As the Microsoft-Activision Blizzard merger continues to move forward, new details emerge about the future of Call of Duty on mobile devices. According to leaked documents submitted to regulators, Microsoft plans to “phase out” Call of Duty: Mobile and replace it with Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile.
According to Microsoft’s statement to the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority, with the release of Warzone Mobile, Call of Duty: Mobile will be phased out “over time (outside of China)”. It is unclear if Call of Duty: Mobile players’ accounts will be combined with Warzone Mobile, as the former has its own ecosystem of skins and battle passes. It is also unknown if players will be able to transfer their progress from Call of Duty: Mobile to Warzone Mobile or if they will have to start over.
Did Microsoft hint at COD Mobile shutdown?
Call of Duty: Mobile, developed by Tencent subsidiary TiMi Studios, is a popular multiplayer game known for its collection of maps, modes, and weapons from the Call of Duty franchise. It has been praised for its performance and its in-game Counter-Strike-like economy system. However, Microsoft apparently sees Warzone Mobile as the future of Call of Duty on mobile devices.
Warzone Mobile, on the other hand, is a battle royale game based on the popular PC and console versions of Call of Duty: Warzone. It is expected to launch sometime this year, although no specific date has been announced yet. Warzone Mobile will feature a cross-progression system that allows players to continue their progress on PC or console versions of the game.
Given the sizeable and huge player base of COD Mobile, it’s unlikely that the game will be shut down anytime soon. However, with the upcoming launch of Warzone Mobile, the company may shift its focus towards providing more fresh content for the new game.
While Call of Duty: Mobile may continue to be supported in China, it appears that Microsoft sees Warzone Mobile as the future of Call of Duty on mobile devices. If Warzone Mobile proves to be as popular as its PC and console counterparts, it could be a game-changer in the mobile gaming market.
