In a surprising turn of events, Activision is reportedly set to bring back Call of Duty: Warzone’s original and much-loved map, Verdansk, in early 2025. This decision, according to industry insiders, is a direct response to the overwhelming success of Epic Games’ Fortnite OG event last year.
Tom Henderson of InsiderGaming, corroborating information from Call of Duty dataminer BobNetworkUK, revealed that the return of Verdansk was not part of Activision’s initial plans. The gaming giant reportedly made a “massive pivot” in late 2023, inspired by the unprecedented popularity of Fortnite’s nostalgic offering.
Fortnite OG, launched in November 2023, allowed players to revisit the game’s original Chapter 1 map. The limited-time mode progressed through various seasons, culminating in an experience that resonated deeply with long-time fans. Epic Games reported that the event attracted over 44.7 million concurrent players just two days after its release, marking the most successful day in Fortnite’s history.
Activision’s decision to follow suit by reintroducing Verdansk appears to be an attempt to replicate this phenomenal success. Originally slated for a December 2024 release, the map’s return has reportedly been pushed back to early 2025, coinciding with the release window of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.
This strategic move has had a ripple effect on Activision’s content roadmap. The planned 2024 Warzone map, codenamed “Avalon,” has also been delayed to 2025 to accommodate Verdansk’s return. “Avalon” is now expected to launch alongside the 2025 Call of Duty title, currently known by the codename “Saturn.”
While details about the 2025 Call of Duty installment are scarce, rumors suggest it may be a direct sequel to Black Ops 2. The game is expected to feature remastered multiplayer maps from Black Ops 2 and the return of the popular “Pick-10” system.
As for the upcoming Black Ops 6, set to release on October 25, 2024, Activision has confirmed that the “Carry Forward” feature will not be included in its multiplayer component but will remain in Warzone. The game will require a constant internet connection for its campaign and has been confirmed not to depict the September 11 terrorist attacks.
The gaming community’s reaction to this news has been mixed, with many expressing excitement at the prospect of returning to Verdansk, while others question the lengthy wait. As the landscape of battle royale games continues to evolve, it’s clear that nostalgia remains a powerful force in the industry.
Activision’s gamble on bringing back Verdansk demonstrates the company’s adaptability in the face of changing player preferences. Whether this strategy will pay off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the battle for player engagement in the realm of battle royale games is far from over.
As we await further official announcements from Activision, the anticipation for Verdansk’s return continues to build. Will it match the monumental success of Fortnite OG? Only time will tell, but Call of Duty fans around the world are undoubtedly marking their calendars for early 2025.
