Tag: Call of Duty

  • New Xbox Console Expected; Doubts on Call of Duty 2026 Dev Kit

    New Xbox Console Expected; Doubts on Call of Duty 2026 Dev Kit

    Key Takeaways

    1. Phil Spencer reassures gamers that Microsoft is still committed to console development despite challenges faced by the Series X.
    2. The upcoming Xbox is speculated to function like a PC, making it easier for developers to create games without specialized hardware.
    3. There are mixed reactions among gamers regarding the idea of a TV-friendly PC console, with concerns about ease of use compared to traditional consoles.
    4. Compatibility with a wide range of PC games could reduce the need for traditional consoles, but user-friendly navigation remains crucial for popularity.
    5. Predictions suggest the new Xbox console may not launch until 2027, and backward compatibility with Xbox-exclusive games is a concern for gamers.

    Gamers are buzzing with ideas about what a new Xbox console might be like. Despite the Series X facing some hurdles, Phil Spencer reassures that Microsoft is still in the game when it comes to console development. While there is chatter about a potential handheld device, an insider from the industry describes the upcoming Xbox as a PC that works well with TVs.

    Speculations on Development Kits

    On the Xbox Two Podcast, Jez Corden discussed rumors about a new Call of Duty game being tested on a development kit for the next Xbox console. Although Corden expressed skepticism about the existence of such a kit, he emphasized how easy this new system would be to develop for. The console would operate like a Windows PC, lacking any specialized software or hardware. Thus, it seems more likely that developers for Call of Duty 2026 have a spec sheet rather than an actual prototype.

    Reactions to the Next Gaming System

    Corden suggests that Microsoft’s forthcoming gaming device will be a TV-friendly PC. This idea has led to mixed reactions from gamers. Many components are being shrunk down, apart from the Nvidia RTX 50-series and AMD RX 9070-series GPUs. It’s feasible to create a compact PC that fits nicely into a living room. Still, systems like the Series X or PS5 offer a more straightforward gaming experience for users.

    A console powered by Windows could bring compatibility with a vast array of PC games. With both Microsoft and Sony releasing titles for the platform, the necessity for a traditional console could lessen. However, not every gamer prefers to manage hardware and fiddle with settings. The ease of navigation with a controller will also play a significant role in how popular the console becomes.

    Historical Context and Future Predictions

    Many Reddit users have brought up the downfall of Valve’s Steam Machine in response to Corden’s forecasts. However, that mini PC was based on the Linux-oriented Steam OS, unlike Windows. Although there is a vast library on Steam, the flexibility that comes with PCs using Microsoft’s software is what most gamers tend to favor.

    Corden predicts that a new Xbox console won’t emerge until 2027. Gamers are worried about backward compatibility with Xbox-exclusive games, an issue Microsoft must address before making any official announcements.

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    New Xbox Console Expected; Doubts on Call of Duty 2026 Dev Kit

     

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  • Cheating in Call of Duty: Hackers Disconnect Black Ops 6 Players

    Cheating in Call of Duty: Hackers Disconnect Black Ops 6 Players

    Activision is facing significant troubles in their efforts to fight cheaters in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Call of Duty: Warzone. Even with the Season 2 update that promised to tackle the issue, hackers have found new ways to disconnect players from matches. A user named ItsHapa shared a video on X showing an in-game tool that methodically boots players from games. As a result, there were so many disconnections that one team had to forfeit.

    Popularity Attracts Cheaters

    Both Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and the free-to-play Warzone are known for their exciting and fast-paced gameplay. This popularity makes them prime targets for cheaters who aim to ruin the experience or gain unfair advantages. Cheating in Call of Duty also poses a risk to a thriving esports scene, where huge amounts of money are involved.

    Activision’s Response

    In light of ongoing criticism, Activision has updated its Ricochet anti-cheat system. This security feature operates at a driver level to smartly identify the use of aimbots and other cheating methods. Since the launch of ranked play in Call of Duty: Warzone back in December, Activision has reportedly banned over 130,000 cheaters. However, the powerful tool highlighted by ItsHapa shows it only takes a few bad actors to disrupt competitive gaming for everyone.

    Community Frustration

    When Season 2 launched on January 28th, Activision was optimistic that the improved Ricochet anti-cheat would stop cheating attempts. The company accelerated investigations and flagged players who were linked to known offenders. Console gamers also have the option to avoid playing against PC users, where much of the cheating happens. Still, community frustration has reached a peak, as reactions to ItsHapa’s video show.

    Activision has not yet addressed the specific mass-kicking tool that is causing such distress among players. According to SteamCharts, which tracks both Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Warzone together, there has been a noticeable decline in player numbers since December. It’s evident that gamers may seek other shooting games until the cheating issues in Call of Duty are effectively resolved.

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  • Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 QA Staff Strike for Better Conditions

    Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 QA Staff Strike for Better Conditions

    More than 300 workers at Activision’s Eden Prairie office in Minnesota have initiated a strike in response to the company’s return-to-work policy. The employees argue that Microsoft is enforcing a rigid return-to-office rule "even though they have been successfully working from home or in a hybrid model for over two years."

    Concerns Over Treatment

    This team is involved with the Call of Duty series, which includes the newly launched Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. Many team members feel that the company’s refusal to meet their demands is an attempt to push them to leave. They claim that Activision does not accommodate workers with ADA-certified medical conditions.

    Statement from Employees

    In a post by ABK (Activision Blizzard King) Workers Alliance on X, the group expressed that they were "made to come into the office full-time under an unfair policy" starting in January. They mention that the company has ignored their inquiries about the necessity of in-office work, directing them instead to the "Bargaining Committee."

    Disrespect and Irony

    Reports suggest that the company showed a lack of respect for its employees by sending an email for National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which included an image of a person with a disability working from home. Meanwhile, employees are not permitted to use "this vital resource for equal access." They also criticize the company for "promoting DE&I while they consistently failing them."

    CWA 7250, @ABetterABK on X

    Image Source: Call of Duty

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  • Exploring a Moon-based Mission Abandoned in a Call of Duty Game

    Exploring a Moon-based Mission Abandoned in a Call of Duty Game

    A Glimpse into a Lost Call of Duty Game: NX1

    Imagine a world where the Call of Duty series took a sharp turn into futuristic warfare, way before it actually did. This weekend, we caught a rare glimpse of that alternate reality through leaked gameplay footage of a canceled Call of Duty game, codenamed NX1, developed by the former Guitar Hero studio, Neversoft.

    Unveiling a Moon-Based Mission

    The footage, which exploded on Twitter, unveiled a moon-based mission from what was reportedly titled “Call of Duty: Future Warfare.” The low gravity conditions and explosive action promised a gameplay experience unlike anything in the existing Call of Duty lineup. The clip, posted by @mangafigurines, has already gotten the attention of over 5.5 million viewers, revealing a path not taken in the series.

    Insights from Brian Bright

    Brian Bright, the game’s multiplayer lead at Neversoft, shed light on the footage. Following the departure of Infinity Ward’s co-founders and their subsequent formation of Respawn Entertainment, Neversoft shifted gears from Guitar Hero to attempt their own futuristic Call of Duty. Bright’s insights reveal a team experimenting with new ideas and learning to use the game engine in novel ways.

    A Lost Project with Potential

    NX1 wasn’t just a fleeting idea. Neversoft had several campaign missions and multiplayer components in the works. The cancellation of this project left many wondering what could have been. A follow-up tweet by @mangafigurines offered an extended look into this lost project with a 10-minute video, further fueling the curiosity of fans.

    The ‘What If’ Scenario

    What makes NX1’s story particularly fascinating is the ‘what if’ scenario it presents. Call of Duty later explored futuristic themes, but the initial reception was lukewarm. Infinite Warfare’s trailer, for example, became one of the most disliked on YouTube. This backlash led to a return to traditional themes in later titles. NX1’s reveal suggests that an earlier foray into futuristic warfare could have set an entirely different course for the franchise.

    Unused Multiplayer Maps and Modes

    The leaks also included a glimpse into the unused multiplayer maps and modes, showcasing Neversoft’s creativity. The map list, featuring names like Bin Laden’s Compound and Apartment, alongside a mode named Escort, indicated a blend of real-world and fiction.

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