Activision’s Modern Warfare 2 has become the biggest launch title in entertainment history; something that comes as no surprise, seeing that Activision is the worlds biggest video game publisher because of the Call of Duty franchise.

In its first day, the game sold an estimated 4.7 million copies in North America and in the UK, reports internal Activision estimates, with estimated sell-through sales of $310 million in North America and the UK alone in the first 24 hours. Meaning that, this could mean that Modern Warfare 2 did sell the recent estimated 7 million copies worldwide on day one - this report only covers the UK and North America sales, not the entire planet’s day one sale of the game.

“The Call of Dutyfranchise has become a cultural phenomenon showing the power of video games as an entertainment medium,” said Mike Griffith, CEO, Activision. “The shattering of these entertainment records is a testament to the compelling, cinematic and uniquely engaging experience that the Call of Duty brand delivers. Modern Warfare 2 has taken interactive experience to unprecedented heights setting a new standard for entertainment.”

But, the question still remains. How much did Modern Warfare 2 sell worldwide on day one?

While we’re waiting the for release of Modern Warfare 2, Activision has confirmed that yet another Call of Duty title will be headed our way in 2010.

In a conference call, Activision president, Mike Griffith stated that, “In [calendar year] 2010, Activision Publishing is expected to release strong, innovative new titles,” and that “The diversified lineup will include titles based on the best selling franchises including Call of Duty, Guitar Hero, Shrek, [and] Spider-Man.”

With that said, it comes as no surprise that Activision would milk its most popular franchise, but, as for another World at War Call of Duty title, Activision hasn’t revealed any details about the next Call of Duty title, or if it’s a sequel to World at War.

Forget about Resistance 3, it’s about Killzone 3. According to E4G (Everything for Gamers), in the December ‘09 issue of the Official PlayStation Magazine, a source close to the mag reveals that Killzone 3 is “deep in development” over at Guerilla Games.

Along with that, the magazine also hints at a Call of Duty: World at War sequel, much like what Infinity Ward did with Modern Warfare 2.

“Insider slips reveal three big names you can already pencil for the next year. Killzone 3 is reportedly deep in development, Insomniac’s Full Moon Show podcast hints at a project we can only conclude is Resistance 3,and a Treyarch employee’s online mentions a Call of Duty: World at World sequel,” reads the magazine.

If Killzone 3 is actually “deep in development”, this would mean that we could expect an announcement of somekind within 2010. Let the speculation begin.

We recently sat down with Martin Wahlund (CEO, Fatshark) to talk about their upcoming downloadable title, Lead & Gold: Gangs of the Wild West – a third person multiplayer-oriented shooter aiming to give players “a chance to relive the thrills of a gunfight in classic western settings.”. Enjoy.

GCO: What’s the general idea behind Lead & Gold?

Martin Wahlund: To deliver a fun and good looking multi-player game with strong game modes that suits the western setting well. This, at a very good price for the players.

GCO: People have called Lead & Gold “Team Fortress meets the old west”, what do you have to say about that?

MW: It is not that far off. Team Fortress is great and there are many common elements in the games but also many differences.

GCO: Lead & Gold is a team based multi-player experience. Please describe some key elements in the game.

MW: Team play. You win as a team or lose as a team. Another key element is the class that you chose to play, it dictates the way you play in each scenario.

The in-game leveling system is also something that stands out; you get experience from completing mission objectives or killing enemies. The character then, evolves by gaining improved synergies.

GCO: Does Lead & Gold have some kind of perk system, much like that in the Call of Duty games?

MW: Not directly. The closest thing is the synergies that the characters get when you level up your character in each scenario.

GCO: We’ve noticed that Lead & Gold uses the same engine as GRIN’s Bionic Commando. Were there any setbacks caused by GRIN’s closing during development?

MW: Well, we worked close with GRIN and it was a shame to see the studio close down but we are still alive and kicking.

GCO: Is there support for dynamic (explosive) environment in the game?

MW: In some sense, yes. You can destroy certain objects with a well placed powder keg. It could be a wind mill or a door.

GCO: Going back to perks. Is there a class system?

MW: Yes. There are 4 main classes in the game at release, the trapper, the blaster, the deputy and the gunslinger. All of them have a special ability for example the trapper can set traps. We hope to release more characters as downloadable content in a near future.

GCO: When can we expect Lead & Gold to release?

MW: Q1 2010.

GCO: Thanks for your time.

Update: Robert Bowling from Infinity Ward tells us that 50 Cent is “one of many squad voices” that will be featured in the multiplayer and Spec Ops modes in Modern Warfare 2. Expect to hear Fifty saying things like”Reloading,” “Watch your fire,” “I’m down, get me up!” and “Tango Down!” according to Bowling.

“He is one of quite a few casual cameos in the game, none of which I can name at this point,” Bowling says. “Benji and Joel of Good Charlotte NOT being one of them. They’re just good friends with Curtis and came along with him when he was here recently to check out his voice in the game.” – via Kotaku.

Original: 50 Cent is ready to make an appearance in yet another video game, but this time it isn’t his own. Instead, he’ll be making a cameo in Activision’s and Infinity Ward’s upcoming title Modern Warfare 2. However, it still unknown if 50’s going to continue his search for his diamond encrusted skull.

Anyway, half-a-dollar will lend is talents as one of the many voices featured in the Multiplayer positions of the game. The rapper dropped the news following a visit to Infinity Ward, during which he played Modern Warfare 2 with Good Charlotte’s Benji and Joel Madden.

There hasn’t been an official announcement, yet, but  Robert Bowling, the developer’s director of communications, stated on his twitter that 50 Cent will be “one of the squad voices in Multiplayer / Spec Ops” – no news on the other two yet.

“Everyone else is just mad ’cause I came from the bottom without them,” 50 states – this isn’t a real statement from 50 himself, but it does sound like something he would say. More news coming soon.

[Modern Warfare 2 Features Cameo From... 50 Cent? via Kotaku]

When revealing the special editions for Modern Warfare 2, there was the mention of a downloadable version of the original Call of Duty. However, it was said that you’ll have to buy either the Hardened or Prestige editions be given a token for the game. But, people have been wondering if Activison would be selling the game as a stand-alone arcade game.

“Prestige and Hardened Edition buyers will be getting access to Call of Duty: Classic first. It’ll eventually be coming out for both Xbox Live Arcade and PSN as a stand-alone arcade game,” Community Manager Robert Bowling confirmed to IGN.

Bowling also added that the game will have working multiplayer. “However, price and release date are unknown at this point. It’s the true original Call of Duty including full multiplayer.”

With the recent release of Battlefield 1943, it’s likely that the title would release at $15 to contend with Battlefield’s price.

With a name such as “Prestige” the only conclusion is that it would cost an arm and a leg. To add to that, there’s the fact that it comes fully packed with a pair of “fully functional night version goggles”. Seems like it’s going to cost alot, doesn’t it.

So what’s the cost Infinity Ward? Their response; a reasonable price.

To get the “Prestige” version, which includes an art book, limited Steelbook case and a token to download the original Call of Duty, plus the “fully functional” night version goggles, you should expect to pay $149 USD, almost twice that of the $79 “Hardened” edition.

Infinity Ward also confirmed, via its Twitter account, that the Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network versions of the original Call of Duty will have multiplayer support.

[Modern Warfare 2 Prestige Edition Comes With Prestige Price via Kotaku]

A video showcasing the un-boxing of Modern Warfare 2’s Prestige Edition was posted to the internet yesterday.

This is the most expensive edition of Modern Warfare 2 and comes packed with the Harden Edition of the game, an exclusive art book, and a fohawk head to put your pair of working night vision goggles on. Yes, you heard right, working night vision goggles.

Anyway,  this collector’s bundle seems to be one of the most ambitious bundles ever published. However, without a price point, who knows if this bundle is worth the price? All I know is, it would take a ridiculous price point to get me away from buying a pair of working night vision goggles with my video game.

After improperly ditching the “Call of Duty” trademark for the last couple of months, the trademark somehow finds its way on to the official packaging for Modern Warfare 2. Turning Modern Warfare 2 into Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.

However, in the past couple of months, its developer, along with its publisher, proclaimed that Modern Warfare 2 “has taken on such a life of its own.” So what’s up with the change of heart Infinity Ward and Activision?

“Infinity Ward’s Modern Warfare 2 is the direct sequel to Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare,” a spokesperson told Kotaku. “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.

As much as I hate to admit it, this doesn’t really explain much, or even anything. However, one can only wonder. Is this a direct cause to the recent brand awareness survey?

Meet with some mixed emotions from Modern Warfare fanboys alike, it seems that World at War is a huge success, ranking over 11 Million copies sold since its debut in November of last year.

Just to recap, during its pre-Christmas debut, it sold more than 1.88 million units in its first month on retail shelves. Sales then went on to be very solid with an average of about 1.2 million copies each month.

It’s time. After god knows how long since the teaser that shocked the inter-web, the Eastern Conference Final is finally upon us. During the end beginning of the second third fourth quarter of the Eastern Conference Final millions of fans and gamers were left at the edge of their seats with this very Modern Warfare 2 trailer.

“Everyone on the team is laser focused on making the most gripping experience we’ve ever created,” said Infinity Ward’s CEO, Vince Zampella when the title was announced. “No detail is too small and every finishing touch imaginable is underway to make Modern Warfare 2 our best ever. We can’t wait for our fans around the world to play starting November 10th.”

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That’s right. It seems that we don’t have to wait until E3 to get our hands on the a trailer that shows Modern Warfare 2 in action because on May 24th during the NBA Eastern Conference Finals on TNT we’ll be getting that chance. But, lucky they left us with a little tease, thanks Activision.

“Everyone on the team is laser focused on making the most gripping experience we’ve ever created,” said Infinity Ward’s CEO, Vince Zampella when the title was announced. “No detail is too small and every finishing touch imaginable is underway to make Modern Warfare 2 our best ever. We can’t wait for our fans around the world to play starting November 10th.”

Update: We have learned by fourzerotwo, which is the committee manager of MW2, via Xbox Live that this quote is fake and there’s no such person as Todd Stevens. More information is posted up here. “… we don’t have a lead sku, both platforms have dedicated guys to allow equal dev time (the way it should be). “

Orginal: When at last weeks GDC event in San Francisco, Todd Stevens of Infinity Ward had this to say about Modern Warfare 2’s lead platform.

“Modern Warfare 2 is set to release early this November, and will be on the PS3, Xbox 360, and PC. The Playstation 3 is our leading platform for Modern Warfare 2. The PS3 version will run smoother and have slightly better visuals than the PC and 360 version. We’ve been working on Modern Warfare 2 ever since we released Call of Duty 4 back in 2007. We would like to thank everyone who is still with the Call of Duty 4 community. We will be releasing more information throughout the coming months, so be patient.”

[No official source for the information wasn't listed via eu.playstation.com]

There were many reports today stating that Modern Warfare 2 has dropped the ‘Call of Duty’ out of its name, so we asked Activision for a reason why they changed the name. Responding, a company spokesperson told us as to the reason why.

“Modern Warfare has taken on such a life of its own, it has become our focus now,” we were told by the company spokesperson. But, sadly, other then that we were reminded that, “it’s too early to release additional details.”

The game is planned to release November 10th 2009. More details will be revealed in our upcoming preview of the title coming god knows when.

For some apparent reason Twitter is becoming very popular and mostly everyone on the internet is talking about it, and knows about it. However, Robert Bowling, as of lately, has really been growing the feelings towards it and, well, it seems that he’ll, along with the everyone at Infinity Ward, like to know your suggestions for ‘Modern Warfare 2′.

Thus was lunched a program that allows you to submit your suggestions for ‘Modern Warfare 2′ via Twitter, here’s how it works; Originally launched about a week ago the program will ask you questions – via Bowling – like “What are your top feature requests for the Modern Warfare 2 community site?” and “Name one thing you’d like to see in Modern Warfare 2?” With that, that’s when you are supposed to respond with ‘#MW2′ with your suggestions.

[ #MW2 via Twitter]

Many were wondering when the developers were going to release anything on the upcoming Call of Duty title, so have no fear because it seems that time is here.

As a part of Activision’s fourth quarter earnings call, an exec said that the second version of Modern Warfare will most likely be hitting fourth quarter ‘09. No details on the title was given, but we do know that the game is going to be awesome, I’m sorry but when it comes to Modern Warfare my fanboy releases itself.

Anyway, if you didn’t remember, a Twitter post by Robert Bowling, he, kinda, confirmed the there is going being a Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, but it wasn’t official. But, one can only stop and wonder what they plan for the official announcement.

In such shows as Heroes, Ken Lally, who recently did some mo-cap work in Resident Evil 5, came on to ‘Coin-Op TV’ with a very important secert in the gaming industry.

When talking with ‘losses lips’ Lally revealed that he has been picked to be one of the Voice-Over actors in the next Call of Duty title, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Part 2, I mean 6 or whatever.

If you didn’t know, 24’s Kiefer Sutherland had done some work in Call of Duty: World at War even winning awards for his part.

Although, the next Call of duty hasn’t been officially announced by Activision, it is rumored to be that it’s going to be a sequel to Infinity Ward’s CoD4: Modern Warfare, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Part 2.

Watch This Episode on www.theStream.tv

This week, Hideo Kojima left us with a little note on his company’s website hinting the next Metal Gear game, but it was not a direct notice like of the some other hints, it had you really thinking about what the next game maybe. There was even the question of which platform it was going to be on. But, today there is a rumor going around that the next Metal Gear game will be a first-person shooter.

According to an anonymous poster on the 4chan board, Metal Gear Solid series director Hideo Kojima visited the offices of Infinity Ward to learn more about about first-person shooters, “apparently.”

The purported Infinity Warder wrote – with accompanying photo “proof” of the visit – that Kojima is working on something in the “FPS genre so he came to us to learn and take details from the team.” But, it wouldn’t be the first time that Kojima was rumored to have called upon the Call of Duty developer’s FPS know-how.

Kojima has also dropped by Call of Duty: World At War developer Treyarch, we hear, which is a strong hint about first-person shooter factor. But, is this first-person shooter really the next Metal Gear game?

Robert Bowling from Infinity Ward helps to clarify the details of Kojima’s visit, saying the photo is “legit” but calling the quote that the Metal Gear director was there “to learn” from the developer “bullshit” and “re-donku-lous.”

[Rumor: Kojima Working On First-Person Shooter, Calls On Infinity Ward via Kotaku]

Question: How are you able to take a hit franchise to present day, make millions of fans, then send it back into the past and keep your fans? Well, first you will have to get all your fans to return to the game. Then you’re going to need the best reason in the world for them to want to buy it and then they’ll tell everyone about the game, and that should do it. And it looks like Treyarch has mastered this skill – no thanks to Infinity Ward’s unfriendly comments that were made last week – but how well did they master it?

Call of Duty games were never really know for long mission or long campaigns, sadly this game doesn’t divert from that fact. The games campaign is still really short, but this time around they really do step up on the voice acting. The game features well known voices from movies like “The Dark Knight” and the hit TV show “24″ and to add to it, it’s very well scripted.

Instead of the normal WWII shooter environment like Normandy and D-Day, Call of Duty: World at War takes place in the Pacific as well as the Red Army’s reversal to Stalingrad. These places give the game some new environments and battle experiences, from sunny beaches and bombed-out cities. But, there’s also a savage part of war and this game doesn’t pass on it one bit. The Japanese soldiers swarm like bees for a hive on to the battlefield, they even play dead and wait for you to walk into their sick little trap, then they’ll get you. Plus it really doesn’t end there, there’s also a very savage Russian Front with plenty of gunning down of wounded and unarmed soldiers by both fronts in the game.

However, World at War really shines in its Multi-player component, which gives you the ability to tackle missions with your friends in co-op or just do a online single or team game. Even if Modern Warfare had, arguably, one of the greatest multiplayer components in history, this game finds away to build, and build on it good. The game still has its ranking system that lets you unlock perks, weapons, and upgrades which you can use to mix and match for your style. Many of us may miss the helicopter which was featured in Modern Warfare, but this game brings in something so much better, dogs. Which swarm around hunting enemy’s to kill, but it’s way more fun to watch then to be attacked.

Closing Statement:

We can all fight and try to say that this game is better then Modern Warfare, but to do that now will be wrong. The multi-player doesn’t have that big explosion as it did in Modern Warfare, but it does brand something new. The game does have a lot more content then the other game, Modern Warfare, and to boot this is one of the best shooters out their and if you don’t own it now what are you waiting for?

Score: A

There have been many key announcements for Call of Duty: World at War, but what you may not have known is that mostly all the key announcements have been targeted to the PC and Xbox 360. Here’s what dawns the questions, “where’s the PlayStation 3 Call of Duty: World at War love?”. Yesterday, PlayStation Universe revealed that Treyarch and Activision where not planning to release any Beta for the PlayStation version of the game. But, this may not effect some of us because we can’t basically see Beta’s for the PlayStation 3 falling from the sky.

There are many key fans for this franchise on the PlayStation 3, but just because theres alot of upcoming Beta’s for the PlayStation 3 there’s still alot of fans that would love to get their hands on this game that own a PlayStation 3. Also what’s up with the Limited Edition versions for the game this maybe one of the coldest things that Activision has done this year. If you didn’t know the Call of Duty franchise started on the PC and was then push onto consoles. Maybe because the game did sell better on the Xbox 360 then the PlayStation 3 they are trying to push this game more to 360 owners, but as a fan of the PlayStation 3 I will just like to see a little more love for the PlayStation 3 from this game.

A PC modder from Japan, by the name of Qrysalis, has posted on the Call of Duty forums some lost training missions from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. The missions are from re-constructed files from the original training mission for Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. The video was posted on Youtube, the video shows frag grenades and grenade launchers at the demolition site for demolition practice. Finally, the player will go onto an assault course for some assault practice then go onto meet Captain Price.

According to Joystiq, an Activision PR representative at X08 confirmed that the fifth Call of Duty game will be releasing sometime in November. This just points to the fact that Activision is sticking to their “fall 08″ gap that they set for the game when it was released. If Activision’s November gap is true this could mean that they maybe are trying to release the game the same date as the number one Call of Duty game of all time, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, which released on November the fifth. November is also the release month of Gears of War 2 and Resistance 2, this could mean that Activision will pit it’s games with the other power hitters that will be releasing in that month time frame.

Bobby Kotick, the CEO of Activision Blizzard was very proud to announced that Call of Duty 6 will be developed by Infinity Ward and will be on track for a 2009 release. If you don’t remember, Infinity Ward was the development studio which was behind the Call of Duty franchise and are the mastermind behind Call of Duty 4 Modern Warfare.

While this is great news there are still many question that are left to be answered. What time will Call of Duty 6 be placed in? While there is no idea many are rumored to believe that  in 2009 we may be heading the way of the science fiction universe. So will Call of Duty 6 be held in space with squads and or marines fighting the War On Terror. Stay with us we will keep you informed

Bohemia Interactive released a new screenshot for there upcoming military simulation game, which will be released sometime this year and is currently in development for the PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3. While very few details have been released on the game it does have a very strong reputation on the PC, as a game that pushes the maximum realism and putting the player in the middle of true action, like the Call Of Duty franchise. The last time we heard from the game was at the Games Convention in Leipzig 2007, there is a strong chance that there will be word at this years event. Armed Assault 2 will be set in the year 2009.

Armed 2 is based on the latest generation technology, offering large –scale game world, authentic and extremely detailed modern units, weapons, vehicles and enviroments, challenging single player and vast arrays of multiplayer options.

We thought Infinity Ward was taking a break after making Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare , which made game of the year a rumor came in today saying that there working on a brand new sci-fi title.

An insider had a chance to talk to TalkPlayStation and stated “we are currently working on a new sci-fi title, we cannot release any more information as of yet, we may or may not announce it at E3″.

Seeing that Infinity Ward did great wonderful job with the military genre as a whole, we can have faith that they will not let us down if this rumor is true.

[TalkPlayStation]

Activision has done World War 2 and Modern Warfare now it’s time for a new type of Warfare, Futuristic Warfare. It is rumored that Call of Duty 5 will take place in the future, if this rumor ends up being true Call of Duty 5 will be joining games like Gears of War, Resistance, Killzone and Halo.

Could this mean that Activision is trying to continue to dominate the other shooting genres? Only time can tell.

Update:06/10/08 WOW..we are getting alot of searches for call of duty 5 you may want to click here for GamerCenterOnline suprise

[Call of Duty 5: Futuristic warfare? via Pwnamon]