Activision Ends Updates for Call of Duty Warzone Mobile Due to Low Engagement

Activision has announced the decision to sunset updates for Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile, citing that the game has not met expectations among mobile-first players. This move comes as a surprise given the massive success of Call of Duty: Mobile, which was developed by Tencent's TiMi Studio Group and has amassed over 500 million downloads worldwide.

Unlike Call of Duty: Mobile, Warzone Mobile was developed internally by Activision as a mobile adaptation of the popular PC and console battle royale game Call of Duty: Warzone, which launched in 2020. While Warzone has enjoyed significant success on PC and consoles, including a recent relaunch of its original Verdansk map to reengage players, the mobile version failed to capture a similar audience.

Activision's official statement highlights their pride in bringing an authentic Warzone experience to mobile but acknowledges the game did not resonate with mobile-first gamers as strongly as it did with PC and console audiences. As a result, new seasonal content and gameplay updates will cease immediately, and players will no longer be able to purchase in-game currency such as Call of Duty Points or Black Cell.

The game will be removed from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store on May 18, 2025. However, players who have already downloaded the game before May 19, 2025, will retain access to the game, including cross-progression features and matchmaking servers. Additionally, any unspent Call of Duty Points can still be redeemed in-game until the service ends.

To support the Warzone Mobile community, Activision is offering special incentives for players to transition to Call of Duty: Mobile, encouraging them to continue enjoying the franchise on mobile platforms. This strategic shift underscores the challenges of adapting popular PC and console titles authentically for mobile audiences and highlights the importance of understanding platform-specific user expectations.

Broader Implications for Mobile Game Development

The discontinuation of Warzone Mobile highlights key lessons for developers and publishers aiming to expand PC/console franchises into mobile markets. Success in mobile gaming requires more than brand recognition; it demands tailored gameplay experiences, optimized controls, and deep engagement strategies suited to mobile-first users. The contrast between the success of Call of Duty: Mobile and the underperformance of Warzone Mobile illustrates how development partnerships and platform expertise can influence outcomes.

For industry leaders and developers, this case underscores the importance of leveraging data analytics and player feedback to continuously refine mobile game offerings. It also emphasizes the value of cross-platform progression and community incentives to maintain player loyalty even when a title phases out. As mobile gaming continues to grow, understanding the nuances of mobile-first audiences will be critical for sustained success.