Developers Reveal Favorite Call of Duty: Black Ops Multiplayer Maps

IGN recently sat down with senior developers from the popular video game series, Call of Duty: Black Ops, to discuss which multiplayer maps are most favored by those who had a hand in creating them. The interviews revealed insights into the creative processes behind some of the series’ most iconic maps and shared which ones developers enjoy the most in their spare time.

Among the most frequently mentioned maps was Nuketown. Its popularity within the Call of Duty franchise is unmatched, debuting in the first Call of Duty: Black Ops and appearing in subsequent editions ever since. Adam Hoggatt, a senior level designer, recalls that Nuketown was a passion project initiated for fun rather than a mandated assignment from the studio. “We all just put all the most fun things we could think of into the map,” Hoggatt noted, contributing to its lasting legacy.

Another map, Raid, set in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles, provides a contrast with its emphasis on long-range sniping opportunities. Hoggatt mentioned that the development of Raid was a challenging experience, with “several complete redesigns” before settling on the final version cherished by players today.

Associate Creative Director, Miles Leslie, expressed a particular fondness for Carrier, a map set on a military aircraft carrier. This map is known for its emphasis on close-quarters combat due to its flat layout and scattered obstacles, which was unlike the more spacious Raid. Leslie mentioned that designing Carrier posed a unique challenge due to its unconventional setting.

Another favorite is Kowloon, inspired by the densely packed buildings of Hong Kong’s walled city. This map introduced innovative gameplay features such as zip lines to address its layered layout, enhancing the gaming experience.

Evac, notable for its incorporation of Call of Duty’s advanced movement systems, is another map praised by developers. Set in a flooded quarantine zone in Singapore, the map encourages parkour-style movement. Leslie described it as a “playground of fun,” emphasizing its interactive design.

Joanna Leung, lead game designer for Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, expressed her preference for Deprogram, a map set inside the fragmented mind of a character named Adler. This map favors players who engage in close-quarters combat, though it also offers sniping spots for those who find them.

Developers also highlighted Standoff and Cracked among their top choices. Standoff, inspired by the small towns on the border of China and Kyrgyzstan, provides strategic flanking opportunities, while Cracked, known for large-scale action, was celebrated by Raven Software‘s lead designer Damon Shubhastari.

Firing Range is notable for its transformation from a military training site to a Hollywood backlot set, a change appreciated by developers for maintaining the map’s original appeal while offering new visuals. Other maps mentioned include Satellite, The Pines, and Express, each bringing unique design elements and gameplay experiences to the table.

The upcoming release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 has generated excitement, offering fans an opportunity to revisit these beloved settings and explore new environments crafted by the talented development team.