Activision Confirms Next Call of Duty Will Not Release on PlayStation 4

Significant Shift in Console Support

Activision has officially confirmed that the next installment of the Call of Duty series will not be released on PlayStation 4, a notable departure from the franchise’s long-standing tradition of supporting Sony’s previous-generation console. This decision marks the first time since 2013’s Call of Duty: Ghosts that a new title will not be available on the PS4. The announcement was made on May 4 via the official Call of Duty account on social media platform X, dispelling rumors that the game was being developed for last-gen consoles.

While the statement specifically addressed the PlayStation 4, it strongly implies that Xbox One will also be excluded from the upcoming release. This move follows a period of speculation regarding the game’s development, during which various reports suggested that playtests were occurring on older hardware. By confirming the absence of PS4 support, Activision signals a definitive shift towards focusing on current-generation gaming technology.

Reasons Behind the Transition

The decision to forgo last-generation consoles comes as no surprise, given the increasing hardware limitations that have become apparent in recent years. The previous installment, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, was released on both PS4 and Xbox One, but developers have faced growing challenges in optimizing new titles for aging technology. Players have frequently noted the stark differences in graphics and performance between current and last-gen platforms, leading to calls for a more robust gaming experience.

This trend is not unique to Call of Duty; other franchises have made similar decisions. For instance, Battlefield Studios previously stated that their vision for Battlefield 6 could not be realized on older consoles. As gaming technology evolves, it becomes increasingly difficult for developers to create innovative and immersive experiences while accommodating outdated hardware.

What to Expect from the Upcoming Title

While an official announcement regarding the title of the next Call of Duty game has yet to be made, speculation suggests it may be named Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4. Microsoft, which owns Activision, has indicated that the new title will not be available on Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass upon launch. Instead, players can expect the game to arrive on Game Pass approximately one year after its initial release.

The PlayStation 4, which debuted in 2013, has been a consistent platform for the Call of Duty franchise for over a decade. The decision to discontinue support for this console underscores Activision’s commitment to advancing with current-generation hardware. As a result, players still using PS4 or Xbox One will need to upgrade to PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S to access this year’s title, potentially prompting many to make the transition to newer consoles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the next Call of Duty game be available on PS4?

No, Activision has confirmed that the next Call of Duty will not be released on PS4.

What are the implications of this decision for gamers?

Gamers on last-gen consoles will need to upgrade to current-gen systems to play the new title.

When is the next Call of Duty expected to be released?

The exact release date has not been announced, but it is anticipated to launch later this year.

What is the expected title of the next Call of Duty game?

Speculation suggests it may be called Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4.

Will the new Call of Duty be available on Game Pass?

The new title will not be available on Game Pass at launch but may arrive approximately one year later.