Possibly partially replaced with a battle royale mode

Treyarch’s line ofCall of Duty: Black Opstitles are often praised for their conspiracy theory-fueled stories about military covert operations. If a new report is true, the fourth installment will eschew that strong suit altogether.

Polygonis reporting that it has sources who say Activision has cannedCall of Duty: Black Ops 4‘s single-player campaign. Supposedly, the project was behind schedule and it became clear that Treyarch wouldn’t be able to complete the story campaign by the game’s October 12 release date.

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To compensate, Activision shifted to focusing on multiplayer and cooperative modes — including the ever-popular Zombies. It’s said that cooperative is somehow the main attraction, as if it’s a replacement of sorts for a traditional campaign. It’s unclear if this substitution means any kind of story will be told.

However, there’s another rumor running adjacent to Polygon’s piece.Call of Dutyenthusiast siteCharlieIntelsays its sources have revealed that Activision has tasked subsidiary Raven Software with developing a battle royale mode. The idea is that an emphasis on additional multiplayer modes will placate consumers who feel that a campaign-lessCall of Dutyis a lesser product.

The opening area of the Whisper mission, in a small grove.

Activision hasn’t weighed in on these developing stories. It has simply said “We don’t comment on rumor and speculation. We look forward to revealingBlack Ops 4on May 17.”

If this entirely-plausible-sounding report is true, it strikes as an unfortunate year for it to happen.Black Opshas a sizable following who are interested in the themes of the sub-franchise. Without a story, what exactly makes itBlack Ops? Something that’s less established, likeAdvanced Warfare, seems like a better place to experiment with new release models. But, delayingCall of Dutyoutside of the holiday season isn’t really an option. So here we are.

The Divide in the Cosmodrome, where the Guardian was resurrected.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 won’t have traditional single-player campaign[Polygon]Rumor: Raven Software possibly working on Battle Royale mode for Black Ops 4[CharlieIntel]

A holofoil Ribbontail, as seen in collections.

The Phoneutria Fera hand cannon, inspired by the Season of the Haunted armor set. It has a unique, galactic glow.

Three Fuses appear in a match of Apex Legends' Wild Card mode.

Mad Maggie opens a supply bin and an item with a symbol indicating infinite ammo appears.

Legends slide through a zipline in King’s Canyon in Apex Legends.

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The Yeartide Apex tex Mechanica SMG with a Holofoil glow.