Call of Duty in Crisis In 2025? Shockingly Dev Says It’s Out of Ideas

Call of Duty has dominated gaming since its 2003 debut. A recent comment from an original developer has sparked debate. Chance Glasco— a co-founder of Infinity Ward, told News 9 in May 2025 that the franchise feels like it’s “run out of ideas.” Likening it to The Simpsons—a show that’s stretched thin after decades—Glasco’s critique has divided fans. Some nod in agreement, while others champion the series’ evolution. It’s a hot topic worth digging into—check out more gaming buzz at Total Apex Gaming’s news section.

Glasco’s Take: From Insider to Critic

Chance Glasco isn’t some random voice—he’s a key figure in Call of Duty’s origin story. As an animator at Infinity Ward, he helped craft the iconic Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare and Modern Warfare 2 titles. Those are two games that redefined shooters. Hailing from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Glasco brought a grounded perspective to the team. They blended creativity with technical skill. In his News 9 interview, he said, “It’s been around so long, it feels like they’ve run out of ideas at times”, suggesting they dilute the series’ identity. His insider cred makes this hit hard.

Fans Weigh In: Stale or Still Thriving?

The Call of Duty community’s reaction is a mixed bag. On forums and social media, some fans echo Glasco, and are frustrated by reused maps and predictable gameplay loops. DualShockers highlights complaints about the annual churn stifling fresh ideas. Yet loyalists argue back, citing Warzone’s battle royale success and wild collabs like Godzilla as innovation. Glasco admitted he still enjoys Warzone, muddying the waters—can a game be stale if it’s still addictive? The split shows how deeply fans care about the franchise’s direction.

A Brief History: From WWII to Modern Warfare

Call of Duty kicked off as a gritty WWII shooter and rivaled Medal of Honor. Its big break came with Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare in 2007, which traded trenches for modern battlefields and launched a multiplayer revolution. For over two decades, it’s jumped from historical epics to sci-fi flops like Infinite Warfare with sub-series like Black Ops carving their own paths. But after 20+ releases, the fatigue is slowly creeping in. Black Ops 6 in 2024 felt polished and familiar—great sales, sure, but no bold leaps. Industry analyst Michael Pachter told GameRant that Call of Duty’s microtransaction billions might excuse playing it safe. Still, can cash cows afford to coast forever?

What’s Next for Call of Duty?

Glasco’s not alone in his concerns. Back in 2022, ex-Infinity Ward dev Robert Bowling urged a “revitalization,” tired of the same old formula. With Modern Warfare 3 rumored for 2026, Activision faces a crossroads: innovate or lean on the tried-and-true? Fans want surprises, but the franchise’s scale—millions of players, massive revenue—might keep it cautious. For more gaming takes, hit up Total Apex Gaming. What do you think—can Call of Duty rediscover its edge?