived decline in quality of the Call of Duty series since his departure. “I hate doing this, but since I left Sledgehammer, none of the games have been very good,” he stated bluntly. He referenced the latest installment, Modern Warfare 3 (2023), which he described as receiving a lukewarm reception, scoring a mere 50. “They still sell well. You know, that happens. You move. I always wonder ‘why did you take that guy out, it’s not going to work later’, and very few times does that work,” he reflected, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong creative team.
While acknowledging the talent still present in the industry, particularly at Treyarch, Schofield expressed a sense of nostalgia for his time during the franchise’s peak. “I feel like I got lucky. I feel like I was at the heyday of EA during my time there. I mean, it was a who’s who working there. And then when I got to Activision, I made Modern Warfare 3 (2011),” he reminisced, highlighting the collaborative spirit that once defined the development process.
