Activision Publishing has recently taken action against the H2 Multiplayer (H2M) mod, which aimed to breathe new life into the iconic multiplayer experience from 2009’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. Set to launch on August 16, 2024, the highly anticipated mod was abruptly halted just one day before its release when the development team received a cease-and-desist letter from Activision.

Built using the PC version of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered (MWR), H2M was designed to offer players a fresh yet familiar multiplayer experience. The mod promised access to a combination of maps from both the original MW2 and the remastered MWR, along with a reimagined prestige system and other innovative features. The project quickly gained traction within the community, as it sought to recapture the magic of a classic game while introducing new elements to keep the experience fresh.

Interestingly, the excitement surrounding H2M had already translated into a boost in sales for Activision. Data from Steamcharts indicated that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered reached its highest peak in player numbers on Steam since its 2017 debut. This surge coincided with a 50% discount on the game from August 5-14, catapulting it to the third spot on Steam’s top sellers list.

While the shutdown of H2M is disappointing to many, it’s not entirely surprising. Activision has a history of taking similar actions to protect its intellectual property. A notable example is the SM2 mod, which faced the same fate in May 2023. These decisions, while controversial, underline the publisher’s commitment to maintaining control over its franchises, even if it means curbing fan-made projects.

Despite the outcome, the H2M mod’s brief journey highlights the enduring appeal of Modern Warfare 2’s multiplayer and the ongoing tension between fan-driven initiatives and corporate interests within the gaming world.