Why the Upcoming Call of Duty Is Skipping PlayStation 4

Rumors have been swirling about the next installment in the Call of Duty franchise, with many expecting it to arrive on the PlayStation 4. However, Activision has officially put those rumors to rest. In a surprising move, the publisher confirmed that the upcoming game will not be developed for the PS4—marking the first time since 2013's Call of Duty: Ghosts that the series skips a Sony console generation. Here’s everything you need to know about this shift and what it means for players.

1. Did Activision really confirm that the next Call of Duty won’t be on PS4?

Yes, the official Call of Duty Twitter account posted on May 4, 2026, stating: “Not sure where this one started, but it’s not true. The next Call of Duty is not being developed for PS4.” This direct denial came after rumors claimed the game was being play-tested on the PS4. Activision made it clear that the last-generation console is being left behind for this title. While the statement only mentions the PS4, it strongly implies that the Xbox One will also be skipped, as both systems share similar hardware limitations. This marks the first time since Call of Duty: Ghosts (2013) that a mainline entry won’t support a Sony console generation at launch.

2. Why is Activision dropping support for the PlayStation 4?

The primary reason is technological advancement. The PS4 and Xbox One are now over a decade old, and their hardware can’t keep up with the features Activision wants to include—such as ray tracing, faster load times, larger maps, and more complex AI. By focusing exclusively on the PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, the developer can optimize the game for modern hardware without being held back by last-gen constraints. This shift also aligns with industry trends; many major franchises have already moved on from the PS4. Activision likely wants to deliver a truly next-generation experience that pushes the boundaries of what Call of Duty can do.

3. Does this mean the next Call of Duty will also skip Xbox One?

While Activision’s statement only explicitly denies PS4 development, it’s almost certain that the Xbox One version is also canceled. Historically, when Call of Duty drops support for one last-gen platform, it drops both. The Xbox One shares similar hardware limitations with the PS4, and optimizing for both would be redundant. Additionally, the official tweet’s wording—“the next Call of Duty is not being developed for PS4”—suggests a focus on current-gen systems. Players on Xbox One should expect the same treatment, although Activision hasn’t issued a separate statement. For now, fans should plan to upgrade to the Xbox Series X|S if they want to play the next installment.

4. When was the last time Call of Duty skipped a PlayStation console?

The last time a mainline Call of Duty skipped a PlayStation console was in 2013 with Call of Duty: Ghosts. That game was released on the PS3 and Xbox 360, but not on the then-new PS4—because the PS4 launched later that same year. Ironically, Ghosts did eventually come to PS4 as a cross-gen title, but it wasn’t available at launch. This time, the situation is reversed: the next game is skipping the older PS4 to focus on the PS5. The move signals a clear break from last-gen hardware, similar to how the series eventually left the PS2 and Xbox behind. For long-time fans, this transition feels like a natural progression in the console lifecycle.

5. What does this mean for PlayStation 4 owners who want to play Call of Duty?

PS4 owners will not be able to play the next Call of Duty title when it launches. They will need to upgrade to a PS5 to continue playing new entries in the franchise. The same applies to Xbox One owners who should consider an Xbox Series X|S. However, PS4 players can still enjoy previous Call of Duty games like Modern Warfare II (2022) and Black Ops Cold War (2020), which support cross-play with newer consoles. Activision has not announced any backward compatibility for the next game on PS4, so it’s a clean break. If you’re a dedicated fan, now is the time to start saving for a current-gen console—or consider playing on PC if your system meets the requirements.

6. How did the rumor about PS4 development start?

The rumor began circulating in early May 2026 when several gaming forums and social media accounts claimed that an internal playtest of the next Call of Duty was running on PlayStation 4 hardware. These posts were never corroborated by credible sources, but they gained traction quickly. Activision responded swiftly with a denial on May 4, putting an end to speculation. It’s unclear whether the rumor was based on a misunderstanding (for example, a earlier build being tested on older hardware) or simply wishful thinking from fans hoping for continued PS4 support. Regardless, the official statement confirms that the game is designed solely for current-gen and PC platforms.

7. Will the next Call of Duty still release on PC?

Yes, the next Call of Duty will absolutely release on PC, alongside the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Activision has a long history of supporting PC with features like ultrawide monitor support, adjustable graphics settings, and cross-platform play. The PC version will likely be available through Battle.net and Steam, as has been the case in recent years. Since PC hardware can be upgraded independently of consoles, the game will be optimized to take advantage of high-end graphics cards and SSDs. Players with older PCs may need to lower settings or upgrade, but overall, PC remains a primary platform for the franchise.

8. How does this decision affect the future of Call of Duty?

This move solidifies Activision’s commitment to a next-generation-only approach. By cutting off PS4 and Xbox One, the developer can focus on innovations that aren’t possible on last-gen hardware—such as larger, more detailed maps, improved physics, and faster matchmaking. It also aligns with the industry trend of leaving old consoles behind as the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S become more widely adopted. For players, it means that future Call of Duty games will be built from the ground up for current systems, potentially leading to a more immersive experience. However, it also puts pressure on fans to upgrade, possibly fragmenting the player base temporarily. In the long run, this should result in higher-quality titles that push the series forward.