Raven Software’s Call of Duty Zombies project was canceled without any official explanation regarding its content. However, during an interview with YouTuber Glitching Queen, the lead designer, Michael Gummelt, revealed that the game would have been a free-to-play live service where players engage in colosseum battles.
The concept drew inspiration from Mad Max’s post-apocalyptic world and was supposed to be a multiplayer mode for four players where they need to exit the colosseum and collect rewards. The idea seemed fun and engaging, but it never saw the day of light as the project was cancelled.
Canceled Call of Duty Zombies’ concepts
While talking to Youtuber Glitching Queen, Gummelt revealed that Project Zed aimed to merge the best elements from two popular Call of Duty franchises: Call of Duty Zombies and Call of Duty Online. The concept was ambitious, promising a blend of robust microtransactions and replayability that made Call of Duty Online successful. Regular updates and fresh game modes were also part of the plan to keep both existing and new players engaged.
However, the real excitement lay in the 4-player multiplayer mode within Project Zed. In this mode, players would step into the shoes of Gladiators, battling waves of zombies. The setting drew inspiration from the gritty, post-apocalyptic style of the Mad Max movies. After surviving several intense waves in the arena, players would have the opportunity to escape and explore an open-world environment—a tantalizing prospect for fans.
Despite Project Zed never seeing the light of day, the concept remains captivating. Perhaps someday, similar ideas will find their way into future Call of Duty titles, providing players with fresh and exhilarating experiences.
Why did Call of Duty Zombies get canceled?
The cancellation of the Call of Duty Zombies project remains shrouded in mystery, with no official statement clarifying the reasons. However, speculation suggests that the game’s potential as a direct competitor to their existing titles led to its demise—a move to avoid internal competition.
The issue of microtransactions has been a sore point for players. The relentless push for in-game purchases and the grind required to earn BP coins has left many feeling fatigued. Ultimately, players have questioned whether the effort and money invested are truly worthwhile.
On a positive note, the interview revealed a silver lining for fans: the inclusion of Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, 3, and 4 Zombies. These titles drew inspiration from the canceled game’s concepts and provided players with a familiar experience. Meanwhile, the gaming landscape has shifted, with free-to-play live-service games dominating the genre, leaving traditional open-world zombies somewhat overrun.
