Activision received massive controversy after it sent a cease-and-desist order to a group of modders for making a remastered version of Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 (2009). 

This controversy began on August 15, 2024, when the creators of the remastered version (known as the “H2M mod”) posted on X that they had to shut down the mod because of a cease-and-desist order that Activision sent them the day before the game was supposed to launch. 

Activision, the publisher of the original Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 (2009), received public backlash because tens of thousands of people were excited to play what was supposed to be a new version of one of the most popular video games of all time.

Activision claims they sent the cease and desist order because “it would’ve taken away from the Call of Duty developers.” Activision also said “it would interfere with the sales” of their new game coming out soon.  

Another reason this caused so much controversy was that this new mod took more than five years to develop. Furthermore, people started to buy Activision’s original game to play this mod; however, because of the cease-and-desist order, people couldn’t have the chance to play this mod. Therefore, it seemed suspicious that Activision would wait until the day before the mod launched before sending the cease-and-desist letter.

This made Activision a lot of money; however, it probably will cost them in the end. After all this, Call of Duty Modern Warfare (2017) received many bad reviews on Steam, a video game distribution service, due to Activision’s actions. As a result, people had a valid reason to refund the game, and Steam gave everybody with that reason a chance to refund Call of Duty Modern Warfare (2017).

In addition, with all the hate and controversy surrounding Activision, people may not want to buy their new game. At the moment, Activision already has a reputation in the industry for its overpriced games and the bad decisions it’s made regarding the Call of Duty franchise. 

The H2M mod was a remastered version of Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 (2009) that would be released on Call of Duty Modern Warfare (2017). This mod was supposed to have fixed and enhanced Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 (2009). To illustrate, the mod would improve gameplay, have 50 of their iconic maps, and prestige. 

The new mod would have fixed Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 (2009) because there are still many bugs and hackers in this game. In fact, most of Activision’s Call of Duty games have hackers. These hackers either use cheats to improve their game or try to hack other players’ gaming devices, specifically adding viruses. 

Activision is a well-known gaming company that has produced many famous titles. From the moment it started, it quickly became one of the biggest gaming companies. Activision is best known for its famous game series, Call of Duty, which has produced 22 games over the years. 

Regardless, video game fans around the world are not happy with Activision because the new H2M mod was greatly desired by many.