Longtime Call of Duty Creative Director Departs Sledgehammer Games
After a fifteen-year tenure at Sledgehammer Games, Greg Reisdorf, the creative director for Call of Duty multiplayer, has announced his departure. His contributions spanned numerous Call of Duty titles, beginning with 2011's Modern Warfare 3.
Reisdorf's impact on the franchise is significant. His early work on Modern Warfare 3 included memorable sequences like the iconic Soap gurney scene in the "Blood Brothers" mission. He played a pivotal role in shaping the multiplayer experience of subsequent titles.
His involvement extended to the innovative "boots on the ground" gameplay mechanics introduced in Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, including features like boost jumps and tactical reloads. While he acknowledges some design choices, like the "Pick 13" system, weren't without their challenges, his contributions significantly shaped the feel and flow of the game.
Reisdorf also reflected on the development of Call of Duty: WW2, noting the initial controversy surrounding the class-based weapon restrictions and the subsequent positive changes implemented. He further highlighted his contributions to Call of Duty: Vanguard, expressing a preference for traditional three-lane map designs prioritizing engaging gameplay over strict military realism.
His most recent work culminated in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2023), where he served as the creative director for multiplayer. This included overseeing the development of numerous live season modes, such as the popular Snowfight and Infectious Holiday modes in Season 1. He oversaw the creation of over 20 modes throughout the game's post-launch support. Reisdorf's contributions also included revisiting and enhancing classic maps from Modern Warfare 2 (2009), adding subtle but impactful details like Shepherd's skull in the Rust map.
Reisdorf's departure marks the end of a considerable chapter in Call of Duty's history. While he's moving on, his impactful contributions to the franchise are undeniable, and his future endeavors within the gaming industry are eagerly anticipated.
