Activision is shutting down Call of Duty: Warzone on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One consoles [1].
This move signals a definitive end to the cross-generation era for one of the world's most popular shooters. By removing support for older hardware, the developer can utilize the advanced processing power of current-generation consoles and PCs to implement more complex game mechanics, and higher-fidelity graphics.
According to the company, the transition is part of a broader strategy to move future Call of Duty titles to newer hardware [2]. This shift means that the upcoming Modern Warfare 4 will leave last-generation consoles behind entirely [4].
The timeline for the shutdown varies across reports. Some sources describe the removal as occurring soon [4]. However, other reports indicate that existing players can continue to access the game on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One until the end of Black Ops 7 Season 06 [1].
Activision did not provide a specific calendar date for the conclusion of Season 06 [1]. The company said it is focusing on the next evolution of the franchise, which requires the technical specifications found only in newer systems [2].
Players who wish to continue playing Warzone after the shutdown will need to migrate their accounts to a PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, or a compatible PC. The company said that the next Call of Duty will skip the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One platforms to ensure a more optimized experience [3].
“Activision is shutting down Call of Duty: Warzone on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One consoles.”
This decision marks a pivotal shift in the gaming industry's lifecycle, where 'last-gen' hardware is no longer viable for AAA live-service titles. By cutting ties with the PS4 and Xbox One, Activision is prioritizing technical performance over maximum reach, forcing a hardware upgrade for millions of players to remain part of the Call of Duty ecosystem.
