Call of Duty Veteran Greg Reisdorf Departs Sledgehammer Games After 15 Years
After a remarkable 15-year tenure, Greg Reisdorf, Call of Duty's Multiplayer Creative Director, has announced his departure from Sledgehammer Games. Reisdorf, a pivotal figure in the development of numerous Call of Duty titles, leaves behind a significant legacy shaped by his contributions since the original Modern Warfare 3 in 2011.
His journey with Sledgehammer Games, established in 2009, began with his involvement in the development of Modern Warfare 3, a project that launched the studio into the spotlight. Over the years, he collaborated extensively with Treyarch, Infinity Ward, and Raven Software on various Call of Duty installments, culminating in his work on Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Call of Duty: Warzone.
In a recent Twitter thread, Reisdorf confirmed his departure on January 10th, 2024. He highlighted key achievements, including his work on the iconic Modern Warfare 3 "Blood Brothers" mission sequence, a project he described as "one of the most fun and chaotic moments" of his career. His contributions extended to shaping the "boots on the ground" era of Call of Duty, notably influencing the gameplay mechanics of Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, including boost jumps, dodging, and tactical reloads. He also designed unique weapon signatures, energy weapons, and multiplayer maps for the title. However, he openly acknowledged his reservations about the "Pick 13" system, expressing a preference for reward systems that don't compromise essential loadout choices.
Reisdorf also reflected on his involvement in Call of Duty: WW2, specifically addressing the initial controversy surrounding the class-restricted weapon system, a decision he's glad was swiftly reversed. His contributions to Call of Duty: Vanguard included the design of both discovery-focused and traditional three-lane maps, a preference stemming from his focus on enjoyable gameplay over strict military realism.
His most recent role saw him leading multiplayer map development for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2023). This involved revisiting and enhancing classic Modern Warfare 2 maps, adding subtle but impactful details such as Shepherd's skull in the Rust map. As Creative Director, he oversaw the development of live season modes, including Season 1's innovative "Snowfight" and "Infectious Holiday" modes. His impact on Modern Warfare 3 extended to over 20 post-launch modes, showcasing his dedication to enriching the player experience.
Reisdorf's announcement hints at future endeavors within the gaming industry, leaving fans eager to see what he accomplishes next. His considerable impact on the Call of Duty franchise will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.
