TheCall of Dutyfranchise is best-known for two things - its pedigree as a multiplayer experience spanning multiple gaming generations, and its off-the-wall Zombies mode that has become, in many ways, the series' calling card. While the upcomingCall of Duty: WW2looks set to reinvigoratethe series from a core gameplay standpoint, however, it is the equally evolving look of that game’s Zombies mode that has fans eagerly anticipating the title’s release.
In an interview with Sledgehammer’s creative director Cameron Dayton and development director John Horsley, the duo elaborated on just what the innovations coming to the Zombies mode mean for players who have become accustomed to the mode’s love of secrets and challenges. Horsley had this to say on the subject:
“We centrally have several layers of content in the game and a lot of it is designed for entertainment and fun - you’re scared but you’re having fun. So it’s a really nice mix for us; a sweet and sour kind of palette. Then there’s the hardcore layer of secrets that are designed to challenge, to really press the hardcore to uncover it all. And then there’s a layer below that. We think it will make it one of the hardest, secret-laden zombie games released.”
WithCall of Duty: WW2Zombies being hyped as thescariest Zombies mode ever, it’s no surprise that it could also become the series' most “secret-laden”, as the focus on horror gives the development team a lot more tropes and story beats to play around with during gameplay. Sledgehammer’s team appears confident that it has crafted the most intuitive blend of Zombies-style gameplay and Easter Eggs yet.
The interview also touched on some other elements ofCall of Duty: WW2Zombies, with Cameron Dayton suggesting that players looking for a quick ten minute experience and those wanting to dig deeper into the world of the Zombies mode would both be happy. Dayton helped explain with a food metaphor:
“We’ve created a game that will be appealing for those who want a quick drive through experience and for those who want to sit at the table and get the seven-course meal.”
That’s a tall order in video game development, but theCall of Duty: WW2Zombies trailerseems to suggest it might just have the chops to make good on Horsley and Dayton’s high praise for the gameplay mode.
Call of Duty: WW2releases on July 11, 2025 for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
