Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 won't include a traditional single-player story mode, according to sources with knowledge of the project’s status. The shift in creative direction will make Black Ops 4 the first mainline Call of Duty to ship without a standard campaign.

When reached for comment, an Activision spokesperson said, "We don't comment on rumor and speculation. We look forward to revealing Black Ops 4 on May 17th." The sources, who asked for anonymity, said that as Black Ops 4’s release date approached, it became evident that development on the single-player campaign wouldn’t be completed. One source said Treyarch has since focused Black Ops 4’s development on expanding multiplayer and the series’ popular Zombies mode.

The source described an emphasis on cooperative modes as a potential stand-in for the typical single-player campaign experience. Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 is scheduled for release on Oct. 12, 2018, on PlayStation 4, Windows PC and Xbox One. Activision will reveal more information on Black Ops 4 during a reveal on May 17, and is expected to share additional info this June at E3.

Kotaku has posted their own article stating their own sources have confirmed Polygon’s story about Black Ops 4 not having a single player campaign and it will indeed have a Battle Royale mode.

Publisher Activision does not want to comment on the rumors. The company points to a presentation on 17 May. Then more will be announced around the new Call of Duty game. Now only the title and publication date are known. Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 appears on October 12th.

COD Black Ops 4 might not have a SP campaign