Call of Duty Ghosts: Hirshberg talks dynamic MP maps, plot & cross-gen development

Call of Duty: Ghosts was revealed last night at Microsoft's Xbox One event, and since then Activision's Eric Hirshberg has spilled many beans about what to expect from Infinity Ward's cross-gen shooter. He also confirmed the game would release within the Xbox One's launch window.

Speaking with Game Informer, Hirshberg spooled off details of the Ghosts campaign and multiplayer, "You just saw a little bit of the teaser and what we're doing for multiplayer in the behind-the-scenes video.

"The idea of dynamic maps is going to be a game changer for us. The map impacting change on you and you impacting change on the map becomes a strategic weapon now that can be used against you or for you. The whole idea of learning the maps and learning the flow is going to take on a whole new level of strategy. I think that's a big change. The same goes for character customization".

Hirshberg then shifted focus to the game's story and campaign, "For the story, this is the first time the enemy has more firepower and more manpower. You're a part of this ragtag, small group that is trying to fight their way back from being crippled or close to obliterated. I think this is going to be a very new experience. That said, it's a balancing act.

"We have to continue to make the game people fell in love with and know so well and also have to continue to find new ways to innovate. I think this game will find the right balance. It's Infinity Ward. They started the Modern Warfare series. They set the standard for current gen. They do this better than anybody.

"If you look at the trailer, there's an entire level that takes place underwater. We've had underwater scenes before where you scuba dive from here to there, but this is a whole new thing with underwater physics and underwater gameplay and underwater weapons".

When pressed about the possibility of underwater multiplayer, Hirshberg replied, "Hmmmm... We'll have to wait and see".

He then responded to a question about SmartGlass, adding "You're going to see us take that to a whole new level. A seamless second screen experience will be integral to next gen"

As Call of Duty: Ghosts is a cross-gen release, Hirshberg offered some insight into how Activision and Infinity Ward have responded to being among the first to announce on new hardware, while developing for existing tech in tandem.

"It's been a white-knuckle ride, to be honest," he said. "First of all, there are the complexities of cross-generation development. Period. And then there is the fact that a lot of the capabilities of the next-gen hardware are still coming online and being polished by the first-parties.

"So, our teams have had their hands full. What you saw today, I think that's a really good reflection of what we trying to accomplish. I hope you agree it's a pretty big change from what we've been able to do with current-gen".

We reported on more Call of Duty: Ghosts features last night, including your canine squad-mate, tech and much more. Check it all out here.