It’s been a particularly hectic week for Microsoft Gaming. Between the surprise departure of Phil Spencer, that of Sarah Bond and the internal reorganization with the arrival of Asha Sharma at the head of the division, the Xbox ecosystem is going through a period of major transition.
But according to a leak relayed on social networks, these upheavals would already have a concrete impact: Call of Duty could be forced to modify its plans for 2026.
Modern Warfare 4 would no longer be released with the new Xbox
According to renowned leaker The Ghost of Hope, the postponement of the new generation Xbox console would have “heavily impacted” Activision’s marketing plans.
Initially, the next major opus – which would be Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 – was to be released at the same time as the new Xbox console, scheduled for the end of 2026. The objective was clear: to create a launch event capable of competing with Grand Theft Auto 6.
- To boost sales of the new Xbox
- To ensure maximum visibility for Modern Warfare 4
- To capture media attention against Rockstar
But with the material postponement, this strategy would no longer be viable. This information must obviously be taken with caution, as no official confirmation has been communicated.
A standalone Call of Duty Zombies in preparation?
The leak doesn’t stop there.
Still according to The Ghost of Hope, Treyarch is working on a fully standalone Call of Duty: Zombies. This project could benefit from support over several years, partially breaking with the tradition of annual releases.
Microsoft would like Call of Duty to become “more agile” in the way it releases its games, and less dependent on a strictly annual calendar.
- More specialized games
- Long-term monitoring like live services
- Better adaptation to market trends
With the success of extraction shooters like ARC Raiders or Marathon, Microsoft may want to reposition Call of Duty in a more flexible logic.
Next-gen Xbox still surrounded by uncertainties
Regarding the console itself, rumors indicate that the persistent shortage of RAM and SSD forced Microsoft to postpone its launch. The machine would be equipped with a custom AMD APU, the availability of which would not be assured until 2027.
Another major strategic element: this new generation Xbox could integrate Windows 11 more deeply, with potential compatibility with Steam, GOG and the Epic Games Store. However, Microsoft has not confirmed any official date.
A strategic transformation in progress
If these leaks are confirmed, Call of Duty could enter a new era. Rather than a fixed model based on annual releases synchronized with the hardware, the franchise could evolve towards a more modular ecosystem.
In the short term, the Xbox delay could disrupt Activision’s plans. In the long term, it could also provide an opportunity to modernize the franchise. One thing is certain: 2026 could mark a historic turning point for Call of Duty.