X Labs project is shutting down following a Cease & Desist order issued by Activision. The project has stated that it will comply with the order and permanently cease all operations. In fact, if you visit their website now, it no longer exists. The Call of Duty community expressed disappointment over the shutdown of the X Labs project fan game called SM2. This fan game combined guns and maps from various Call of Duty entries. Unfortunately, it has been forced to shut down due to a cease-and-desist order from Activision. Conversely, X labs allowed players to play modded versions of the game. The fan game’s closure results from legal actions taken by Activision, the publisher of the official Call of Duty games.
Activision Cease and Desists Order Shuts Down X Labs
Today, we have received a Cease & Desist letter on behalf of Activision Publishing in relation to the X Labs project. We are complying with this order and shutting down all operations permanently. Thank you all for your support over the years.
— X Labs (@XLabsProject) May 22, 2023
Modding has been popular within the Call of Duty community. It allowed players to create and play custom game modes, maps, and other modifications. Modding can enhance the gaming experience for some players. On the contrary, it is essential to note that unauthorized modifications or the use of mods in online multiplayer modes may violate the game’s terms of service and lead to penalties or restrictions.
Even as Activision shuts down mods like X Labs, it’s important to note that game publishers and developers have the right to protect their intellectual property and enforce their terms of service. While often embraced by gaming communities, modding can sometimes infringe upon these rights or disrupt the intended multiplayer experience. Because of the shutdown, several CoD community members believe this is only the beginning of a long series of legal actions against other fan-made projects.
It’s worth noting that this shutdown is separate from another issue that caused disappointment among Call of Duty fans. In January 2023, it was reported that Call of Duty: Warzone 2, a popular installment in the franchise, experienced a significant decrease in popularity since its November 2022 launch. However, the x Labs shutdown disappointed the CoD fanbase, and many look forward to another solution to continue experiencing the fascinating CoD gameplay.
