BREAKING: Activision resets Call of Duty cadence, tightens Warzone PC security
Call of Duty is changing course. Activision is ending back-to-back years of Modern Warfare and Black Ops. At the same time, Warzone on PC now requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. Both moves are live decisions, not experiments. The goal is simple, better games and a cleaner battlefield.
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No more back-to-back Modern Warfare and Black Ops
Activision told us it will no longer ship Modern Warfare and Black Ops in consecutive years. The team cited fatigue and the need for bigger swings. Black Ops 7 struggled out of the gate in Europe and drew mixed reactions worldwide. That landing made the choice easier. Players want change they can feel, not a coat of paint.
This shift opens space. More time between tentpole releases can mean braver design, fresher maps, and stronger campaigns. Studios can chase new tech and smarter AI. Multiplayer can avoid copy paste metas. Zombies and co-op can get the polish that fans demand. Annual content will not vanish. It just will not be a forced full-box sequel each fall.
This cadence also lines up with Microsoft’s playbook. Since the acquisition closed in 2023, the plan has leaned into quality, evergreen platforms, and subscription value. Fewer boxed retreads, more sustained worlds that keep players engaged. That is how you keep Game Pass sticky and a global player base happy.
Warzone PC adds hard security gates
As of December 4, Warzone on PC requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot to play. These are built-in security features on modern PCs. TPM 2.0 is a hardware-backed vault for keys. Secure Boot checks your system when it starts. Together, they make it harder for cheats to dig in at a deep level. Activision tied the move to upgrades in Ricochet, the anti-cheat that fights kernel level attacks.
Some players flipped BIOS switches in minutes. Others hit walls. Older CPUs without TPM 2.0 cannot pass the check. Dual-boot users and custom kernel setups ran into new friction. The rollout was strict, and the lockouts were real. But early lobbies already feel less scummy. Fewer obvious rage toggles. Less teleport nonsense. Clean games are worth hard choices.
Warzone on PC now requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. Without both, the game will not launch.
A verification tool is planned for later in the season. It will scan your system and report what needs to change. That should lower ticket volume and reduce guesswork for players who are unsure.
A built-in checker is coming this season to confirm your TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot status before you queue.
For those sitting on older rigs, the news stings. If your CPU or board lacks TPM 2.0, software workarounds will not pass. That means an upgrade or a move to console if Warzone is your main game.
PCs without TPM 2.0 support will be locked out until you upgrade compatible hardware.
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What this means for quality and access
Slower flagship rotation should raise the ceiling on quality. Longer sprints mean fewer band-aids and more true features. Expect bigger engine work, more thoughtful progression, and smarter seasonal arcs. Monetization will still exist, but it can ride on better foundations.
Access is the trade. Warzone’s new rules will kick out a slice of the PC base today. That hurts, especially in regions where older hardware is common. But cheating also drives players away. If Ricochet’s stricter line brings cleaner matches and protects ranked ladders, retention can rise. The real test comes over the next few months, when the honeymoon fades and the anti-cheat faces fresh attacks.
The Microsoft factor
This is the first clear-year strategy pivot under full Microsoft control. The FTC challenge is over, the board is aligned, and the budget favors platform health. Expect Call of Duty to act more like a service with tentpoles, not a yearly treadmill. Expect cross-play and cross-progression to stay central. Expect more focus on keeping players in the ecosystem, whether on PC, Xbox, or elsewhere. If the cadence breathes, Game Pass can host bigger, brighter drops that feel earned.
What to watch next
- The first CoD year without a Modern Warfare or Black Ops box.
- A Ricochet update on ban waves and cheat detections post-TPM shift.
- A system checker release date, plus clear guidance for PC upgrades.
- How Warzone queue health looks across regions after the security change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why stop releasing Modern Warfare and Black Ops in back-to-back years?
A: Activision wants to fight fatigue and push bigger changes. The plan gives studios more time to innovate and ship meaningful updates.
Q: Do I need TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot to play Warzone on PC?
A: Yes. Both are now required. If you do not have them, the game will not run.
Q: My PC is modern. How do I enable these features?
A: Most systems have them off by default. You can enable them in your BIOS. A checker tool will arrive later this season to help.
Q: What if my CPU does not support TPM 2.0?
A: You will need new hardware to play Warzone on PC, or you can switch to console.
Q: Will fewer yearly releases mean fewer updates?
A: No. Seasonal content continues. The change targets boxed sequel timing, not live support.
The bottom line
Activision is trading speed for strength. No more yearly Modern Warfare and Black Ops handoffs. Warzone on PC adds real security gates to crush deep cheats. It is a hard pivot, but it aims at a simple promise. Better games, cleaner matches, and a Call of Duty that feels fresh again.
