Too Much Passion? Treyarch Doesn’t Want Other Call of Duty Studios to Touch Zombies, Here’s the Possible Reason Why

A standalone Call of Duty game featuring Zombies was in the works more than a decade ago. Warzone studio Raven Software was behind this ambitious project. However, Activision decided to scrap it completely after the most popular and fan-favorite COD developer, Treyarch Studios, apparently intervened.

This news has already been revealed and is doing rounds on the internet lately. It was shared by someone who was part of Raven Software’s team 10 years ago. But what’s crucial to note in this situation is how much of an impact Treyarch Studios has on the entire FPS franchise, especially with its celebrated and iconic Zombies experience.

Treyarch Studios seemingly holds too much control on what other Activision devs can do with Zombies in Call of Duty

Former Raven Software lead designer Michael Gummelt recently dropped some interesting intel on LinkedIn. Under the ‘Experience’ section of his profile, one can see Gummelt has revealed details on the work he did for Raven during his time at the studio for over 23 years. Between 2011 and 2012, there was a live-service “ambitious new Call of Duty: Zombies“ game in the works by Raven Software, according to Gummelt. Unfortunately, it was eventually canceled “when the ATVI studio that “owned” that part of the Call of Duty IP wanted it back,“ wrote Michael in the description for this game.

Now, it’s not difficult to assume the studio’s name referred by Gummelt. It’s definitely Treyarch Studios that presumably “owned” part of the Zombies experience back in 2011. Simply because the studio was the first one to introduce Zombies into Activision’s first-person shooter franchise back in 2008 with World at War. The team followed that up with 2010’s first Black Ops and 2012’s legendary Black Ops 2.

The latest information is important as it suggests Treyarch is not very happy whenever a different Activision-owned developer tries to bring changes to Zombies with their own take on the iconic mode.

Even before the current news was revealed publicly, there were rumors in 2012 (after Black Ops 2 released) that claimed a standalone Zombies game was in development. However, the project never saw the light of day – now one can see why.

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Although Activision owns all the experience (combat shooter modes and Zombies) in Call of Duty, Treyarch has emerged as a prominent and proven developer. Simply due to an amazing track record it has had so far. But given the fact it’s also the founder of Zombies in the series, Treyarch gets more say in matters that are crucial, especially when zombies are involved.

While Michael’s revelation about the canceled, standalone project doesn’t point towards any inter-studio rivalry, everyone can have a different opinion on this entire situation. However, hardcore fans will always keep wondering about the live-service Zombies title from Raven Software and how it could have changed the franchise more than a decade ago – even before Warzone’s explosion.

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