A conversation with Infinity Ward about Call of Duty

Infinity Ward hosted a preview of Modern Warfare 4's 6v6 multiplayer, where play suggested the studio still makes the best-playing games in the series; apex attachments impressed, while some maps felt bland. A 30-minute interview with multiplayer creative director Joe Cecot and design lead Jacky Reynolds explored the studio's approach to the franchise.

Cecot said the team pushed to "reinvigorate the franchise" by returning to its roots and insisting every department own the quality of its work. Animators share monthly reels, gameplay programmers sweat the details, and the studio plays the game together each week—if they're not having fun playing it, they feel they aren't doing it right.

Reynolds compared the lead studios to different ice-cream flavors: distinct, enjoyable, and healthy for the franchise when they differentiate. Infinity Ward favors a pared-back, authentic feel rather than importing every trend from other studios.

infinity ward, modern warfare, 6v6 multiplayer, joe cecot, jacky reynolds, apex attachments, multiplayer design, animators, gameplay programmers, studio culture