Call of Duty 2026 Rumored as Modern Warfare 사: A Korean Conflict

A fresh rumor has *Call of Duty* fans buzzing: the 2026 game, developed by Infinity Ward, is reportedly titled Modern Warfare 사 and will focus on a conflict involving North and South Korea. Shared by a trusted leaker, the claim points to a possible reveal at Summer Game Fest or the Xbox 2025 Showcase on June 8, 2025. Here’s a concise look at the rumor, its credibility, and what it means for Activision and Microsoft’s gaming ecosystem, as of June 5, 2025.

The Rumor: Modern Warfare 사 and Its Korean Focus

The leaker suggests Call of Duty 2026, titled Modern Warfare 사 (“사” meaning “four” in Korean), will continue the rebooted Modern Warfare series. The campaign follows Modern Warfare III (2023), where Makarov kills Soap, and Price eliminates Shepherd. Players will lead Task Force 141, SAS, and South Korean forces to stop Makarov’s Konni Group from sparking a global war via false flag operations in North and South Korea. The game is expected to feature modern settings with futuristic tech, omnimovement, wall-running, and remastered Modern Warfare 3 (2011) maps alongside new ones. It will target next-gen consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X|S) and possibly Nintendo Switch 2, skipping PS4 and Xbox One, with an updated engine to reduce visual clutter.

Why Now? Activision’s Franchise Plans

Call of Duty thrives on annual releases, with Black Ops 6 (2024) lauded for its omnimovement and multiplayer depth. A Modern Warfare sequel builds on the rebooted series’ commercial success, despite Modern Warfare III’s weak campaign. The Korean setting offers a fresh narrative, capitalizing on global interest in Korean culture and Infinity Ward’s cinematic storytelling. Next-gen exclusivity aligns with technical demands, while a potential Switch 2 port reflects Microsoft’s multiplatform push post-Activision acquisition, ensuring Call of Duty reaches Game Pass and Nintendo platforms.

Community Sentiment and Credibility

Fans are excited yet skeptical. The leaker’s accurate Black Ops 6 predictions add credibility, but conflicting rumors about a Ghosts reboot or Advanced Warfare sequel for 2026–2027 create doubt. Some fans criticize the “사” title as a gimmick, while others see the Korean focus as bold. Makarov’s return divides players, given his lackluster Modern Warfare III portrayal, and geopolitical themes raise concerns about sensitivity. Next-gen exclusivity frustrates last-gen console users, but fans hope an engine overhaul will fix Call of Duty HQ’s cluttered interface.

Connection to Microsoft’s Gaming Ecosystem

Modern Warfare 사 aligns with Microsoft’s multiplatform strategy and Xbox PC branding, uniting Windows 11, Xbox consoles, and platforms like Switch 2. Day-one Game Pass availability, as with Black Ops 6, could boost subscriptions, similar to rumored titles like Final Fantasy XVI or Cyberpunk 2077’s DLC. The Xbox PC initiative may enhance the game for the Xbox app, supporting cross-platform saves via Xbox Play Anywhere. Microsoft’s Game Development Kit could ensure PS5 parity, potentially improving visuals or load times. A Switch 2 port would build on Microsoft’s Nintendo partnership, akin to Hollow Knight: Silksong* or *Half-Life 3* rumors.

Critical Perspective: High Stakes for Activision

The rumor promises a bold narrative and technical upgrades, but risks loom. Conflicting Ghosts or Advanced Warfare leaks suggest uncertainty, potentially splitting resources. The Korean setting requires careful handling to avoid trivializing tensions, unlike Modern Warfare III’s narrative missteps. Remastered maps could feel repetitive, and next-gen exclusivity may alienate PS4 players. A Switch 2 port faces graphical challenges. While the leaker’s credibility is strong, Activision’s rushed campaigns raise doubts about delivering a polished experience.

What to Expect at Summer Game Fest or Xbox 2025 Showcase

Summer Game Fest (June 6, 2025) or the Xbox 2025 Showcase (June 8, 2025) may confirm the rumor. Potential announcements include:

Title Reveal: Confirmation of Modern Warfare 사 with a campaign teaser.
Gameplay Features: Omnimovement, wall-running, and remastered maps showcased.
Game Pass Launch: Day-one availability on Xbox Game Pass and Xbox PC.
Switch 2 Plans: Early details on a Nintendo Switch 2 port.

Conclusion

The Call of Duty 2026 rumor, titled Modern Warfare 사, hints at a daring Korean conflict story and next-gen polish. Microsoft’s multiplatform vision could make it a Game Pass hit, but conflicting leaks and sensitive themes demand caution. Will Activision craft a standout sequel, or repeat past mistakes? Share your thoughts below and watch for updates at Summer Game Fest or the Xbox 2025 Showcase!

Note: This article reflects community sentiment as of June 5, 2025. Details remain speculative until confirmed.