In a remarkable show of support for military veterans, Activision is marking Military Appreciation Month with the release of new Call of Duty DLC packs, the proceeds of which will directly benefit the company’s veteran-focused charity, the Call of Duty Endowment. Moreover, the gaming giant has announced the receipt of a staggering $2.5 million private donation to the Endowment – the largest in its 15-year history.
The new DLC offerings include the Call of Duty Endowment Knight Recon Tracer Pack for Modern Warfare III, Warzone, and Warzone Mobile, as well as the Regulator pack for Call of Duty: Mobile. The Knight Recon DLC boasts a range of exclusive items, including operator skins, weapon blueprints with unique tracer effects, charms, calling cards, emblems, and even double XP tokens.
Meanwhile, the Regulator pack for Call of Duty: Mobile introduces a new female operator, Splicer, along with a vehicle skin, weapon blueprints, calling cards, and other cosmetic items. Activision has stated that 100% of the net proceeds from these DLC bundles will be contributed to the Call of Duty Endowment’s mission of helping unemployed and underemployed veterans from the U.S. and U.K. find high-quality jobs.
Adding to the excitement, Activision has received a monumental $2.5 million donation from Kenneth C. Griffin, the founder and CEO of the hedge fund Citadel and Griffin Catalyst. This generous contribution, the largest private donation in the Endowment’s history, is expected to support the placement of more than 4,000 veterans in new jobs.
The Call of Duty Endowment, founded by Bobby Kotick in 2009, has been instrumental in assisting veterans in their transition to civilian life, having helped place more than 125,000 veterans in jobs across the U.S. and the U.K. since its inception. Activision claims that the Endowment’s cost per veteran placement is around $618, a mere fraction of the government’s expenditure on similar efforts.
In addition to the new DLC offerings and the significant donation, Activision has unveiled a range of initiatives to celebrate Military Appreciation Month. From May 8 through May 22, players can participate in the “U Assist Veterans Challenge” presented by USAA, where completing in-game objectives in Modern Warfare III and Warzone will contribute funds to the Endowment.
Furthermore, the Endowment has partnered with the Texas Rangers baseball team to honor veterans through special in-stadium programming on May 15. The charity has also supported the annual British Army vs. Royal Navy Rugby Match for the Babcock Trophy, showcasing one of the fiercest rivalries in military sports.
As the gaming industry continues to grow and evolve, initiatives like Activision’s Call of Duty Endowment serve as a reminder of the positive impact the medium can have on society. By leveraging the popularity of its flagship franchise, the company is not only providing entertainment but also contributing to the well-being of those who have served their countries with honor and dedication.
