Call of Duty is an extremely popular game series, and now, it is officially coming to mobile devices. Late last year, Tencent and Activision were reported to have been working on an Android version of Call of Duty: Mobile, although we now know the game will be available on iOS devices as well.
On Monday at Unity Technologies’ press event at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco, Activision announced that it will soon start beta testing for the game in select regions, including Europe and North and South America. Activision has partnered with Unity to publish Call of Duty: Mobile on mobile devices. It also teamed up with Tencent to take the game to mobile devices. The mobile version of the game is being developed by Tencent’s Timi Studio, which has worked on games such as Honor of Kings and CrossFire.
“Together with the amazing team at Tencent, we’re bringing together a collection of the most beloved maps, competitive modes, familiar characters and signature weapons from across this storied franchise into one epic experience for the first time on mobile,” Activision Mobile Vice President Chris Plummer said at the press event.
In terms of look and feel, the game is expected to match at least Xbox 360 and PS3-era hardware. Like other recent mobile games, it will also be a free-to-play title.
“This is console quality, PVP action, in the palm of your hand,” Plummer said.
Activision is developing Call of Duty: Mobile with “high-end” phones in mind, but the team is working to make it accessible on other devices as well, according to the frequently-asked questions about the game.
Call of Duty: Mobile will offer familiar maps like Nuketown, Crash, and Hijacked and weapons like those from Black Ops and Modern Warfare. Players will get to enjoy multiplayer matches in modes such as Team Deathmatch, free-for-all and search-and-destroy. The trailer also hints at a potential zombie mode.
Although the developer did not mention anything about a battle royale mode, we expect to see one when the game is released publicly. The Call of Duty franchise already has Blackout mode, its answer to the battle royale craze. Players will also be able to unlock classic Call of Duty characters, weapons, score streaks and more as they progress in the game.
As of now, there is no information on when the beta tests will start on iOS and Android, but we do know the game is scheduled to arrive this summer. Players interested in joining the beta can sign up on the game’s official site or via the Play Store. Those signing up will get the chance to earn in-game rewards and learn more about upcoming beta tests which are expected to start later this year.
Activision and Tencent revealed a new Call of Duty mobile game for China in 2018. According to GameSpot, that game is the same that is being developed by Tencent’s Timi Studio, but it is being expanded to more locations like North America, South America and Europe. Many also believe Call of Duty will finally be going to the Nintendo Switch. Tencent has already ported Arena of Valor over to the Switch.
Call of Duty: Mobile is the not the only new title expected from the franchise this year. We’ve been hearing rumors about Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 from developer Infinity Ward. This new title is expected to include a campaign mode. Activision confirmed the game with its recent earnings report, saying it will appeal to both veterans and newcomers. The developer also confirmed the return of a key feature missing from last year’s entry, which is believed to be campaign mode.
Activision said the new game is a “great step forward” for the franchise and that it will be related to the franchise’s history. This suggests the new title could be a sequel to an-already existing title in the series. The company also revealed that the new title will feature a “huge expansive multiplayer world” and “fun co-op gameplay.” Activision has “high expectations” for the game, but it expects sales to be lower than those of 2018’s Black Ops 4. Black Ops is the most popular Call of Duty sub-brand so far.