Summary
SomeCall of Duty: Warzonefans playing an original version of Verdansk have been sent a cease and desist letter from Activision.Call of Duty: Warzoneplayers who find ways to play older versions of the game’s first map may see legal repercussions.
TheCall of Duty: Warzonemap has changed from Verdansk to Verdansk 84, and it eventually became today’s Al Mazrah. Alongisde changes to the core map,Call of Duty: Warzonehas also seen side maps like Fortune’s Keep and Rebirth Island added and replaced. Many of theCall of Duty: Warzonepatches have changed the game’s meta, too, with some players preferring older gameplay styles just like they have preferences for certain maps. While Activision is oftenbanningCall of Duty: Warzonecheatersand griefers, some players may not have anticipated the legal pushback that they would receive for playing on Verdansk.
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CharlieIntel recently confirmed that aCall of Duty: Warzonefan has gotten a cease and desist letter from Activision. The outlet shared the original post with the cease and desist screenshot from Twitter user HeyImAlaix alongside a statement from Activision. HeyImAlaix received the cease and desist for using cracked versions ofCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 2019andBlack Ops: Cold War. These cracked builds allowedCall of Dutyfans to access earlierversions of theWarzonemap Verdansk. The legal filing suggests that HeyImAlaix helped develop the cracked builds, and they could no longer advertise or distribute them.
The Activision statement confirmed thatCall of Dutywill be protected from “unauthorized use,” including the ones HeyImAlaix was allegedly distributing. Activision celebrated the enthusiasm that fans like HeyImAlaix have forCall of Duty: Warzoneand its earlier maps, but doubled down on protecting its IP. The statement emphasizedCall of Duty: Warzone’s development teams, which have included Raven Software, Infinity Ward, and Toys for Bob. While HeyImAlaix and others have been punished for accessing Verdansk, other players are looking toward the future ofWarzoneand whatever content will be added around therelease ofCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 3.
Because fans have an affinity forsomeCall of Duty: Warzonemaps, a portion of the community wishes to return to prior ones. Even though players have asked for olderWarzonemaps to return, it’s unclear if it will ever happen. While unlikely, the cease and desist may suggest that Activision is looking at ways for players to officially revisit olderWarzonemaps like Verdansk.
Call of Duty: Warzoneis available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
