games  anime  |  toys
Destructoid is gaming news, community, videos, and sometimes love. Take the tour or jump in with Facebook:

 


Right now 'Call of Duty' is not attached to Modern Warfare 2 photo

It seems there's a little bit of confusion going around about the name of Infinity Ward's upcoming title.

When the game was originally revealed, the trailer referred to the title as simply Modern Warfare 2, distancing itself from the Call of Duty name. Follow up press releases regarding the title did the same, and I was even corrected by Activision PR in casual conversation when I called it Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.

In an earnings call yesterday, Activision's Michael Griffith referred to the title as Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2. He then went on to confirm that they expect the game's sales to single-handedly fill an empty money pit with gold. Now, reports are flying around that the Call of Duty name has been reattached to the title. 

It should also be noted that a few retailers, including Amazon and GameStop, are also listing the game as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.

"The name of the game is Modern Warfare 2," an Activision spokesperson told us when contacted today.

So there you have it; that's the official line... for now. Also, BioShock 2 is not called BioShock 2: Sea of Dreams this week, but may be called that next week. And Harmonix's upcoming game featuring The Beatles was not a Rock Band game a few months ago, and is one today

At the end of the day, does it really matter to you what the game is called? You know Infinity Ward is going to deliver an amazing experience, based on past performance. But do you think attaching "Call of Duty" to the title is a smart marketing move, or was the first Modern Warfare reception positive enough to let it stand on its own?


Continue: More Xbox 360 stories





prev next

24 comments | showing # 1 to 24

WarZombie's Avatar - Comment posted on 05/08/2009 12:12
WarZombie
Let the sales speak of the original Modern Warfare speak for itself. All people are going to see is Modern Warfare 2, and that is more than enough to warrant purchase. I like Infinity Ward distancing themselves from the Call of Duty name, saying "That is their game, this is ours." But in all honesty, this game will sell millions anyway, regardless of name. However, it doesn't need the Call of Duty moniker in order to do so.
falinter's Avatar - Comment posted on 05/08/2009 12:17
falinter
I dont care what its called.

I think Activision wants Infinty Ward to do this so they can start pimping Modern Warefare out every year like CoD so now there will be two games every year.

Over saturating everything again. ::sigh::
Arrabiki's Avatar - Comment posted on 05/08/2009 12:21
Arrabiki
I agree with Warzombie. I thought the original Modern Warfare was fantastic, so if Infinity Ward can make the lightning strike twice.

Also, i'd totally play GH: Modern Warfare.
Calamansi's Avatar - Comment posted on 05/08/2009 12:37
Calamansi
So when do we get Call of Duty:Ancient Warfare?

Got to get that black plague perk.
ajaxender's Avatar - Comment posted on 05/08/2009 12:45
ajaxender
@WarZombie - but Call of Duty is Infinity Wards game to start with. It should be Treyarch who makes their own damn games, since they cant do CoD as well as Infinity Ward, and never will. But of course, Activision doesnt care. falinter is probably pretty accurate, unfortunately.

Guitar Hero: Modern Warfare... dont be giving Activision ideas... im actually little serious and a bit frightened here. How long until they start combining their franchises any half-assed way they can?
Kraid's Avatar - Comment posted on 05/08/2009 12:47
Kraid
R UAV IZZ ONLIANE!!
Corak's Avatar - Comment posted on 05/08/2009 12:49
Corak
@Calamansi
If they make a game where I can mount a catapult and launch plague ridden corpses over the walls of a city thus infecting your team, I'd buy that game in a heartbeat.

Also what falinter said worries me because I can totally see that happening. You'll get a Call of Duty and Modern Warfare game every year now if this title is in fact the case. Not that it really would be a terrible thing but if the quality of the game suffers because of the truncated timetable to make one every year then I say its a bad thing.
Los255's Avatar - Comment posted on 05/08/2009 12:55
Los255
"But do you think attaching "Call of Duty" to the title is a smart marketing move, or was the first Modern Warfare reception positive enough to let it stand on its own?

It's absolutely smart of them to keep the Call of Duty name attached. Why they're rebelling, I don't know. But you can believe that people that never heard of "Modern Warfare 2" will probably think it's just another generic shooter compared to what the "Call of Duty" franchise has done for itself the past 2 years. I know some people that never played a CoD4, but know what it is since it's so popular. This is the case with Halo also, some know it, but never played it.
Dexter345's Avatar - Comment posted on 05/08/2009 13:18
Dexter345
The first Modern Warfare game is enough. Couple that with the fact that CoD4 has in-game messages about Modern Warfare 2, and the people who got miffed by World at War will jump all over it.
Usedtabe's Avatar - Comment posted on 05/08/2009 13:19
Usedtabe
Wow. This would be dumb. I rarely ever hear COD4 referred to as its full title. It's just COD4. Same as The first Halo. No One ever says Halo:Combat Evolved. It's just Halo.
Necros's Avatar - Comment posted on 05/08/2009 13:24
Necros
If it's a difference between a good name and a bad one, then yes, it does matter to me what a game is called. An example would be BioShock being a horrible name for what the game actually is; in fact, most games seem to have poor names. If it's just nitpicking like the ones you described? Nope, doesn't matter. In fact, it will help us avoid ridiculous game titles like Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. The Soulless Army.
financingisfree's Avatar - Comment posted on 05/08/2009 13:26
financingisfree
i would say that 90% or more of that naming convention stuff doesnt matter to the average gamer... *consciously*

all of this posturing and naming-unnaming nonsense is due to statistical marketing research and focus groups and mumbojumbo dumbo the elephant like that.

yes i just said dumbo the elephant.
MIKEnJELLO's Avatar - Comment posted on 05/08/2009 13:36
MIKEnJELLO
God love the marketing dept at Activision. Modern Warfare to infinity(ward) and beyond. Call of Duty will go to treyarch so they can produce every past war under the sun i.e. vietnam, korea, etc. Bring it, cuz i won't buy it!
Chack's Avatar - Comment posted on 05/08/2009 13:43
Chack
The first "Modern Warfare" is actually called "Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare", how could they follow the number with WaW in the middle of both games? Call of Duty 6: Moder Warfare 2? CoD4: MW2?

As far as the game is awesome (and I'm sure it'll be), the name doesn't really matter.
Magic Whiskey's Avatar - Comment posted on 05/08/2009 14:46
Magic Whiskey
Modern Warfare 2: Electric Bugaloo.
Chronic Logic's Avatar - Comment posted on 05/08/2009 14:53
Chronic Logic
what's that devs? You say Modern Warfare 2 is now called Call of Duty 6? Alright then.

Infinity Wards is being such a child, of course the game is part of the Call of Duty series. They're probably jealous or annoyed that Treyarch is sharing the Call of Duty series with them.
Doomsday Forte's Avatar - Comment posted on 05/08/2009 15:28
Doomsday Forte
We already have Call of Duty: Ancient Warfare. It's called Dynasty Warriors. *shot*
Los255's Avatar - Comment posted on 05/08/2009 16:26
Los255
They should just name it: "Call of Duty: Duty Calls" and just get it over with....
Holyetheline's Avatar - Comment posted on 05/08/2009 17:27
Holyetheline
It should stand on its own... but I don't care. I'll buy it because it's a good game not because of it's name. (rhyme there so you remember my philosophy.)
tkyy's Avatar - Comment posted on 05/09/2009 01:30
tkyy
I doubt all of my friends knew the fourth "COD game" had a subtitle "Modern Warfare".
tkyy's Avatar - Comment posted on 05/09/2009 01:31
tkyy
I doubt all of my friends knew the fourth "COD game" had a subtitle "Modern Warfare".
Wintersocks's Avatar - Comment posted on 05/09/2009 07:31
Wintersocks
Why not solve this by working on other games that are not franchises?
Modern Warfare 14 anyone?
SteelerMcBeam's Avatar - Comment posted on 05/09/2009 14:42
SteelerMcBeam
I dont think any fan cares more about the name then the quality of the game itself. Its not like if they take COD off the name people will stop calling it call of duty... its call of duty!! My unprofessional marketing solution would be this.. Call it whatever you want its not like the Call Of Duty names arnt jacked already BUT when the NEW XBOX PLATFORM comes out and gets those exclusive rights to the first call of duty game that everyone knows they will get, just call the damn game Call of Duty!!! Start from scratch!! Brand new platform brand new recycled name!!
RenegadeBadass's Avatar - Comment posted on 05/10/2009 04:20
RenegadeBadass
It doesnt matter.. the first one will always be COD4 to gamers, and now this one will always be MW2 to gamers... doesnt matter what it says on the box.
prev next

Comment with Facebook





Click connect and comment instantly!

Comment with Dtoid





New? SIGN UP - it takes 5 seconds

Comments policy

Destructoid is an open discussion community. You don't need to "audition" to post a comment - just speak your mind. We respect differing opinions on the site, so have at it. Be smart, funny, insightful, clueless, or cute -- but back it up with substance. Keep your cool, keep it fun. We only ask that you act respectfully and above all: don't be a troll and ruin it for everyone else. Don't bring down gamers or we'll, you know, gently shoot you in the face and stuff you into a flaming mailbox. Each comment is your opportuntity to make this community awesomer. Is that even a word?

Avoiding the banhammer only requires common sense: spamming, trolling, racism, NSFW stuff, and other forms of sucking will not be tolerated. If anyone is griefing please report abuse. Be good. Don't suck!

 
New on Destructoid.TV play all videos

Loading
Loading Destructoid Videos


    Win this!
    Dive in! meetup+play for a chance to win a PC

    Dtoid Twitter    Got news?   tips@destructoid.com

    Reviews & Previews
    Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles review
    Left 4 Dead 2 review
    Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Reflex review
    Arkedo Series - 02 SWAP! review
    EyePet review
    more reviews
    Legend of Zelda Spirit Tracks
    Monster Hunter Tri
    Hooking onto, under and above Just Cause 2
    PS3's 256-player MAG
    Rooms The Main Building
    more previews


    - The Dtoid Army is 50689 strong -

    Showing Cblogs with 3+ faps   show all

    Call for entries: do the wrong thing

    New to Dtoid? Read the survival guide




     Originals
    Jim Sterling: Think L4D2 is an expansion? You're a f*cking idiot





















    More Destructoid Originals




     Popular now more






















    Team Destructoid   tips@destructoid.com
    Nick Chester
    Editor-in-Chief
    Niero
    Founder, publisher
    Jim Sterling
    Reviews Editor
    Hamza Aziz
    Community Manager
    Dale North
    News Editor
    Rey Gutierrez
    Video editor & director
    Anthony Burch
    Features Editor
    Colette Bennett
    Tom Fronczak Brad Nicholson
    Ashley Davis Ben Perlee
    Conrad
    Zimmerman
    Chad Concelmo
    Jonathan Holmes Jonathan Ross
    Brad Rice Jordan Devore
    Will Maddock Matthew Razak
    Dyson Joseph Leray
    Topher Cantler Samit Sarkar
         
      Dexter
    Adam Dork
    Daniel Lingen
    Hollie Bennett
    Joe Burling
    Mikey
    Stella Wong

    Josh Tolentino




     

     
      get involved

    register or login
    post a blog
    post a forum
    enter a contest
    contribute a news tip
    suggest a feature
    be a guest editor
    support

    new member's guide
    login assistance
    tech support
    report abuse
    email our editors
    read our dev blog
    nuclear crisis?
    keep in touch

    RSS feed
    Twitter
    Facebook
    Myspace
    Flickr
    Game nights
    Meetup+play online
    seriously

    about Destructoid
    advertising
    terms of use
    privacy policy
    jobs at MM
    buy our crap
    our network

    Tomopop
    Japanator
    Despingation?




    Destructoid is an independently-run publication forged by our love of video games and the gaming community's need of accountable enthusiast press
    living the dream since March 16, 2006