Highlights
- Some Call of Duty: Warzone fans have received a cease and desist letter from Activision for playing older versions of the game’s first map, Verdansk.
- Activision is cracking down on unauthorized usages of Call of Duty, including distributing cracked builds that allow access to previous versions of the Warzone map.
- While fans have expressed a desire to revisit older Warzone maps, it’s unclear if they will ever return in an official capacity.
Some Call of Duty: Warzone fans playing an original version of Verdansk have been sent a cease and desist letter from Activision. Call of Duty: Warzone players who find ways to play older versions of the game’s first map may see legal repercussions.
The Call of Duty: Warzone map has changed from Verdansk to Verdansk 84, and it eventually became today’s Al Mazrah. Alongisde changes to the core map, Call of Duty: Warzone has also seen side maps like Fortune’s Keep and Rebirth Island added and replaced. Many of the Call of Duty: Warzone patches 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 often banning Call of Duty: Warzone cheaters and griefers, some players may not have anticipated the legal pushback that they would receive for playing on Verdansk.
CharlieIntel recently confirmed that a Call of Duty: Warzone fan 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 of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2019 and Black Ops: Cold War. These cracked builds allowed Call of Duty fans to access earlier versions of the Warzone map 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 that Call of Duty will be protected from “unauthorized use,” including the ones HeyImAlaix was allegedly distributing. Activision celebrated the enthusiasm that fans like HeyImAlaix have for Call of Duty: Warzone and its earlier maps, but doubled down on protecting its IP. The statement emphasized Call 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 of Warzone and whatever content will be added around the release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3.
Because fans have an affinity for some Call of Duty: Warzone maps, a portion of the community wishes to return to prior ones. Even though players have asked for older Warzone maps 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 older Warzone maps like Verdansk.
Call of Duty: Warzone is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.