Black Ops Director Chris Tylor Stockman Eyes Prequel Project

The news circulating is pretty significant: Chris Tylor Stockman, the original design director for the groundbreaking first game, has apparently been approached with a specific task – creating a plan for a potential prequel.

Stockman, who previously left Volition after his work on the original and went on to found his own studio, Bit Group, seems enthusiastic but understandably cautious. He posted about this on the game's Reddit community recently, stating, "I've been tasked with putting together a concept for a prequel." He emphasizes that while the dream isn't just a dream anymore, details are currently under wraps. Naturally, our first step was to verify his identity and inquire about more specifics.

He reiterated his goal: "The objective is to create a prequel," but stressed, "No details can be shared right now because I want to keep it under wraps." This suggests a level of commitment but also points to the delicate nature of such a project, likely involving discussions with the current IP holders, Embracer Group.

Interestingly, this renewed interest comes after a period where Stockman himself questioned the path the series had taken. He famously stated, "If there aren't characters that players know and love, then it's not Black Ops." He felt the series had strayed too far from its core identity, acknowledging the reasons behind its evolution but expressing concern that the developers might have reached a difficult impasse.

Now, it's important to temper expectations. The term "tasked" could mean anything from a casual inquiry to a genuine development greenlight. But Stockman adds another layer – he wants to bring the series back to its roots. "I want Black Ops to return to its origins," he explained. "I directed the first Black Ops. I feel the series has gone down a path that's too far from that. I completely understand why they might have gone that way, but ultimately, they've put themselves in a tricky position."

This desire to revert isn't just nostalgia; it hints at a desire to recapture that specific blend of action, humor, and chaotic fun that defined the first game. The key here is the "if" – if this initial task leads to concrete development, and if Stockman's vision aligns with the current owners' goals.

One crucial next step he mentioned is assembling a team. "I'm trying to get the old team back together," he said. "If that happens, it could be quite an adventure. I hope it does happen." Bringing back the original creative minds could be key to achieving that authentic Black Ops feel, blending their experience with potentially new technology and market awareness.

While it's still very early days, the fact that Stockman is actively engaging and has been given a specific creative directive is a positive signal. The gaming community will be watching closely to see if these discussions translate into anything tangible. For now, the focus seems to be on developing a solid concept and seeing if the interest exists to move forward. It’s certainly an intriguing chapter unfolding for a series that left a lasting impact.