Developing the Future Vehicles for Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare [Part 2]

Nearly three years ago, our team set out to create the near-future world of Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare. We deeply researched not only the current technology that’s out there today, but the technology being researched and developed for tomorrow. Over the course of the development process, we consulted with technologist and futurists and worked closely with private and public technology companies to develop futuristic vehicles. When we decided that hoverbikes fit within the story of Advanced Warfare, we gave special attention to what these vehicles would look like, how they would move, what their function would be, and how the Advanced Soldier would use them on the battlefield of tomorrow. “Hover technology has been around for approximately 50 years, and over time it’s plausible that the hoverbike could conquer different types of terrain.” said Glen Schofield, Co-Founder and Studio Head of Sledgehammer Games. “We built it to look like a snowmobile and a personal watercraft because that was relatable, and added the armored plating for military purposes.”

Tech sheet for the hoverbike in Advanced Warfare.

“We made it much quieter than current hover vehicles because the military needs more stealthy ways to get around. By grounding it with known technology and making it look like a vehicle we’re all familiar with it becomes much more believable.” said Schofield. “We must have done over 50 sketches before we landed on something the group could agree on. In the end, we used parts of many different sketches to finally get the finished piece.”

See the hoverbike in action in our Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Reveal Trailer at the 1:45 mark.

The hoverbike features an articulated hover unit that can tilt in any direction, keeping the driver upright and able to turn in any direction quickly. “I'm really happy not only with the look but also with the gameplay. I hope somebody builds one someday!” Schofield added.

Check back on our shgdevblog each week as we unveil more of development process of the various weapons, vehicles, and technology found in our game. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, and Instagram for more updates from our studio.