While theCall of Dutygames are about war, it’s not a series that focuses too much on the human cost of conflict. There are plenty of notable exceptions, of course, but games likeCall of Duty: Warzonesells the fantasy of warfare that is all thrills and no tragedy. However, that does not mean thatCall of Duty: Warzone’screators are unsympathetic to the experience of real-life soldiers.
Activision Blizzard created the Call of Duty Endowment to help unemployed veterans find work. The organization has so far seen major success and just announced that it’s achieved the target of placing 100,000 veterans in jobs ahead of schedule. To celebrate and help support the cause, Activision is resurrecting the C.O.D.E. DefenderPack forCall of Duty: WarzoneandCall ofDuty Modern: Warfare.
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TheCall of Dutywebsite states, “The Call of Duty Endowment identifies and funds the most efficient and effective organizations that get unemployed veterans back to work.” It was founded in 2009 and provides its services to unemployed military veterans in the United States and the United Kingdom. According to Activision Blizzard, it is the largest philanthropic organization primarily dedicated to funding veteran employment. The Endowment reports that 87% of the veterans it assists find full-time work, with an average starting salary of $64,000, twice the U.S. national average.
The company says it’s already directly contributed over $62 million to the cause. Additionally, Activision Blizzard announced in a press release that it would contribute an additional $30 million to support the Call of Duty Endowment for the next five years. However, Activision Blizzard is also encouragingCall of Dutyplayers to contribute up to $2 million by purchasing the C.O.D.E. Defender Pack during this year’s Military Appreciation Month. Activision Blizzard states that the net profits directly supportthe Call of Duty Endowment.
The C.O.D.E. Defender Pack includes five exclusive items and cosmetics forCall of Duty: WarzoneandCall of Duty: Modern Warfare. The Pack’s main attraction is “The Defender,” a Rare revolver Blueprint with a custom optic, reticle, and paint job. They’ll also get the Epic tier “Old School” Watch, the Call of Duty Endowment branded “Honor the Call” Charm, “Hot and Cold” Weapon Camo pattern, and “Endowment” Rare Weapon Sticker. It also includes the “Secret C.O.D.E.” and “C.O.D.E. All Star” Rare Sprays, the “Zoomin,” “Flat Back,” and “Sturdy Stripes” Rare Emblems, and the “Hooah” Rare Calling Card.
This philanthropy obviously does not excuseActivision Blizzard’s culture of sexual harassmentand poor working conditions. A cynically-minded individual might even wonder if it’s hoping this good publicity might counteract the bad. Even so, the limited-time C.O.D.E. Defender Pack offersCall of Duty: WarzoneandModern Warfareplayers a way to support real-life heroes.
Call of Duty: Warzoneis available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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