Infinity Ward Dropping “Call Of Duty”_

Judging from both the game’s website and, more importantly, its official press release, it appears that Infinity Ward have dropped the name “Call of Duty” from upcoming title Modern Warfare 2.

Go on, look at the website. Tell me how many times you see the words “Call of Duty”. Then read the game’s press release, below, and tell me how many times you see the words “Call of Duty” where they’re not referencing a previous game in the series.

You may ask “so, what’s in a name?”, but in this industry, there are few names as powerful and popular as “Call of Duty”. Dropping it from Modern Warfare 2 (as looks likely) is a big symbolic step. And a refreshing one! It’ll be years before Activision can exploit the life out of this new “Modern Warfare” brand.

SANTA MONICA, Calif., March 26, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ — Prepare for the ultimate invasion! The most anticipated game of the year and the sequel to the best-selling first-person action rummy best game of all time*, Infinity Ward’s Modern Warfare 2 will strike worldwide on November 10, 2009. Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) will release the newest installment in the groundbreaking and record-setting follow-up to the 2007 blockbuster, Call of Duty(R) 4: Modern Warfare(TM), that has sold more than 12 million copies worldwide, to date.

“Everyone on the team rummy golds is laser focused on making the most gripping experience we’ve PG SLOT ever created,” said Infinity Ward’s CEO, Vince Zampella. “No detail is too small and every finishing touch imaginable is underway to make Modern Warfare 2 our best ever. We can’t wait for our fans around the world to play starting November 10th.”

For more information, visit www.modernwarfare2.com