Infinity Ward considering new franchises

The studio behind the billon dollar game Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 might not make its sequel but could instead begin work on an all-new game with a fresh development team.

In an interview with VG247, Activision executive president Dave Stohl offered some hints at the future of Infinity Ward, which was founded in 2002. He said the development house is having no problem securing talent, despite the mass exodus following the firing of studio heads Vince Zampella and Jason West.

"Recruiting at Infinity Ward is not a problem. What we’re trying to do is say that Infinity Ward is a culture; it’s a way of doing things," he said. "There’s a lot of people there, and there’s still a lot of passion for doing it. We’re trying to rebuild, trying to help them and support them to rebuild. So people are stepping up, new people are coming in, and we’re setting the bar so high."

When pressed for comment regarding Infinity Ward's future, Stohl wouldn't say much but did note the next property is likely to stick true to the studio's previous efforts.

"We’re not saying right now. There is definitely a strong shooter philosophy there, for sure," the executive said. "And I think that there’s a short- and long-term view on the whole thing. But I think we’re rebuilding a studio that can go off and build great new franchises in the future."

Ironically, Activision's suit against Zampella and West is based on the grounds that the duo were attempting to create new franchises; the exact thing Activision now wants to do with the studio.

Whatever happens to the suburban Los Angeles developer, Treyarch is bringing the next Call of Duty property, Black Ops, to market in November. Set to release November 9, the shooter is centered on various regional and guerrilla conflicts that broke out during the Cold War. For more on the new game, check out GameSpot's preview and stage demo (embedded below).