History of Call of Duty in Timeline

Call of Duty is a popular first-person shooter video game franchise published by Activision, beginning in 2003. Primarily developed by Infinity Ward, Treyarch, and Sledgehammer Games, the series has expanded to include spin-offs and handheld versions. Known for its military themes and engaging gameplay, the most recent installment, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, launched on October 25, 2024, and the next title, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, is slated for release 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.

2009: Call of Duty Endowment Founded

In 2009, the Call of Duty Endowment was founded. Co-chairman General James L. Jones and founder Robert Kotick established the organization with a commitment to create career opportunities for veterans.

March 30, 2010: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Presented to the 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. These 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. This campaign encouraged gamers to donate money and get involved with organizations that provide services to veterans.

2015: Call of Duty Endowment Grants

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 Over 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 Lawsuit Regarding Humvee Use

In April 2020, a federal district judge granted Activision a summary motion in its favor, dismissing the case brought by AM General regarding the use of the Humvee in Call of Duty games.