History of Call of Duty in Timeline

Call of Duty (CoD) is a highly successful first-person shooter video game franchise published by Activision since 2003. Primarily developed by Infinity Ward, Treyarch, and Sledgehammer Games, the series has expanded to include numerous spin-offs and handheld titles. Known for its military themes and engaging gameplay, Call of Duty has become a major force in the gaming industry, with regular installments maintaining its popularity. The latest installment, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, launched in November 2025.

2007: Legal Issues Arise Between Infinity Ward and Activision

Around 2007, as Infinity Ward's founders Jason West and Vince Zampella started new contract negotiations to continue developing the Call of Duty Activision, a number of legal issues arose between Infinity Ward and Activision. Ultimately, West and Zampella were forced out of Infinity Ward, later forming Respawn Entertainment within Electronic Arts. West and Zampella, as well as several Infinity Ward staff that departed the studio alongside them to join Respawn, filed lawsuits against Activision related to unpaid royalties and bonuses.

2009: Call of Duty Endowment Founded

In 2009, the Call of Duty Endowment was founded. The organization announced a commitment to create thousands of career opportunities for veterans, including those returning from the Middle East.

March 30, 2010: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 copies presented to U.S. Navy

On March 30, 2010, CODE presented 3,000 copies of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, valued at approximately $180,000, to the U.S. Navy. The copies were delivered to over 300 ships and submarines as well as Navy Morale, Welfare, and Recreation facilities worldwide.

November 2014: Race to 1,000 Jobs campaign launched

In November 2014, the Call of Duty Endowment launched the "Race to 1,000 Jobs" campaign. The campaign encouraged gamers to donate money and get involved in organizations that provide services to veterans.

2015: Endowment Grants and Jobs Found

As of 2015, the Call of Duty Endowment had provided around $12 million in grants to veterans' organizations in the United States, which has helped find jobs for 14,700 veterans.

2017: AM General Sues Activision for Humvee Use

In 2017, AM General, the manufacturer of the Humvee, sued Activision for using the Humvee in multiple Call of Duty games.

April 2020: Activision Wins Summary Motion in Humvee Lawsuit

In April 2020, a federal district judge granted Activision a summary motion in its favor, dismissing the case. The judge stated that the use of the Humvee in the games to provide military realism was different from AM General's trademark purpose for selling to the military.