Activision has responded after shutting down a fan-made attempt to bring Classic Warzone back

Activision recently issued a formal cease and desist to a group of community developers who were recreating the 2021 version of Warzone, complete with the original Verdansk map and gameplay systems. The project had restored matchmaking, weapon progression and Battle Pass rewards, attracting many players nostalgic for the earlier version of the battle royale experience.

The developers announced on Discord that they had received a legal letter from Activision, making it clear that the publisher — which owns all rights to Call of Duty content — had not authorised the use of its assets. Shortly after, an Activision spokesperson issued a statement acknowledging the passion and creativity of the community but emphasising that unauthorised use of intellectual property can’t be allowed. They said enforcing these rights is necessary both to protect the work of their developers and to maintain game security.

Fans reacting online shared surprise and frustration at the shutdown, with some questioning why smaller fan efforts are targeted when larger modding communities are sometimes left alone. The team behind the revival had stressed they weren’t charging money and simply wanted to recreate the classic experience for players who missed it.

Because Activision owns the original maps and all related game content, nostalgia alone doesn’t override intellectual property law, and the revival project is now in legal limbo — similar to other fan creations that have been halted by rights holders in the past.