Kobe Bryant, Metallica Attend Call of Duty Launch Party

Kris Erickson • Nov 5, 2010 • Comments ()

A special launch event and fund raiser for Call of Duty: Black ops held in Santa Monica drew attendance from a number of celebrities and musicians. To celebrate the November 9th worldwide launch of Black Ops, Activision threw the bash at Hangar 8 in Santa Monica to benefit The Call of Duty Endowment. The endowment is a fund designed to help out-of-work veterans get back on their feet after returning from war.

A diverse number of celebrities in attendance included Aaron Paul, AJ Trauth, Alex Frost, Amber Lancaster, Anton Yelchin, Common, Dave Annable, Dan Estrin and Doug Robb of Hoobastank, Jimmy Kimmel, Kenna, Kobe Bryant, Matt Lanter, Metallica, Michael Jordan, Nikki Sixx, Paul Iacono, Scott Elrod, Shaun White, and Tristan Wild.

Honoring service members from the six branches of the military, Activision pledged to find 1,000 jobs for veterans and gave $1 million to The Call of Duty Endowment, which helps soldiers transition to civilian life by providing them with job training and placement. Service members were among the first to play Call of Duty: Black Ops and participated in a multiplayer tournament where they raised $1 million for The Call of Duty Endowment.

"Call of Duty is one of the biggest of all entertainment franchises that uniquely pays tribute to the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of those who defend our nation and our freedom around the world," said Bobby Kotick, CEO, Activision Blizzard. "It is especially popular among service members at home and abroad, which is why we are honored to have this event highlight the critical issue of veterans unemployment and make our own contributions to the cause."

Activision is expected to earn over $100 million USD in revenue when the game launches on November 9th. Many retail establishments have already reported selling out of ">pre-orders for hardened and prestige editions of the game.