Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 and what we know so far

Activision is preparing to launch a new game in the popular Call of Duty franchise, with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 rumored to be the title. Release is expected later in 2026, but no official details have been announced yet. This article gives an overview of what we know so far, including expectations, the development team, and key questions around Microsoft’s policy on Xbox Game Pass.

Expected release and performance

A new Call of Duty game is traditionally released in October or November. Activision is hoping Modern Warfare 4 performs better than its predecessor, Black Ops 7, which recorded the worst sales ranking since 2008. The pressure to deliver commercial success is high, especially after a period in which recent titles struggled to keep players engaged.

Development by Infinity Ward

According to insiders, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is being developed by Infinity Ward, the studio that was also responsible for Modern Warfare III in 2023. Activision has multiple teams working together on annual releases, but it appears Infinity Ward is taking the lead on this project.

Not available on Xbox Game Pass at launch

One notable development is Microsoft’s statement that new Call of Duty games will no longer launch on Xbox Game Pass on day one. That means players won’t be able to jump into the new game immediately through the subscription service. This raises questions about the impact on sales, especially given how many gamers rely on Game Pass.

The history and future of Call of Duty

Call of Duty has a long history of annual releases, and Activision has maintained that pattern for the past two decades. The company became known for these yearly cycles, focused on improving gameplay and introducing new stories and technology. However, the franchise continues to compete with other major industry names, such as Rockstar’s GTA series. With GTA 6 on the horizon and expected to generate massive hype, Call of Duty faces a challenge to keep audiences engaged.

Rumors about the story and gameplay

Some rumors suggest Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 may focus on conflicts involving North and South Korea, with the return of familiar enemies such as Makarov. That could lead to intense storylines and gameplay, blending modern and slightly futuristic technology. There is also speculation that earlier gameplay elements like DMZ could return, but detailed confirmation is still lacking.

The world of Call of Duty continues to evolve, with ongoing changes to both development and distribution models. Activision now has Microsoft’s backing after the acquisition, which creates opportunities for innovation but also challenges in adapting to player expectations. As we look ahead to the launch of Modern Warfare 4, gamers remain hopeful for improvements and a more immersive gameplay experience.