In a significant development for gaming enthusiasts, Microsoft has announced that the iconic Call of Duty series will make its debut on Nvidia RTX Spark-powered devices in 2027, notably including the Surface Laptop Ultra. This revelation comes amid ongoing discussions about the challenges of gaming on Windows on Arm devices, particularly regarding anti-cheat support, which has historically been inconsistent.
Anti-cheat systems aren’t going anywhere, so they need to run on Arm
One of the primary hurdles for gamers using Arm-based laptops, such as those powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon X, has been the lack of reliable anti-cheat systems. This limitation has made it difficult to engage in multiplayer games like Destiny 2 and Valorant. However, the recent announcement from Microsoft suggests a shift in this landscape, as Activision’s Ricochet anti-cheat system is set to be adapted for Arm64 architecture. Given Microsoft’s ownership of Activision, this development is both expected and promising for the future of gaming on Arm devices.
Several RTX Spark-powered laptops are on the way
While the specific Call of Duty title slated for release on RTX Spark remains uncertain—speculations point towards Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4—the anticipation is palpable. The Surface Laptop Ultra, while not solely a gaming device, represents a new frontier for gamers seeking high-performance options. Furthermore, Microsoft has hinted at a range of upcoming RTX Spark-powered laptops from various manufacturers, including Asus, Dell, MSI, and HP, which were showcased during the recent keynote presentation.
As the gaming community awaits the arrival of these innovations, the integration of robust anti-cheat systems and the expansion of gaming options on Arm devices signal a promising evolution in the gaming landscape.