GAMERTIMES

Activision, now under Microsoft’s umbrella, is making headlines with whispers of an ambitious new project codenamed Project Avalon. Industry insiders and recent job postings suggest this could become one of the most daring new IPs in gaming – an expansive urban open-world RPG that mixes modern city life with fantasy and supernatural elements.

While nothing has been officially confirmed by Activision or Microsoft, the rumors paint an exciting picture of a game that might challenge giants like Grand Theft Auto, Cyberpunk 2077, and The Witcher series all at once.

A New Studio Built for Big Ambitions

The project is reportedly being developed by Elsewhere Entertainment, a standalone studio Activision quietly established in 2024. Headquartered in Warsaw, Poland, with additional teams in the United States and now expanding into other regions, Elsewhere Entertainment was created specifically to craft a brand-new, narrative-driven AAA franchise from scratch.

What makes the team stand out is its pedigree. The studio has been recruiting talent with credits on some of the most acclaimed games in recent memory, including:

• The Last of Us and Uncharted (cinematic storytelling and character depth)
• The Witcher series and Cyberpunk 2077 (rich open-world RPG systems)
• Destiny, Far Cry, and Tom Clancy’s The Division (multiplayer and live-service expertise)

This blend of experience suggests Activision is aiming for a title that delivers both a gripping single-player story and long-term online engagement.

What We Know About the Rumored “Project Avalon”

Job listings and insider reports describe an open-world RPG set in a sprawling, next-generation city where magic and modern technology coexist. Think towering skyscrapers, neon-lit streets, and hidden supernatural layers beneath everyday life.

Key rumored features include:

• Hybrid combat – seamlessly switching between spellcasting, melee weapons, and firearms
• Advanced traversal – parkour, vertical movement, and fluid navigation across dense urban environments
• Deep RPG mechanics – character progression, skill trees, and meaningful choices that impact the world
• Reactive sandbox gameplay – blending structured narrative with player-driven chaos and freedom
• Online and multiplayer components – hints at live-service elements, possibly similar to GTA Online’s evolving world

This urban fantasy twist sets it apart from the usual crime dramas or pure sci-fi open worlds. It could offer something fresh: the thrill of supernatural powers in a believable, lived-in metropolitan setting.

Why This Could Be Activision’s Boldest Play Yet

Activision is best known for powerhouse franchises like Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Diablo, and Candy Crush. Launching a completely new AAA open-world RPG represents a major strategic shift – especially after the massive success of Microsoft’s acquisition.

If the rumors hold true, Project Avalon could position Activision as a serious contender in the open-world genre, an area where Rockstar Games and CD Projekt Red have long dominated. A successful launch might create a new flagship franchise capable of years of expansions, updates, and online ecosystems.

Still Early Days – Expect a Long Wait

Development appears to be in the early-to-mid stages. With such a large scope, advanced tech goals, and ongoing hiring, a reveal is likely still years away. Most industry observers expect no gameplay footage or official announcement before 2027–2028 at the earliest.

For now, Project Avalon lives firmly in rumor territory. But the combination of a dedicated new studio, top-tier talent, and an intriguing urban fantasy concept has fans and analysts paying close attention.

Could this be the game that finally brings magic and mayhem to the modern open-world formula? Only time will tell — but if Activision pulls it off, the gaming landscape might never look the same.

What do you think? Would you play an urban fantasy open-world RPG from Activision? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Via: Gamerficial