Call of Duty will no longer follow the back-to-back releases model for Modern Warfare and Black Ops

Michael Hassall Published December 10, 2025

The creators of Call of Duty have announced that it will be scaling back the release schedule of Call of Duty mainline titles following the controversial launch of Black Ops 7. In a blog post posted late on Dec. 9, the company revealed it would move away from the back-to-back releases model for Modern Warfare and Black Ops, and instead focus on creating new and unique experiences.

Call of Duty Black Ops and Modern Warfare will no longer use back-to-back releases model

As per the blog post, made under the byline of “Call of Duty Staff,” explained that the series would “no longer do back-to-back releases of Modern Warfare or Black Ops games.” The post further explained that “The reasons are many, but the main one is to ensure we provide an absolutely unique experience each and every year.”

It’s uncertain what this means, but potentially, stories and franchises outside of the Black Ops and Modern Warfare banners could return, with some speculating we could see a return to the World War II or Advanced/Infinite Warfare series.

Black Ops 7. Image Credit: Treyarch, Raven Software

The blog post went on to state it would be releasing Black Ops 7 Multiplayer and Zombies for a free trial in the near future. And that this isn’t the end of BO7, with the Call of Duty Staff saying:

“Your continuing feedback will help shape our seasonal updates over the coming months. Season 01 is the largest live season ever and we’re just getting started.  We won’t rest until Black Ops 7 earns its place as one of the best Black Ops games we’ve ever made.”

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 released on Nov. 14, 2025 to mixed reviews. The game was widely criticized for its use of AI, a terrible co-op campaign that forced you to play with random players, and an overall lower player count.

Observers have pointed to a perceived lack of effort on the developers part, and fatigue from successive Call of Duty releases. As a result, a shakeup that breaks the now predictable cycle.

Stick with Esportsbetting.com for more Call of Duty news, and while you stay, why not check out our ranking of the best Call of Duty: Warzone players of all-time.

Featured Image Credit: Activision