In March 2024, Activision launched Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile (WZM), aiming to replicate the console and PC success of its flagship battle royale on smartphones. With over 50 million pre-registrations and a promise of cross-progression with Modern Warfare III and Warzone, expectations were sky-high. However, just over a year later, Activision is winding down the game, citing underperformance with mobile-first players.

WZM debuted globally on March 21, 2024, offering iconic maps like Verdansk and Rebirth Island, along with classic multiplayer modes. Despite initial enthusiasm, the game struggled to maintain momentum. While iOS users reported a smoother experience, Android players faced performance issues, leading to a significant drop in ratings on the Google Play Store.

Compounding the challenges, a September 2024 round of layoffs at Microsoft affected the WZM development team, signaling internal shifts in focus.

As of May 18, 2025, WZM will be removed from the App Store and Google Play. However, players who have the game installed before May 19 can continue to access it, with ongoing support for cross-progression and online matchmaking. No new seasonal content or gameplay updates will be released, and in-game purchases with real-world currency are disabled. Activision has stated that refunds for previous purchases or unspent COD Points will not be offered.

To ease the transition, Activision is encouraging players to shift to Call of Duty: Mobile (CODM), assuring continued support and content updates for the foreseeable future.

The WZM experience underscores the complexities of translating a console/PC gaming experience to mobile platforms. While the ambition was commendable, technical challenges, performance inconsistencies, and shifting corporate strategies contributed to its decline.

For now, Call of Duty: Mobile remains the primary mobile offering for fans, with Activision reaffirming its commitment to the game’s ongoing development and support.