Activision logo not shown in CoD Vanguard trailer as Activision Blizzard lawsuit controversy continues

The reveal of Call of Duty: Vanguard, the newest entry into the Call of Duty franchise, took place August 19 with the debut of the reveal trailer. And fans have noticed something a little different about the reveal trailer compared to previous years.

As part of the reveal trailer, the end cards usually show all of the logos for developers and the publisher in it. For the Vanguard trailer, Activision’s logo was nowhere to be seen.

If you look at the end card of the Vanguard trailer, it shows Sledgehammer Games‘ logo, Treyarch’s logo, and Beenox’s logo. Not Activision’s logo.

If you compare it directly to 2020’s Black Ops Cold War reveal trailer, which debuted one year ago on August 26, 2020, you can clearly see Activision’s logo in the left side of the screen.

Activision’s logo being on end card has been staple for every Call of Duty game ever, including practically every trailer the company releases. But now, their logo has been hidden.

The legal language at the lower end of the screen is mandatory and required for every video, and that is the only place Activision is mentioned in the entire trailer.

• Read More: CoD: Vanguard Zombies mode developed by Treyarch; continues Cold War story

Another area where fans also noticed Activision’s logo was missing in the Vanguard trailer was the opening section, where the trailer said “Call of Duty presents…”

if you compare this to the last time Activision used the “presents…” line in a trailer, that was in 2017 for Sledgehammer Games’ last title, Call of Duty: WWII. The trailer said…”Activision presents.”

Activision spokesperson responded to inquiries about this, saying it was “creative” decision to showcase and focus on “Call of Duty” instead of Activision.

“Call of Duty has continued to expand into an incredible universe of experiences,” said an Activision spokesperson. “This was a creative choice that reflects how Vanguard represents the next major installment in the franchise.”

Although Activision won’t officially confirm it, obviously, speculation exists that the decision surrounding this has to do with the recent lawsuit that revealed sexual harassment allegations at Activision Blizzard. The state of California sued the company for failing to provide a safe and equal work place environment.

Not showcasing their own logo, and focusing on Call of Duty as a brand instead, would be a good move to avoid the negative backlash surrounding Activision Blizzard with the lawsuit situation.

Call of Duty: Vanguard releases Friday, November 5 on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.