It has been five years, but Activision is bringing back the Call of Duty XP event in a big way, and it’s just in time to promote Infinite Warfare and the Call of Duty: World League.
The publisher has announced that it will bring back the popular fan event, which was last held in 2011. Call of Duty XP will take place from September 2-4 in Los Angeles, where fans can partake in a number of Infinite Warfare activities, including trying out the multiplayer features for the first time. But a huge focus of the event will be on the final round of the Call of Duty: World League eSports tournament, in which the best players from around the world will compete for more than $2 million in prizes.
In addition to going hands-on with Infinite Warfare and Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Remastered, fans can also take part in other themed experiences, including Zombie Laser Tag, Nuketown paintball (featuring one of the most popular maps in the series, recreated as an actual arena), a yet to be announced “surprise musical guest” (2011 had Kanye West), and a number of panels featuring Call of Duty developers, including Infinite Warfare’s team at Infinity Ward.
“Call of Duty XP is going to be the biggest Call of Duty fan celebration in history,” said Eric Hirshberg, CEO of Activision Publishing. “The best Call of Duty players in the world will be front and center trying to win the first Call of Duty World League Championship at what is sure to be our biggest eSports event ever. Plus, fans will be able to see and play more hands-on content and reveals in one place than we’ve ever had, from Infinite Warfare, to Modern Warfare Remastered to Black Ops III DLC. Plus, there will be an off-the-charts list of Call of Duty inspired activities that you can’t experience anywhere else.”
Sony Interactive Entertainment America, Activision’s partner with the World League, will also be playing a big part in the event. It will help host a PlayStation VR experience, in which players can climb into the Jackal, a flying vehicle featured in Infinite Warfare.
“As a presenting partner of the Call of Duty World League, it’s been exciting to watch these talented teams compete and we’re looking forward to the culmination of the tournament during the Call of Duty Championship. We’re also thrilled to be bringing PlayStation VR to the amazing lineup of event activities, where fans will experience the thrill of piloting their own Jackal fighter jet,” said Adam Boyes, VP of Publisher Relations, Sony Interactive Entertainment America. “We’re proud to partner with Activision and Call of Duty on the return of this historic fan celebration and this can’t miss Call of Duty community gathering.”
Tickets for the event will go on sale this Saturday, ranging from $49 to $199, with a number of goodies—including a copy of Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare (and Modern Warfare Remastered)—available at the higher tiers.
Activision will also broadcast select events from the show, as well as the final rounds of the World League, through both its Twitch and YouTube channels over the course of the weekend.
