The highly anticipated 2026 iteration of the Call of Duty video game series is set to bypass the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One consoles, according to recent reports. This strategic decision by publisher Activision and developer Treyarch signifies a definitive move towards exclusively supporting current-generation hardware, namely the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC platforms.
This development is not entirely unexpected within the gaming industry. As new console generations mature, developers typically transition away from older systems to harness the enhanced capabilities and graphical power of the latest hardware. The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, both released in 2013, have enjoyed a remarkably long lifecycle, but their technical specifications are now increasingly limiting for cutting-edge game development.
For players in the UK, this means that those still owning a PlayStation 4 or Xbox One will need to upgrade their console if they wish to play the 2026 Call of Duty title. The current release, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, which launched in 2024, is understood to be the final game in the franchise to offer cross-generational support, making it a transitional title for the series' extensive fanbase.
The shift highlights the ongoing evolution of video game technology and the commercial pressures on developers to push graphical fidelity and gameplay innovation. While supporting multiple generations can broaden a game's audience, it often requires compromises in design and performance, as the game must be optimised to run on less powerful hardware. By focusing solely on current-gen consoles, developers can fully leverage the advanced processing power, faster loading times, and superior visual capabilities that the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S offer.
This move is part of a broader industry trend where major game franchises gradually phase out support for older consoles. It underscores the commercial reality that, despite large install bases on previous generation systems, the future of gaming lies with the latest technology. For UK gamers, this will likely accelerate the adoption of current-generation consoles in the coming years, especially among those who consider Call of Duty a must-have annual purchase.
Source: NME