The next Call of Duty will not launch on PS4, according to Activision, which has publicly denied rumors suggesting the franchise’s next entry would support the aging PlayStation console. The company’s direct statement—”It’s not true”—marks a decisive moment for the franchise and signals where the gaming industry is headed as it fully embraces current-generation hardware.
Key Takeaways
- Activision has officially denied rumors that the next Call of Duty will release on PS4.
- The denial confirms the franchise is moving away from last-generation console support entirely.
- PS4 remains a significant installed base, making this exclusion a notable market decision.
- This shift reflects broader industry movement toward current-gen platforms only.
- Players still on PS4 will need to upgrade to access the next Call of Duty title.
Activision Confirms Call of Duty PS4 Exclusion
Activision has squashed speculation about Call of Duty PS4 compatibility by directly stating the rumor is false. The company’s refusal to bring the next title to PS4 represents a clear pivot away from supporting older hardware. This decision stands out because the PS4 still maintains a substantial player base worldwide, and skipping it entirely could reshape which platforms players prioritize for future releases.
The statement came as a response to circulating rumors that suggested the franchise might maintain backward compatibility with PS4. Instead, Activision has made it explicit: the next generation of Call of Duty will not be available on that platform. For a franchise that has historically prioritized accessibility across multiple hardware generations, this represents a significant strategic shift.
Why This Matters for Console Gaming
Call of Duty is one of gaming‘s biggest franchises, and its platform decisions influence how players think about hardware upgrades. By confirming that Call of Duty PS4 support is ending, Activision is essentially telling millions of PS4 owners they must upgrade to PlayStation 5 if they want to play the next entry. This has ripple effects across the industry, as other publishers watch to see whether their own franchises should follow suit.
The PS4 remains a formidable installed base, especially in markets where console upgrades are expensive. Excluding it entirely is a bold move that prioritizes technical capabilities of current-generation hardware over maximum market reach. It also reflects confidence that the player base willing to upgrade is large enough to justify abandoning the older console entirely.
What About Other Platforms?
While Activision has clarified that Call of Duty PS4 will not happen, the company has not detailed which platforms the next title will support. The denial focuses specifically on PS4, leaving questions about PC, Xbox, and mobile versions unanswered. Industry observers will likely scrutinize future announcements to understand the full scope of platform availability, particularly whether next-gen consoles and current-gen PC will be the primary targets.
The absence of broader platform details suggests Activision may reveal more information closer to launch. For now, the PS4 exclusion is the only confirmed detail, making it the defining story around this generation’s Call of Duty release strategy.
Is the next Call of Duty staying on PS4?
No. Activision has explicitly denied that the next Call of Duty will launch on PS4, confirming the game will not be available on that platform. Players on PS4 will need to upgrade to a newer console to access the title.
Why is Activision dropping PS4 support for Call of Duty?
The research brief does not specify Activision’s reasoning behind the decision. The company has only stated that PS4 support is not happening, without explaining the technical, commercial, or strategic rationale. Future statements may clarify the decision.
When will the next Call of Duty release?
No release date has been announced. The research brief contains only Activision’s denial of PS4 support, with no information about launch timing, platforms beyond PS4, or other game details.
Activision’s decision to exclude PS4 from the next Call of Duty marks a turning point for the franchise. As console generations mature, publishers face pressure to choose between supporting aging hardware and pushing technical boundaries on newer platforms. By confirming Call of Duty PS4 will not happen, Activision has made its choice clear—and other franchises will likely follow.
Edited by the All Things Geek team.
Source: TechRadar
