From a Twitter message posted by Infinity Ward's Robert Bowling, the world can finally be introduced to the final box art for the studio's upcoming title, Modern Warfare 2.

But wait one second, I thought the Call of Duty moniker was being left off this game's title. Well, it looks like the folks at Activision have changed their minds once again. As the above image clearly shows, we need to start changing the way we refer to this game.

The real question, though, is why make the switch? It's hard to imagine that, after the raving critical and commercial success of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, the hype for Modern Warfare 2 could be anything short of universal. And with the Infinity Ward branding on the cover, there's no way shooter fans could be overlooking this title. Whatever the explanation may be, it looks like Infinity Ward just can't shake the Call of Duty franchise, no matter how hard they try.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is scheduled to hit retail shelves on November 10, 2009.

Update: When we reached out for comment, an Activision spokesperson told us the following:

Infinity Ward's Modern Warfare 2 is the direct sequel to Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. We have focused our attention on Modern Warfare in order to most effectively communicate the fact that this is the first true sequel in the Call of Duty series. Infinity Ward, the original creators of the Call of Duty franchise, has said from the beginning Modern Warfare 2 resides in the Call of Duty universe. This is reflected in the title's package.

Comments (5)

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bluemanrule said:

... It's good to see Activision, Infinity Ward specifically, understanding brand image and loyalty. The must have listened to the third installment of talkingaboutgamers. I'm sure it will sell like hotcakes.

July 09, 2009

Paradise555 said:

... it looks good. i think this cover is the best one yet. that is just me.

July 09, 2009

Spaz said:

... I hate double-titled games. Calling it one thing then another with only a comma to separate the two names is so ridiculously common it's become unbearable. Modern Warfare 2 was a great title; adding the Call of Duty in front of it just makes them look like they couldn't make up their damn minds about what to call it. Indecisive douchebags.

July 09, 2009

Golf Rat said:

... I don't like it. Seems weak...

July 09, 2009

isaacthejust said:

... pic looks a lot like COD4. i see there trying to invoke the feeling of the first one. not a bad move, but a different picture would be better in my opinion. but i dont make games, whatever makes the most sales is there goal. this would do better than anything i would have put on it. i think the best looking parts of COD4 was the night time missions, thats what i would put on it. but thinking about it as i write, it would look too much like a matrix game. so good on them.

July 10, 2009