Few franchises dominate the gaming world quite like Call of Duty. For nearly two decades, it has maintained a juggernaut status, delivering blockbuster releases year after year while defining modern shooter culture. Its relentless annual schedule, cinematic campaigns, and multiplayer innovations have made it a pop-culture-defining giant, influencing everything from esports to Hollywood storytelling. Gamers worldwide anticipate each new installment, knowing that Call of Duty promises polished gameplay, high-octane action, and a familiar yet thrilling experience.
But behind every blockbuster launch lies a lesser-known story. For every title that reaches store shelves, countless prototypes, ambitious concepts, and nearly-finished games never see the light of day. Ideas that could have expanded the franchise into new genres, eras, and gameplay mechanics are quietly shelved, leaving fans to wonder what might have been. These abandoned projects reveal a side of the franchise rarely discussed: the creative risks considered and ultimately rejected in the pursuit of commercial success.
These are the roads not taken—the alternate timelines where Call of Duty wasn’t just a modern military shooter, but a third-person adventure in ancient Rome, a horror-filled standalone Zombies experience, or a tactical squad-focused game. In this article, we explore the 10 most fascinating cancelled Call of Duty projects and uncover the stories behind why they never reached players’ hands. From ambitious near-future combat to bold historical reimaginings, these lost projects highlight the “what-ifs” that could have rewritten Call of Duty history entirely.
The Standalones & Spin-Offs
10. Call of Duty: Combined Forces
Call of Duty: Combined Forces was envisioned as a sequel to Call of Duty: Finest Hour, aiming to expand upon its World War II narrative with new campaigns and enhanced gameplay mechanics.
Spark Unlimited, known for their work on Call of Duty: Finest Hour, proposed this sequel to Activision.
After the completion of Finest Hour, Spark Unlimited pitched Combined Forces to Activision. However, the project faced several challenges, including legal issues and production problems that arose during development. The game’s projected cost of US$10.5 million was deemed excessive, and Activision felt the proposal resembled more of an expansion pack than a wholly new experience. Consequently, Activision rejected the proposal and ended their contract with Spark Unlimited.
Had Combined Forces been developed, it could have further enriched the Call of Duty franchise’s World War II era, offering players new perspectives and missions. However, the project’s cancellation led to the development of Call of Duty 2: Big Red One by Treyarch, which continued the series’ focus on WWII narratives.
9. Call of Duty: Tactics
Call of Duty: Tactics was envisioned as a squad-based tactical shooter, offering players a top-down perspective on World War II battles. The game aimed to blend traditional Call of Duty action with strategic elements, allowing players to command squads in detailed, tactical engagements.
Developed by Vicarious Visions, a studio known for its work on the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series, Call of Duty: Tactics represented a significant departure from their previous projects. The studio had previously developed Call of Duty: Roman Wars, another cancelled project, showcasing their ambition to explore different facets of the Call of Duty universe.
Despite the innovative approach, Call of Duty: Tactics faced challenges during development. The project was ultimately cancelled, with reports indicating that Activision redirected Vicarious Visions’ resources to support other Call of Duty projects. The cancellation was part of a broader strategy to streamline development and focus on core titles within the franchise.
Had Call of Duty: Tactics been released, it could have introduced a fresh strategic layer to the Call of Duty franchise. The integration of tactical gameplay might have attracted a broader audience and diversified the series’ appeal. However, the cancellation led to the development of Call of Duty: Heroes, a mobile RTS game, which, while enjoyable, did not capture the depth and complexity that a full-scale RTS could have offered.
8. Call of Duty: Future Warfare (or NX1)
Before Advanced Warfare and Infinite Warfare ever took players into the future, there was Call of Duty: Future Warfare — codenamed NX1. This unannounced project aimed to explore near-future combat long before the franchise officially ventured beyond modern battlefields.
The concept was in development at Neversoft in the late 2000s, following the success of Modern Warfare 2. Some reports suggest that early materials and prototypes were created as part of internal discussions about where the series could evolve next.
The project never advanced beyond the early concept phase. After the internal disputes that led to the departure of Infinity Ward founders Jason West and Vince Zampella in 2010, many experimental ideas were shelved or restructured. Future Warfare was one of them. Activision eventually revisited the concept years later through Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare in 2014 and Infinite Warfare in 2016, but the original NX1 project was effectively lost to time. It remains one of those Call of Duty games that never came out, buried under corporate shifts and creative turbulence.
If Future Warfare had launched when first conceived, it might have reshaped Call of Duty history entirely. The series could have transitioned into futuristic combat earlier, setting the tone for exosuits, drones, and high-tech weaponry years before those ideas became mainstream. It might have also prevented the later fatigue fans felt when multiple futuristic titles appeared in succession. In hindsight, Future Warfare represents a turning point that never happened — a glimpse at how innovation in the franchise can be both ahead of its time and trapped by its own success.
7. Call of Duty: Zombies (Standalone)
Imagine an entire game built around Call of Duty’s most beloved side mode. Call of Duty: Zombies was meant to be a full-fledged standalone experience that expanded the lore, gameplay, and chaos of the undead universe beyond its origins in World at War.
Raven Software took the lead on this ambitious spin-off during the early 2010s. The studio, known for its work on Singularity and as a support team for the Call of Duty series, began exploring how to turn Zombies into a complete, narrative-driven title.
Development started strong but soon hit creative and logistical walls. Activision decided to keep Zombies as a mode rather than a separate franchise to avoid fragmenting the player base. Internal priorities shifted toward Call of Duty: Ghosts and Advanced Warfare, and Raven Software cancelled Call of Duty Zombies before it could reach full production. Many of its early ideas — including open-world maps and class-based characters — later inspired features in future Zombies releases.
A standalone Call of Duty: Zombies could have turned the series into a horror-action powerhouse, blending survival gameplay with cinematic storytelling. It might have given fans a deeper dive into the Aether storyline and introduced new co-op mechanics years before they appeared elsewhere. In Call of Duty history, this cancelled project stands as a major missed opportunity — proof that sometimes, the scariest thing isn’t the zombies themselves, but the games that never escape the grave.
The Lost Sequels & Remasters
6. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Remastered
Following the successful remasters of Modern Warfare and Modern Warfare 2, Activision planned to complete the trilogy with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Remastered. The idea was simple yet powerful — give fans a fully updated version of the final chapter in one of gaming’s most iconic sagas.
Development was reportedly handled by Beenox and Raven Software, both of which had previously worked on other remastered Call of Duty titles. Their goal was to modernize visuals, improve performance, and preserve the intense campaign that defined the original 2011 release.
However, things didn’t go as planned. While Modern Warfare 2 Remastered launched successfully in 2020, the third installment never arrived. According to multiple reports, licensing issues, marketing conflicts, and shifting production priorities led Activision to quietly shelve the project. Additionally, the company didn’t want to compete with Call of Duty: Warzone and the new Modern Warfare reboot that dominated the spotlight. As a result, Modern Warfare 3 Remastered joined the growing list of unreleased Call of Duty games that fans still ask about today.
Had Modern Warfare 3 Remastered dropped, it could have completed one of the most beloved trilogies in Call of Duty history. Players would have experienced the emotional finale with modern graphics and seamless integration across platforms. Moreover, the release might have bridged nostalgic fans with newer audiences, uniting both eras of the franchise. Instead, the trilogy remains incomplete — a reminder that even the most anticipated projects can vanish, no matter how close they seem to release.
5. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Remastered (Multiplayer)
When Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Remastered launched in 2020, fans expected more than just the campaign. The missing multiplayer mode — one of the most beloved in Call of Duty history — was originally planned but never released, leaving a major gap in the remake experience.
Beenox and Infinity Ward collaborated on the remaster, with Beenox focusing on the technical overhaul while Infinity Ward oversaw gameplay accuracy and performance tuning. The goal was to revive the original 2009 multiplayer experience with modern graphics, smoother controls, and better matchmaking.
Activision ultimately decided to cancel the multiplayer portion before release. The company feared splitting the online player base between the remaster and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019), which was thriving at the time. Instead of competing with itself, Activision shifted focus toward Warzone, integrating iconic maps and weapons from Modern Warfare 2 into the free-to-play ecosystem.
If the multiplayer was unleashed, it could have reignited one of the most influential eras in Call of Duty history. Players might have relived legendary maps like Rust, Terminal, and Highrise with next-gen visuals and cross-play functionality. Moreover, it could have offered a nostalgic alternative to Warzone, appealing to long-time fans while attracting a new generation. Instead, the multiplayer remains a dream — a reminder of how business strategy sometimes outweighs fan demand.
4. Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare 2
After the success of Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare in 2014, Sledgehammer Games began planning a direct sequel. Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare 2 was envisioned as a direct sequel to Advanced Warfare, aiming to further explore the futuristic warfare concepts introduced in the original game.
Sledgehammer Games led the development, aiming to evolve its bold, high-tech vision of the franchise. The team hoped to build on the fast, vertical combat and introduce new abilities that would make exosuits feel more dynamic and integral to the gameplay loop.
Despite the team’s enthusiasm, Activision chose to shelve the project. Reports indicate that Activision redirected Sledgehammer’s efforts to develop Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023) instead. This decision was likely influenced by the commercial success and positive reception of the Modern Warfare reboot series, leading Activision to prioritize continuity within that sub-franchise. Consequently, the Advanced Warfare 2 project was put on hold, and Sledgehammer was tasked with creating content for the Modern Warfare series.
Had Advanced Warfare 2 been developed, it could have expanded upon the innovative mechanics and futuristic setting of its predecessor. The integration of advanced technology and exo-skeleton gameplay might have introduced new dynamics to the Call of Duty series, appealing to fans seeking a more sci-fi-oriented experience. However, the cancellation led to the development of Modern Warfare III (2023), which, while commercially successful, received mixed reviews, with some critics highlighting issues in campaign quality and innovation.
The Radical Departures
3. Call of Duty: Devil’s Brigade
Set in the bloody final years of World War II, Call of Duty: Devil’s Brigade aimed to tell a grittier, more personal story than the mainline titles. Inspired by the real-life First Special Service Force, this game focused on stealth, sabotage, and small-unit tactics instead of large-scale warfare.
Undertow Software led development with oversight from Activision. The studio wanted to showcase the Allied commandos who operated behind enemy lines in Italy, blending cinematic storytelling with tactical gameplay. Early footage showed intense close-quarters combat, knife kills, and daring infiltration missions — a stark contrast to the bombastic battles the franchise was known for.
Development started strong, but by 2007, Activision pulled the plug. The publisher shifted its attention to Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, which promised a revolutionary new direction for the franchise. Undertow Software lacked the resources to finish the project alone, and the studio eventually shut down. Years later, leaked footage surfaced online, giving fans a glimpse of Call of Duty: Devil’s Brigade cancelled gameplay and the raw ambition behind it.
Had Devil’s Brigade reached completion, it could have rewritten Call of Duty history. The focus on stealth and unconventional warfare might have introduced a new subgenre within the franchise, paving the way for more grounded, character-driven stories. It also could have offered a darker, more mature tone that explored the psychological toll of war. Instead, the project’s cancellation marked a turning point, signaling the franchise’s shift from historical realism to cinematic modern warfare. In many ways, Devil’s Brigade stands as one of the most captivating missed opportunities in the list of unreleased Call of Duty games.
2. Call of Duty: Vietnam
Call of Duty: Vietnam sought to immerse players in one of history’s most divisive and brutal conflicts. The concept promised a gritty, emotionally charged experience that would explore guerrilla warfare, ambush tactics, and the psychological toll of combat deep in the jungles of Southeast Asia.
Sledgehammer Games began developing the project around 2010, long before it became a mainline Call of Duty studio. The team envisioned a third-person shooter that blended cinematic storytelling with visceral realism. Its goal was to depict the chaos and moral complexity of the Vietnam War in a way the series had never attempted before.
When Infinity Ward suffered a leadership crisis after the release of Modern Warfare 2, Activision reassigned Sledgehammer Games to help rescue Modern Warfare 3. This sudden shift derailed the Vietnam project entirely. By the time the crisis ended, the studio’s resources and focus had permanently moved elsewhere. Over time, Call of Duty: Vietnam faded into rumor and legend, known only through brief interviews and concept leaks.
If Call of Duty: Vietnam had been rolled out, it could have changed the series’ trajectory. The focus on guerrilla warfare and survival might have expanded the franchise beyond its familiar formula, introducing slower pacing and more emotional storytelling. The game also could have explored themes of trauma and brotherhood, grounding Call of Duty history in a more mature, reflective era. Instead, the project became another unrealized vision, its potential buried under shifting priorities and studio politics. For many fans, Vietnam remains one of the most haunting titles in Call of Duty’s long legacy of cancelled dreams.
1. Call of Duty: Roman Wars
Before Call of Duty became synonymous with modern and futuristic warfare, one studio imagined something truly daring. Call of Duty: Roman Wars would have transported players to the ancient battlefields of the Roman Empire, swapping guns for gladii and shields. The concept centered on the legendary Tenth Legion, following a Roman centurion’s rise through political intrigue and bloody conquest.
Vicarious Visions crafted the ambitious proposal in the late 2000s. Known for its work on Tony Hawk and Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, the studio sought to redefine what Call of Duty could mean. Vicarious Visions’ Call of Duty Roman Wars featured brutal third-person combat, sprawling battles across Europe and North Africa, and the same cinematic storytelling that defined the franchise’s identity.
Activision executives hesitated to greenlight a Call of Duty without guns or modern technology. They feared alienating the fan base and diluting the series’ image as a modern military shooter. Despite strong enthusiasm within the studio, the project never progressed beyond early prototypes. Eventually, Activision redirected Vicarious Visions to other titles, leaving Roman Wars to vanish into the archives of Call of Duty history.
What If Call Of Duty Roman Wars Was Made?
If Call of Duty: Roman Wars had come to life, it might have completely reshaped the franchise. The series could have evolved into a flexible historical anthology, spanning not just modern and futuristic settings, but ancient and medieval ones as well. Imagine leading phalanx formations against barbarian hordes, commanding sieges with flaming ballistae, and clashing in brutal melee combat that rivaled modern shooters in intensity.
This bold departure might also have opened the door for Call of Duty to explore other eras — feudal Japan, the Crusades, or the Napoleonic Wars — creating a timeline-spanning saga of human conflict. In doing so, it could have elevated the brand beyond its reliance on guns and explosions, redefining its storytelling as an exploration of warfare itself.
Instead, Roman Wars remains one of the most fascinating “what-ifs” in Call of Duty history, a bold idea silenced by corporate caution. For fans and historians alike, it stands as the ultimate reminder that even the world’s biggest franchises sometimes turn away from greatness just before it’s forged.
The Reflection
Looking back at these 10 cancelled Call of Duty projects, a clear pattern emerges. Activision consistently prioritized brand protection, ensuring the franchise remained familiar and commercially safe. Ambitious ideas were often shelved due to the high cost of failure or the pressing need to devote resources to the mainline annual releases. From tactical experiments like Combined Forces to bold historical ventures like Roman Wars, risk frequently lost to the comfort of the proven formula.
This graveyard of unreleased titles reveals that Call of Duty is defined as much by its “no’s” as its “yes’s.” Activision’s risk-averse approach has produced an incredibly profitable franchise, yet it also stifled some of the most creative and potentially revolutionary concepts. The projects that never made it remind us that innovation often struggles to survive within even the biggest franchises.
While we load into another season of Warzone or boot up the next Black Ops, it’s fascinating to look back at the development ghosts that haunt the franchise. These roads not taken hint at an entirely different Call of Duty universe, one where futuristic exosuits, ancient battles, and guerrilla warfare redefined the series. They serve as a haunting reminder that behind every blockbuster release lies a world of ideas that almost reshaped gaming history.
Which of these cancelled Call of Duty projects do you wish had been released? Or better yet, what’s the wildest Call of Duty idea you’d love to see the franchise try next? Share your thoughts and let us know which “road not taken” you’d want to experience in the series.
