Activision says former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani will argue its case against Noriega lawsuit

Activision says former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani will argue for the dismissal of a case filed by disgraced Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega against the "Call of Duty" franchise.

Giuliani joined the legal team fighting Noriega's lawsuit last month but had not been expected to argue the video game giant's case at an upcoming hearing.

Noriega sued Blizzard Activision Inc. in July over his inclusion in 2012's "Call of Duty: Black Ops II." The former military dictator did not authorize the use of his likeness in the game, but Activision contends its usage is protected by the First Amendment.

Noriega sued claiming the game maker depicted him as a killer and enemy of the state. The game features a story line in which Noriega helps the game's villain.