Details Emerge on Cancelled Call of Duty Zombie Game

Former Raven Software designer shares insights on the ambitious project, codenamed Project Zed, which was halted before production.

Former Raven Software lead designer Michael Gummelt revealed details about a cancelled Call of Duty zombie game, codenamed Project Zed, which was envisioned as a standalone live service title.
The game would have started players in a Mad Max-style gladiatorial arena, eventually allowing them to escape into an open world for wave-based encounters with zombies.
Project Zed was developed between 2011 and 2012 but was cancelled before going into production, primarily due to Treyarch wanting the zombies IP back.
The game was intended to feature microtransactions, customizable characters, and seasonal content updates.
Despite its cancellation, the development of Project Zed contributed to the zombies modes seen in subsequent Black Ops titles.