Summary
BulletFarm, a new “remote-first” studio based in Los Angeles, has been formed byCall of Dutyveteran David Vonderhaar, who has appointed formerCoDdeveloper Chris Cowell as its creative director. The studio is already hard at work on its first project, which Vonderhaar offered some details about. Fans likely recognize Vonderhaar’s name, who directed the multiplayer modes for many of Treyarch’sCall of Dutytitles.
Back in August,Vonderhaar left Treyarchafter being with the company for nearly 19 years. He was the studio’s design director for the popularBlack Opsseries, which gave fans some of the bestCall of Dutygames of the franchise. Vonderhaar has been a vocal supporter ofCall of Duty’s esports scene, as fans might rememberBlack Ops 2’s innovative League Play mode, which was well ahead of its time. However, it seems that BulletFarm’s first title is taking a much different approach.
According to NetEase, BulletFarm’s parent company, the studio’s first project has “an emphasis on co-operative gameplay” and is built using Unreal Engine 5. The game aims to implement a more “intimate and relatable” experience while bringing a new approach to first-person gameplay. Vonderhaar also offered some insight into the game, explaining that it’s a departure from his previous projects but highlights his passion for “rich characters, precise mechanics, more intimate storytelling, and plenty of action.” BulletFarm and NetEase have not hinted at when the game’s release might be, but it’s likely a long way out given that the studio was recently formed. However, the companies did release a couple of screenshots that seem to hint at the game’s rustic setting.
BulletFarm’s First Game
Chinese tech giant NetEase earned some praise from Vonderhaar, who said that the company “provided us an incredible support structure” to begin exploring development for their first game. NetEase offered Vonderhaar similar praise by saying that his “leadership and early collection of game development talent” is set to create something unique for gaming fans. NetEase, which alsodevelops its own titles through NetEase Games, has invested in a wide variety of game studios including Bungie, Quantic Dream, SkyBox Labs, and many more.
As for futureCall of Dutytitles, fans are still waiting for the next game’s release date to be announced, although a recent leakclaims thatCall of Duty 2024will release sometime in October. The game is heavily rumored to be titledCall of Duty Black Ops: Gulf Warand will take place in the early 1990s while following the CIA’s exploits during said conflict.
AdditionalCall of Dutyleaksclaim that the development period forGulf Warwill be the longest that Treyarch has ever gotten to spend working on a newCall of Dutyentry. This is promising news for fans, who might have been disappointed byModern Warfare 3’s lackluster singleplayer, which some claimed was caused by a rushed development.
