A new leak suggests that the delay of Microsoft’s next Xbox console may have impacted the release plans for a future Call of Duty title.
According to reports, Activision originally planned to launch Modern Warfare 4 alongside the new Xbox hardware. However, with the console now expected to arrive in 2027, those plans appear to have changed.
Call of Duty Was Meant to Launch With New Xbox
Leaker TheGhostOfHope claims that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 was initially scheduled to release with the next Xbox console.
The idea was to use a major title like Call of Duty to boost early hardware sales. The game was even expected to compete with Grand Theft Auto VI, which is likely to dominate the market during its release window.
With the console delayed, Activision may now need to rethink its launch strategy.
New Plan May Include Multiple Call of Duty Titles
Instead of a single flagship release, Activision could now support the next Xbox console with multiple Call of Duty games.
The leak suggests:
- A main multiplayer Call of Duty title
- A standalone zombie game, possibly developed by Treyarch
The standalone zombies experience is something fans have requested for years, as the mode has traditionally been part of larger releases.
Changes in Call of Duty Development Strategy
The report also highlights changes in how Call of Duty games are being developed and released.
After weaker sales for recent entries, Activision is said to be moving away from its traditional annual release cycle. Microsoft is also reportedly encouraging a slower, more refined approach.
This could lead to fewer releases but more polished games in the future.
Xbox Hardware Plans Still Uncertain
Earlier reports suggested that Microsoft was targeting a 2026 release for its next console. However, newer information now points to a 2027 launch window.
There are also rumours about a hybrid system, sometimes referred to as “Xbox Prime” or “Magnus,” which could combine console and PC-like features.
However, issues like storage and memory supply could push the release even further.
Leadership Changes at Xbox
The delay comes during a period of change within Xbox leadership. Following the departure of Phil Spencer, new leadership has emphasised the importance of hardware for the brand’s future.
This suggests that Microsoft is still committed to launching a new console, even if the timeline has shifted.
Conclusion
The reported delay of the next Xbox console appears to have had a ripple effect on major game releases like Call of Duty. Instead of a single big launch title, players may now see multiple games supporting the platform.
While none of this is officially confirmed, it highlights how closely hardware and game releases are connected in shaping the future of gaming.
