Alongside an announcement that the Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (PC, PS3, 360) developer had renewed its contract with longtime publishing partner Activision, Bowling added that work has begun on the company's next project, though he would not specify directly what it might be.

"The recently renegotiated deal may not seem like much of an impact from the outside perspective," Bowling wrote on his blog. "But it has laid the ground work and kick started our future project, as well as the possibility of a unique new IP by Infinity Ward, that we'll have complete control over."

Some have speculated that the terms of the renegotiated deal would guarantee Infinity Ward development rights on the numbered Call of Duty titles, while other studios—such as Call of Duty: World at War developer Treyarch—would produce ancillary franchise installments.

As for the company's upcoming new property, rumors have circulated that the studio is considering the development of a new sci-fi franchise, distinct from the World War II and modern era theaters of Infinity Ward's previous games.