It appears that Call of Duty 2025 is gearing up for some significant changes in response to the mixed reception of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. The recent installment faced criticism for launching with recycled maps and a lackluster campaign, leaving some fans questioning its $70 price tag.

Initial reports hinted at Call of Duty 2025 being a sequel to Black Ops 2, with all its maps being remastered versions of the 2012 title—a move reminiscent of Modern Warfare 3’s reliance on maps from 2009’s Modern Warfare 2. While some fans appreciated the nostalgic touch, others argued that Modern Warfare 3 didn’t deserve flagship status and could have been better suited as premium DLC.

However, there seems to be a change of plans for Call of Duty 2025. According to Insider Gaming, the upcoming game will feature a blend of remastered Black Ops 2 maps and entirely new, original maps. This shift is seen as a direct response to the backlash Modern Warfare 3 faced for its lack of fresh content. Despite these changes, Call of Duty 2025 is still positioned as a sequel to Black Ops 2, unfolding its narrative in 2030, five years after the events of the Black Ops 2 campaign.

Treyarch, the developer behind Call of Duty 2024 (rumored to be set during the Gulf War in the early 1990s), may or may not be working on Call of Duty 2025. There’s speculation that Sledgehammer might take the reins, as they seem to be the more probable candidate. Infinity Ward, known for not having developed a Black Ops title, is likely focused on their independent Call of Duty project.

As for gameplay, the return to a futuristic setting in Call of Duty 2025 could potentially revive the “jetpack” movement system, allowing players to soar through the air during gunfights. This feature, present in Call of Duty games from 2014 to 2016, was a point of contention among fans. Whether it will make a comeback remains speculative, as opinions on its divisiveness may influence the developers’ decision.