Call of Duty fans might need to brace themselves for some potentially disappointing news about the franchise’s future. According to recent leaks, development on the 2026 title, rumored to be Modern Warfare 4, is reportedly at a standstill.
According to sources the studio is struggling with the game’s development, and with Activision reportedly applying pressure to deliver a successful title, the situation is beginning to look dire for the next installment in the series.
The Next Call of Duty Game After This Year Might Be in Trouble
Infinity Ward, known for creating some of the most iconic titles in the Call of Duty franchise, is reportedly struggling with the development of the 2026 entry of the franchise. Rumors of the development issues first surfaced when insider @BobNetworkUK reported that the team is unhappy with both the narrative and mechanics of the upcoming game.
MW4 development is currently at a standstill – the team is seemingly unhappy with the narrative and mechanics of the game, and Activision is putting severe pressure on the studio as a whole. pic.twitter.com/k8ZAS8gRGd
— bob. (@BobNetworkUK_) August 15, 2024
Reports indicate that the publisher is pressuring the studio for progress, despite the studio’s internal challenges. The situation has led many to question whether the game will live up to the high standards set by previous entries in the Modern Warfare series or suffer due to these internal conflicts.
One troubling thing is that the studio might be struggling with the new “omnimovement” mechanic which is expected to be a major feature in Black Ops 6 and beyond. While Treyarch sees this as an evolution in the series’ movement mechanics, Infinity Ward reportedly is not on board with this change, as explained by the leaker in a reply.
As it stands, MW4 (2026) will be developed by Infinity Ward and will feature remastered maps from the original MW3. pic.twitter.com/BcVSUfuhcJ
— bob. (@BobNetworkUK_) August 15, 2024
Additionally, it has been rumored that the next entry in the franchise will feature remastered maps from Modern Warfare 3. While the return of classic maps has been well-received in recent titles, there is a growing fear that the series will rely too heavily on nostalgia.
The Franchise Could Be Heading Into a Rocky Road With This Situation
The timing of these leaks is particularly troubling, given that Black Ops 6 is expected to be a major release for the franchise. With reports of struggles, there is a real concern that the momentum generated by the upcoming release could be lost if the 2026 title fails to deliver.
BobNetworkUK on the state of COD 2026 and Warzone
byu/TheEternalGazed inGamingLeaksAndRumours
This situation is further complicated by the publisher’s recent actions, such as the shutdown of the H2Multiplayer Mod project, which has already caused the community to be frustrated.
If these issues are not resolved soon, the negative sentiment could carry over and affect the game’s reception and sales.
Fans are questioning whether the company is more focused on profits than on delivering a quality gaming experience. This incident has not only sparked outrage but also raised doubts about the future of the series.
As Black Ops 6 approaches its release, the future of the next game is uncertain. With development reportedly stalled and significant pressure being applied to the studio, the next installment in the Modern Warfare series could face serious challenges.
