Sledgehammer Games, the studio chosen as the primary developer for Activision’s 2027 Call of Duty title, is undergoing significant changes, including the closure of its main office in California and a transition to remote work until a new office space is secured, according to information obtained by Insider Gaming.

Key Points:

1. Office Closure and Remote Work:
   • Sledgehammer Games has decided to close its main office in California and relocate to a smaller office space. The news was shared during a company-wide town hall meeting, revealing that employees will work remotely until a new office near the current location is found. The remote work period is expected to extend until the end of 2024.
2. Call of Duty 2027 Development:
   • Despite the office changes, Sledgehammer Games is set to take on a pivotal role as the primary developer for Activision’s Call of Duty title in 2027. This announcement came during the same town hall meeting, highlighting the studio’s continued involvement in the high-profile franchise.
3. Internal Frustration:
   • The decision to shift to remote work has caused internal frustration among some Sledgehammer Games employees. The move contrasts with Activision’s previous mandates for QA workers on Call of Duty titles in Minneapolis, Austin, and El Segundo, who were required to return to the office five days a week. Some employees perceive the recent shift to remote work as a discrepancy and have expressed dissatisfaction, with one source describing it as a “slap in the face.”
4. ABK Workers Alliance Response:
   • The ABK Workers Alliance, a group representing employees within Activision Blizzard King, commented on the situation, stating that Sledgehammer’s temporary move to remote work suggests the company has the capability to grant remote work to QA employees but is choosing not to do so. The group emphasized the importance of accommodating requests for remote work due to disability, distance, or other factors.
5. Industry Trends:
   • The move to remote work and return-to-office mandates have been prevalent trends in the gaming industry over the past 12 months. The situation at Sledgehammer Games adds to the ongoing discussions about workplace conditions and flexibility within the industry.

As Sledgehammer Games navigates these changes, the impact on its development processes and the experiences of its employees will be closely watched, especially as the studio takes on a key role in shaping the future of the Call of Duty franchise.

Stay plugged into the gaming pulse, and anticipate the thrill of new adventures and the nostalgia of departing classics. For the freshest updates, keep an eye on Lavegagames.com – where gaming news comes to life.