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Games Inbox: Was the GTA 6 launch trailer the last one?
Readers discuss the Grand Theft Auto 6 launch trailer, with some feeling it revealed little new information and expressing concern over Rockstar's marketing strategy. Other topics include the generic nature of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4's advertising, the challenges of adapting video games into movies, and frustration with Sony's refund policy compared to Steam's.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 1 and 2 Re-Releases Taught Activision to Lean More on Nostalgia, Says Exec
Activision's chief marketing officer Tyler Bahl stated that the successful re-releases of Call of Duty: Black Ops and Black Ops 2 taught the company to lean more into nostalgia. He noted the pent-up demand for playing with friends and how these ports informed future game development, including the upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, which will conclude the current Modern Warfare series. Activision is also working on a new sub-franchise, aiming for innovation and fresh experiences after the mixed reception of Modern Warfare 3.
Call of Duty is Getting a New Sub-Franchise After Modern Warfare 4, Says Chief Marketing Officer
Activision's Chief Marketing Officer Tyler Bahl revealed that a new Call of Duty game is in development to establish a new sub-franchise, aiming to innovate beyond the legacy of Modern Warfare and Black Ops. This announcement follows criticism of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3's rapid release and confirms that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will conclude the current Modern Warfare storyline. Sledgehammer Games is speculated to be leading development on the new sub-franchise.
Ahead of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4's launch next week, unionised Activision testers have voted to authorise a strike
Unionized quality assurance workers at Activision have voted to authorize a strike, citing stalled negotiations over wages, accommodations, and worker protections, including concerns over AI usage. This action comes just a week before the launch of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 and follows recent layoffs at Xbox, adding to the pressure on Activision to reach a fair contract.
Call Of Duty: MW4 Is Not On Xbox Game Pass, But Here’s When You Can Expect It
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will not launch on Xbox Game Pass, requiring a separate purchase starting at $70. It is expected to arrive on the service approximately one year after its October 23 release. This marks a shift from recent Call of Duty titles that debuted on Game Pass, a decision potentially influenced by revenue considerations and an ongoing 'reset' of the Xbox business under CEO Asha Sharma.
Activision Confirms Brand New Call of Duty Subfranchise Is in the Works, Leading to Rampant Fan Speculation
Activision has confirmed that a brand new Call of Duty subfranchise is in development. This suggests a potential shift away from the current Black Ops and Modern Warfare series, sparking speculation among fans.
The next Call of Duty will be another brand new sub-franchise like Vanguard 5 years ago, Activision confirms
Activision has confirmed that next year's Call of Duty release will be a new sub-franchise, aiming for a "tonal shift" that players have been requesting. This new entry, distinct from sequels like Modern Warfare 4, is intended to offer a fresh experience for the prolific FPS series. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is also confirmed for release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake doesn't even rate against GTA 6 and Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 as the "biggest games of the year," Activision exec says
Activision's chief marketing officer Tyler Bahl stated that Grand Theft Auto 6 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 are the biggest games of 2026, downplaying the significance of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake. While purchase intent data shows Modern Warfare 4 ahead of the Zelda remake, analyst Mat Piscatella noted that on a per-player basis, the Zelda remake's intent is higher, though GTA 6 dwarfs all other releases.
Activision executive says “no offense to Zelda,” but GTA 6 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 are the biggest games of the year
An Activision executive believes Grand Theft Auto 6 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 are the biggest games of the year, surpassing The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Data suggests Modern Warfare 4 has higher purchase intent among US players, though Zelda's figures could be impressive given the Nintendo Switch 2's smaller install base compared to other platforms.
A New Call Of Duty Sub-Series Is Coming, After Years Of Black Ops and Modern Warfare
Activision confirmed a new sub-series is coming to Call of Duty, moving away from consecutive Black Ops and Modern Warfare entries. This change aims to provide a fresh experience for the community, with Treyarch and potentially Sledgehammer Games involved in future installments. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is set to release on October 23 for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.
GTA 6 Helps Modern Warfare 4, Actually, Activision Says
Activision's Chief Marketing Officer Tyle Bahl believes that the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto 6 will benefit other major titles, including Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4. He suggests that the influx of players drawn to GTA 6 will increase overall engagement with gaming platforms, positively impacting titles like Modern Warfare 4 and even The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake. Ubisoft's CEO also expressed a similar sentiment, viewing big game releases as beneficial for the entire industry.
Activision Thinks GTA 6 Will Actually Help Modern Warfare 4: 'No Offense to Zelda, but [GTA and COD] Are the 2 Biggest Games of the Year'
Activision predicts that Grand Theft Auto 6 will boost the sales of Call of Duty titles, including the upcoming Modern Warfare 4. The company anticipates both franchises will be the biggest games of 2026, suggesting they can coexist and even benefit each other.
GTA 6, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 are 2026’s Biggest Games, per Activision: “No Offense to Zelda”
Activision's Chief Marketing Officer Tyler Bahl believes Grand Theft Auto 6 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will be 2026's biggest games, even suggesting they will overshadow titles like The Legend of Zelda. Bahl emphasized the importance of community and social experiences for Call of Duty's longevity, highlighting cross-platform play across various consoles and PC.
How to get early access to Modern Warfare 4 and when does it start?
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will launch on October 23, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. Players can gain early access to the campaign starting October 16 by digitally pre-ordering the game, with early access to the DMZ mode beginning October 20. The full multiplayer will be available at the worldwide launch.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Preload and Global Release Times Confirmed for Campaign, DMZ, and the Full Game
Activision has confirmed the global release times and preload details for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4. The game is set to launch in various parts over the coming weeks.
Despite Huge Changes For The Series, Halo Fest 2026 Is Going Forward, And News Is Coming Soon
Halo Fest 2026 is proceeding as planned from December 11-13 in Seattle, despite significant layoffs at Halo Studios and the transition of future game development to Activision. Halo Studios director Tashi confirmed that news regarding the event and "relevant game info" for existing titles will be shared this week. The event will celebrate the Halo community and its 25th anniversary, featuring appearances from voice actors Steve Downes and Jen Taylor.
Xbox CEO: We Must Rely On The Past, But We Cannot Rely On The Past
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma emphasized the need for Microsoft's gaming division to balance reliance on major franchises with the creation of new intellectual property for long-term survival. While acknowledging the importance of established titles like Halo and Gears of War, Sharma stressed that innovation and new IP are crucial to reaching new audiences and preventing stagnation.
Games Inbox: What is the next FromSoftware game?
Readers discuss upcoming game releases like The Duskbloods and Phantom Blade Zero, express concerns about Activision's Call of Duty franchise, and praise the unique experience of Big Walk. There are also requests for PlayStation 3 repair services and commentary on EA's acquisition history and the impact of AI on game emulation.
Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 pre-orders now include early DMZ access
Activision is offering early access to the DMZ mode for Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 to players who pre-order the game. This incentive aims to boost pre-order numbers following the negative reception of Call Of Duty: Black Ops 7. The DMZ mode, returning from Modern Warfare 2, will be available three days before the full game launch on October 23.
Modern Warfare 4 puts Xbox players on an earlier campaign schedule
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will launch on Xbox Series X/S and PC on October 23, 2026, with a campaign early access period beginning October 16 for digital pre-orders. The game requires an Xbox Series console and will not support Xbox One. Multiplayer and the DMZ mode will be available on the global release date.
