The Call of Duty League is planning a tentative return to in-person matches this June after going online during the Covid-19 craze.

Activision has previously announced plans to bring Overwatch esports back to stadiums, with three Chinese teams returning to live matches during this year's OWL season; Call of Duty's return to match venues will take place on the other side of the Pacific, with this season's Major IV will be held at the Dallas Empire's Arlington Stadium in Texas.

But while the teams will once again be competing face to face, no cheering crowds are expected this year. Activision emphasizes that only teams and "limited league staff" will be participating and that they will be prepared for emergency cobid testing during the event.

Activision Blizzard is cautious about returning to live esports shows, but don't expect the online-only event to disappear due to the pandemic. The publisher laid off about 50 esports-related staff this year, explaining that while live events have not disappeared entirely, it plans to focus more on digital tournaments.

This year's Call of Duty League has already begun, with the majority of the season being played online. The next Major will kick off on Thursday, May 13, and the in-person Major IV will run from June 17-20.