Activision Prepping New Premium "Tier" For Online CoD?
Call of Duty: Black OpsAlthough analysts have expected Activision to find a way to monetize the online portion of Call of Duty, the publisher has since gone on record saying they'd "never" do such a thing.
Still, rumors persist and now, a fairly reliable report of a "top tier" level of CoD multiplayer gaming has arrived: according to Kotaku citing Wedbush Securities analysts, Activision will soon unveil a new level of online multiplayer within the next three months. This is from the company's January 2011 newsletter:
"Activision remains a top pick, primarily due to the company's potential to create and monetize a second tier of multiplayer online gaming for its Call of Duty franchise," Wedbush analysts write in their January 2011 newsletter. "We expect this to occur during the first quarter of 2011."
Activision has been boasting about the $1 billion Black Ops and the 600 million hours logged online by fans, but it seems they're looking to take the next lucrative step. CEO Bobby Kotick has been talking about "the natural evolution of a property like Call of Duty into a massively multiplayer environment," which hints at similarities to MMOs like World of Warcraft. So while it may continue to be free to play CoD online, this new "tier" of interaction may offer special bonuses; it reminds us of the Plus membership for the PlayStation Network.
And because Activision is likely convinced that a great many CoD followers won't be able to resist the new online level, perhaps it's inevitable...
Tags: call of duty, cod, activision, cod online, call of duty online
1/3/2011 9:15:17 PM Ben Dutka
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Comments (79 posts)
Killa Tequilla
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 9:38:39 PM
21 up, 0 down
PasteNuggs
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 9:41:20 PM
12 up, 0 down
TheShadow
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 10:35:59 PM
3 up, 0 down
PasteNuggs
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 10:59:01 PM
That's nice and all but I just have this special relationship with fire :)
4 up, 0 down
TheShadow
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 11:06:39 AM
that too would be better then payng for cod.
0 up, 0 down
Milonakis
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 12:28:27 PM
2 up, 0 down
TheShadow
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 12:44:09 PM
I know, "no lobster dipped in butter for dinner tonight.
0 up, 0 down
DazeOfWar
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 9:39:53 PM
Reply
12 up, 0 down
Qubex
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 11:59:11 PM
Q!
"play.experience.enjoy"
4 up, 0 down
maxpontiac
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 7:55:05 AM
It doesn't have the destructible environments like BF, but it does have at a minimum, 32 v 32.
That changed the way I look at and play FPS online games.
COD's 6 v 6 (9 v 9) doesn't cut it anymore.
2 up, 0 down
CH1N00K
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 12:22:57 PM
Now mind you I haven't played all game modes but there is a reason I haven't stuck with the online in KZ2, Warhawk, Resistance and other online shooters.
The answer? Socom: Confrontation Ranked Matches. Plain and simple I get bored with Re-spawn. Most online shooters have the same set-up. Run Gun Die..(not necessarily in that order) I haven't played Confrontation in a while and I hear that there is a now a problem with glitchers, cheaters and lag switches, but when it was actually running the way it was supposed to no online game has ever got me going like a round of elimination.
Your game changes a bit when you suddenly have to deal with the idea that if you die, you won't be re-spawning. You're out..Something about that concept makes for better gaming.
When everyone else suddenly realizes that the lone wolf method in an elimination doesn't work that well..It makes for really great gaming. As a result of the amount of time I've spent in Socom, I now find Respawn a little boring..You don't have to concentrate as hard.
I'll still keep playing, because we've got a solid group from this site to roll with, but that is less about your KDR and more about laughing your ass off...
Last edited by CH1N00K on 1/4/2011 12:25:36 PM
0 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 10:06:58 PM
Reply
3 up, 2 down
Qubex
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 11:57:19 PM
So true... so true...
Q!
"play.experience.enjoy"
2 up, 2 down
Bugzbunny109
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 10:08:42 PM
Reply
Last edited by Bugzbunny109 on 1/3/2011 10:10:51 PM
3 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 10:17:02 PM
Reply
6 up, 1 down
TheShadow
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 10:38:10 PM
especially when they see people paying to play with their PEERS.
(sorry if a little cheesy, couldn't help it
5 up, 0 down
BikerSaint
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 1:15:47 AM
1 up, 0 down
Jed
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 4:21:39 AM
Last edited by Jed on 1/4/2011 4:22:14 AM
3 up, 0 down
TheShadow
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 10:39:08 PM
Reply
thank god i got rid of COD, waste of money IMO.
Especially with killzone 3 next month :)
9 up, 2 down
Bugzbunny109
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 11:16:44 PM
7 up, 0 down
Dancemachine55
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 6:37:53 AM
FPS' - Call of Duty over Killzone (would help if Killzone had split screen)
MMO's - World of Warcraft over Warhammer Online (my friend said Warhammer was faaar better)
Racing - Forza over Gran Turismo (seriously!?!? What's wrong with this generation?)
RPG's - Final Fantasy XIII over Demon's Souls (understandable since one has brand power)
... and so on and so on.
Look at the 360!!! Everyone bought one to play with their friends even though the PS3 is by far the higher quality console!!! Free online!!! A Blu-ray player!!! More quality exclusives!!! People pass this up just cos their good mate went cheap and got a 360, who's other good mate got a 360 the year it came out!!!!
I wouldn't be surprised if Sony announce a PS4 before the next Xbox, only a few little issues fixed on the PS3, bump up the RAM, new graphics card and multilayered blu ray support or holographic disc support and hey presto!!! PS4 only 150 bucks more than PS3!!!
Meanwhile, Xbox are trying to phase out discs and leave 70% of the gaming community out. I remember seeing an article about MS believing network and cloud-based gaming to be the future. HA!!! Look at how well On-Live did when IT came out.
And that Sony is working WITH developers to create the PS4 can only be a good thing. No mistakes like in 2006 and 2007. What doesn't kill Sony only makes it stronger!!!
2 up, 2 down
TheShadow
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 11:15:42 AM
KILLZONE>COD (ah, there we go I'm sane again)
@dancemachine55
I believe killzone 3 does have split-screen.
Also I think more people (in Japan territory anyway) like Gt5 more then forza 3 but in north america, oh no, Forza>GT5, well i guess Honda>Mercadies right (and i mean a standard honda)
0 up, 0 down
Underdog15
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 10:55:31 PM
Reply
5 up, 0 down
FatherSun
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 11:13:12 PM
Decline of COD. No time soon but every dog has its day.
0 up, 0 down
FatherSun
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 11:47:45 PM
I did not specify "Blank Ops". (Intentional)
I actually mentioned the fact that there are multiple COD titles available in this current generation in my post below. The fact that they are virtually identical allows the possibility of Activision opening up this so called ONLINE TIER to all COD players. Thus creating an immense army of Call of Dutyvillagers.
Crazy? Yes! But Activisions recent comparisons to Facebook and other social networks makes me expect almost anything from Bobby Ko-fleas and-Ticks.
Last edited by FatherSun on 1/4/2011 12:02:47 AM
1 up, 1 down
Killa Tequilla
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 12:12:25 AM
Look at GT5, free goodies for all of us!
Anyway ever since I can remember, I've been buying a 60$ game and paying a little extra on DLC.
GTA IV
Battlefield Bad Company 2
Red Dead Redemption
Warhawk
Fallout 3
Socom US NAVY SEALs Confrontation
Little Big Planet
KILLZONE2
Modern Warfare 2
Call of Duty 4
Call of Duty WORLD AT WAR
This has got to stop.
As far as im concerned, it should all be in that bad-boy blu-ray disk.
5 up, 0 down
FatherSun
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 12:16:35 AM
I can see Activision now with a holographic model of the earth displaying all COD players along with others statistics and demographics as they ponder how to squeeze another penny from their unsuspecting prey.
Any COD title allowing access can jumpstart a COD MMO. Maybe we should stop. Don't want to give them any ideas.
0 up, 0 down
FatherSun
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 11:07:44 PM
Reply
1 up, 1 down
Alienange
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 11:15:06 PM
Reply
They're dreaming.
5 up, 0 down
Killa Tequilla
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 12:02:18 AM
Reply
why?
What is wrong with them?
1 up, 0 down
Oxvial
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 12:36:49 AM
Reply
4 up, 0 down
Dancemachine55
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 6:44:37 AM
That would only leave QUALITY titles for the other consoles and separate the mindless masses from the true hardcore gamer!!!
And no more little high pitched screaming teens online screaming unnecessary abuse. Look at what MS and Activision have raised, look at the attitude they have encouraged our youth with. Disgusting!!
0 up, 0 down
AcHiLLiA
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 1:02:36 AM
Reply
2 up, 0 down
Dancemachine55
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 6:53:19 AM
Okay, think of it this way, if you love playing with your friends online and they own a 360, you buy a 360 (or ask for one for Christmas) you will get a 360 over a PS3.
If all your friends play Halo and Call of Duty, you buy Halo and Call of Duty.
If all your friends bag out the PS3 for being lame and expensive, what are you gonna do?!? Risk your friendship or stick to your guns and find new friends who respect your opinion or agree.
Sadly, popularity pays its own price, and to be the popular kid doesn't always equal to being the best. It's like a High School social heirarchy, it's juvenile and only points out how childish or immature many gamers are. A sad truth, I know, but not always true.
It is because of these immature, ignorant and popularity seeking gamers that older and mature gamers have to fight tooth and nail just to be recognised as another medium for sophisticated and intelligent adult entertainment. (and I don't mean THAT kind of adult entertainment)
So long as one of your friend's buy the map pack, you will buy the map pack to play with them. Uncharted 2 opened the flood gates for PS3 popularity once again, so hopefully Uncharted 3 will create a swing effect in our favour.
Last edited by Dancemachine55 on 1/4/2011 6:54:47 AM
0 up, 0 down
___________
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 1:05:30 AM
Reply
4 up, 0 down
MadPowerBomber
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 5:40:27 AM
At least I hope. I've given up on CoD multiplayer after about eight months of playing it on and off, and I'm currently trying to get my roommates and friends to pick up Red Dead.
We'll see if it works.
0 up, 0 down
___________
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 6:50:05 AM
im starting to think they will release yearly releases and millions will lap it up like a cat and warm milk!
i hope not, otherwise were going to see every shooter out there copy it.
oh god, like its not bad enough already?
thats why nothing can get popular, because as soon as it does the whole industry tries to copy it.
0 up, 0 down
Dancemachine55
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 7:00:55 AM
Wash, rinse, repeat.
Respawn, run around, shoot an enemy, an enemy shoots you, repeat.
Is it just me, or is the FPS genre just catering only to teens with ADHD and short attention spans? God, why couldn't intelligent shooters like Deus Ex and Half Life be the billion dollar making games?!?!? Less praise for the average shooter and more for the talented developers who know how to do more than reskin a 3 year old game!!!!
1 up, 0 down
CH1N00K
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 11:36:23 AM
1 up, 0 down
Lawless SXE
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 1:11:12 AM
Reply
Maybe I really am completely insane...
Peace.
0 up, 0 down
FM23
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 1:18:53 AM
Reply
2 up, 1 down
Phoelix
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 1:37:48 AM
Reply
The majority of each player's time (on average) is spent on multiplayer - why should they give that out for free?
Still, I wouldn't advise this crap.
3 up, 0 down
Jed
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 4:31:23 AM
0 up, 0 down
Underdog15
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 8:43:26 AM
2 things come to my mind though.
1) Online games you PAY for, typically have their own major servers that require constant monitoring and maintenance which gets expensive, hense the justification for payment. Also, there are monthly updates with additions for paid online games, typically.
2) It's become the norm now, that if you want your game to be successful, you need to have an online component somehow. Even a few PSP games like Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep has an online component. Some don't, but FPS's really need online if they hope to compete. So they need to expect to deliver some online component to succeed. Besides, COD wouldn't be purchased if it had no multiplayer.
So basically, if devs really expect to monetize the online component on a consistant fee based basis, they need to deliver a top notch online experience without the huge number of flaws the free version has now.
Based on my experience with COD, I have zero hope in Activision's ability to deliver a clean and crisp online experience without major frustrations.
2 up, 0 down
Phoelix
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 12:52:09 PM
And you're definitely right about needing some more content than just a static system.
Maybe they'll roll out something really awesome - who knows?
0 up, 0 down
Pandacastro
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 4:01:12 AM
Reply
4 up, 0 down
MadPowerBomber
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 5:37:45 AM
Reply
However, if this is true, I think I can understand why other gamers', especially around here, have nerdragehate for Activision and Call of Duty. This kinda information gets my nerdragehate emoters up in a toil.
There's milking a franchise and then there's making your customer base look like mindless twits; and this kinda thing falls into the mindless twit category.
It's like having seven or so different Deadpool comics coming out on a monthly basis.
>_<
With everything else coming out next year, CoD is probably off my list regardless of what the content is, even more zombies. Undead Nightmare is proving to be a just as good/often better zombie experience than Nazi Zombies is, and coming from me, that's saying a lot.
0 up, 0 down
maxpontiac
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 8:01:23 AM
Reply
–adjective
easily deceived or cheated.
They paid for Live when it was $50, they pay it for it now that's $60, and they'll pay for premium COD service as well.
Activision has a complete understanding of the fact that 60 percent of Live players play their COD games.
2 up, 0 down
slugga_status
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 8:36:22 AM
Reply
Problem is Activision knows that there are Call of Duty fiends that will buy anything they throw out there..So nothing will change and I'm sure this new "tier" is likely something everybody has already seen before..
Oh well..I'll enjoy playing Killzone and continue to notice how easy Call of Duty is compared to it...
1 up, 0 down
Godslim
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 8:47:15 AM
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0 up, 0 down
spiderboi
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 9:51:27 AM
Reply
Having said that, I won't spend that much money on something that just give me small-time thrills.
On a side note: I'm finally level 8 at MAG (Raven, woohoo!) But sadly, I've yet to try out Domination. Darn service provider, the internet gets disconnected every 30 minutes or so... I wanna try domination.... :(
0 up, 0 down
slugga_status
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 10:00:35 AM
0 up, 0 down
spiderboi
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 8:31:56 PM
0 up, 0 down
frylock25
Wednesday, January 05, 2011 @ 8:42:29 AM
Last edited by frylock25 on 1/5/2011 8:43:23 AM
0 up, 0 down
redman479
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 10:12:21 AM
Reply
4 up, 0 down
Zorigo
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 10:14:00 AM
Reply
but considering how huge COD is, it makes sense to capitalize further on the multiplayer.
0 up, 2 down
dirdiggler
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 12:17:30 PM
Reply
2 up, 0 down
matt99
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 1:29:35 PM
Reply
Last edited by matt99 on 1/4/2011 1:30:56 PM
0 up, 0 down
OxyFenix
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 1:33:31 PM
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0 up, 0 down
HighOnFire
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 3:47:11 PM
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2 up, 0 down
FlyingKickPunch
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 5:16:18 PM
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Nah, I'm just joshin' you guys. This is still ridiculous, though. I'll stick to Counter-Strike.
1 up, 0 down
Nickjcal
Tuesday, January 04, 2011 @ 7:39:06 PM
Reply
0 up, 0 down
Gregory Freeman
Wednesday, January 05, 2011 @ 7:08:11 PM
0 up, 0 down
Gregory Freeman
Wednesday, January 05, 2011 @ 7:07:14 PM
Reply
always telling acti what to do with COD Multiplayer.. Finally they are like "F##K IT! If we do it, will you shut up??"
0 up, 0 down
PasteNuggs
Reply
Monday, January 03, 2011 @ 9:29:26 PM