We all know that a new Call of Duty game will drop this year, as they do every year, and it looks like more details on the next installment have been leaked via the latest Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War update.
The news comes by the way of Charlie Intel, which says the leak – seemingly confirming the reported title of Call of Duty: Vanguard – was discovered in the latest Season 5 update for Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, including artwork, the game logo, and perhaps most interestingly for fans, mention of an Open Beta. Fans quickly discovered the leaked material through datamining the game files for the latest update.
Call Of Duty: Vanguard. Image officiel ! (Via @Cheezburgerboyz) pic.twitter.com/eAFlHxfQLA
— RDPGKellyTV (@rdpgkellytv) August 12, 2021
Vanguard does indeed look like another World War 2-inspired setting, given the clothing and guns the characters are using. This seems to confirm the report from earlier this year, which countered ideas that the game would be set in an alternate timeline in which WW2 hadn't ended. Once leaked, the images quickly began to make the rounds on social media, particularly Twitter, though Activision has been quick to begin taking down many of the leaked images from websites.
The leaks suggest the game will receive three editions, similar to those Black Ops Cold War received: Standard, Cross-Gen, and Ultimate. A screenshot detailing an Early Access Open Beta was also discovered, likely available for players that pre-order the game.
Activision has yet to comment on the leak, but if the game is scheduled to launch this year, it’s likely to not be too long before an official announcement is made. The company is currently embroiled in a lawsuit regarding multiple acts of sexual misconduct, harassment, and misogyny, which has led to staff walkouts and some senior staff leaving the company.
Liam Wiseman is a Freelance News Writer for IGN.