Activision’s new IP could be following CoD’s live service mayhem

Activision already boasts a range of unique IPs under its $69 billion brand, with the likes of Candy Crush, World of Warcraft, and Crash Bandicoot joining the more stellar AAA franchises like Call of Duty, Diablo, and Overwatch.

But it looks like Microsoft's newly acquired studio is looking to prove why it was valued so highly in the merger.

With a string of Call of Duty games already lined up, Activision now looks to be creating a brand-new IP for its portfolio, and it appears to be a live-service title lasting at least five years.

Activision appears to be launching a brand-new IP

In true gaming studio fashion, Activision appears to have just leaked its own new project, as a recent job listing for an Animation Engineering Director has revealed a "brand new IP" is under development.

"Activision is looking for a Director, Animation Engineering to join the development of a new IP," the job description reads, while AAA experience is expected, indicating that the studio expects this game to be quite a blockbuster.

This news does come with a bittersweet taste though, as it arrives in the wake of Xbox studio layoffs at Bethesda and more.

As to what this IP is, fans have speculated that it could be a ploy for a new CoD sub-branch such as the Ghost-centric storyline that Infinity Ward fancied. Others have guessed at something more sporty, filling in a gap for Microsoft (Forza aside), while another RPG would be a safe bet knowing Starfield didn't quite make the impact it had hoped for and the remaining Bethesda staff will be looking at Elder Scrolls VI.

This could be ramping up for a shock reveal of the project at the upcoming Xbox showcase in June too.

Call of Duty's live-service model could become an Activision staple with new IP

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Having already made a habit of creating games with an annual live-service model, this new IP looks set to be following a similar pattern. In fact, it looks to be taking the CoD model and running it through the pack-a-punch machine, as the job spec details at least "five years" worth of post-launch production.

"Drive the vision and roadmap animation systems for the next 5 years and beyond," the job spec reads.

Xbox's showcase is set for June 9, where we might get a notion of what Activision is working on.