Infinity Ward developer admits new game runs on evolved version of old engine

An Infinity Ward developer has revealed that Call of Duty: Ghosts isn't running on an all-new engine, as previously believed, but a 'significantly upgraded' version of the engine used in previous games in the series.

Activision's yearly Call of Duty games have each come with updates and improvements to the engine that powers them. But in its original Call of Duty: Ghosts announcement for next-generation consoles, Activision said it was building "a new engine" and that the game would be powered by "a next generation Call of Duty engine".
According to Infinity Ward animation lead Zach Volker, however, this year's game isn't running on an all-new engine, but a version of the same engine as prior games with 'significant upgrades'.

Speaking with the Official PlayStation Magazine, Volker said, "When we're talking about a new engine we're talking about upgrading significant systems within in that engine. We're not talking about throwing it all away and saying we're starting from the ground up".

He went on to say that it's "impossible to develop a new engine from the ground up in a two year cycle".

Volker elaborated, "What we do is we say, 'okay what are the things that are significant and that we would say that are encompassing of the engine or its visual quality?

"Are those being upgraded in a significant way? Alright, then I think that warrants that we've got a new engine on our hands".

Activision showcased a Call of Duty: Ghosts tech comparison video during Microsoft's Xbox One reveal event last week, showing how in-game assets from this year's new shooter compare to equivalents from 2011's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. The reception has, in general, been underwhelming.

Microsoft confirmed during its Xbox One reveal event the continuation of its timed-exclusivity deal with Activision, which sees DLC for Call of Duty games arrive on Xbox before other platforms.