Xbox and PlayStation Clash Over Call of Duty Exclusivity Amid Rumors of Future Platform Lockdown

The long-standing rivalry between Xbox and PlayStation has reignited this week as fresh rumors swirl around the future of the Call of Duty franchise and its potential exclusivity. According to industry insiders, Microsoft is considering a shift in strategy for the flagship shooter series, which could see future titles appear exclusively on Xbox platforms, including Game Pass.

Fueling the speculation is Microsoft’s still-fresh acquisition of Activision Blizzard, completed last year in a $69 billion deal. While Microsoft previously assured regulators that Call of Duty would remain multiplatform for at least a decade, the fine print now appears to be in question as the tech giant reportedly re-evaluates its licensing commitments following lagging Game Pass subscriber growth.

Sources familiar with the matter told TheGamerScene.co that internal talks at Microsoft are leaning toward making Call of Duty an Xbox ecosystem exclusive as early as 2026, beginning with the title currently in pre-production—codenamed “Project Anvil.” While no official statements have been issued, the buzz has already prompted a sharp response from PlayStation executives.

Sony representatives released a carefully worded statement earlier today, emphasizing their expectation that “previously agreed-upon commitments will be honored” and that “millions of PlayStation players should not be collateral damage in competitive maneuvering.” The company has not ruled out legal action should Microsoft deviate from existing contractual obligations.

Call of Duty remains one of the most profitable franchises in gaming history, with players across platforms contributing to its massive annual revenue. Even a partial exclusivity could significantly disrupt the equilibrium of console market share and player ecosystems.

Industry analysts have speculated that Microsoft may opt for timed exclusivity or Game Pass perks instead of full franchise lockdown, but the specter of platform fragmentation looms large. With player communities increasingly interconnected across platforms, exclusivity could risk alienating vast swathes of the fanbase.

For now, the gaming world waits anxiously for an official stance. Whether this latest chapter escalates into a platform war or settles as executive posturing remains to be seen. One thing is certain: whatever happens to Call of Duty, the outcome will reshape the console landscape for years to come.