Though the developer recently released the industry fastest grossing title, Infinity Ward still lost two company heads; even though the company was considered as “intangible”. However, these loses aren’t economically related. According to big brother company Activision, Infinity Ward’s Jason West and Vince Zampella were simultaneously left go due to “breaches of contract”.

However, Activision doesn’t believe that these loses will “have a material impact on the company.” But, on the contrary, industry analyst Ben Schachter believes that their dismissing could have a dramatic affect Activision’s stock prices and the upcoming downloadable content for Modern Warfare 2.

“We expect the very vocal gaming press to put the story front and center,” Schachter said in a note this morning, reports GameSpot.

He then went on to point out that “disruptions at Infinity Ward could, however, affect quality/timing of the downloadable content (DLC) for Modern Warfare 2 (which we estimate could contribute $0.03 -$0.04 in 2010 earnings per share). However, it is unclear at this point what the extent of the impact, if any, on the DLC will be.”

When a game sells as much as Modern Warfare 2 there must be millions of people wondering when they’ll be able get there hands on some Modern Warfare 2 downloadable content. Nonetheless, Infinity Ward’s Robert Bowling has replied to the age old question.

“DLC is planned fir the wonderfully vauge timeframe of Spring,” says Bowling on his Twitter feed. That said, with all the anticipation for the downloadable content, that’s too long of a wait for one piece of downloadable content.

Modern Warfare 2 has surpassed sales expectations, selling an estimated 4.7 million units within the first 24 hours; that’s an estimated $310 million in profit within 24 hours. As it turns out, people have been rushing onto Xbox Live to play Modern Warfare 2, respectively, with their friends; pushing the amount of online users to “record breaking heights”.

In a post on his Twitter account, Xbox Live’s Larry “Major Nelson” Hryb said that, “Over TWO MILLION people [were] connected to the [online] service at once”, something that has never been done before on any online platform; setting a new record for most concurrent users for the service.

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?

Modern Warfare 2 is estimated to sell a total of 12 million units within the remaining year; that’s between the months of October and December. That said, this morning, it was revealed that Modern Warfare 2 sold over 1.23 million units in the UK in 24 hours.

According to GameSpot, using the UK sales estimation, Broadpoint AmTech analyst Ben Schachter stated that the overall first day sales of Modern Warfare 2 could total 7 million units worldwide. “While the two-times week-one tally for GTA IV may seem aggressive, the bottom line is that we believe current consensus estimates of around 12 million for the December quarter may end up being conservative,” he told analyst.

I’ll explain this for those that need help understanding it how he got the total. Seeing that most UK sales portion that of those in the United States, he did a rough estimation coming to the total of 7 million units sold worldwide on its first day. However, if this estimation is true, this would mean that Modern Warfare 2 is the fastest selling video game, period. Along with that, VGChartz are reporting that the game sold 7 million units worldwide on its first day.

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.

This is what happens when you receive a 25 kill streak in Modern Warfare 2, you’ll an enormous super weapons in which there’s no escape even for the person that releases it. Modern Warfare 2 releases on November 10. Enjoy!

[Nuke Your Opponents in Modern Warfare 2 Multiplayer [Spoilers] via Hot Blooded Gaming]

Spoiler Warning: Leaked footage of Modern Warfare 2 showcased a playable art of terrorism; in where the player would shoot innocent civilians in an airport. Activision has since explained the propose of the scene stating that it’s “designed to evoke the atrocities of terrorism”.

However, those that aren’t sure they can handle the scene, they’ve revealed that the scene is completely skippable. “At the beginning of the game, players encounter a mandatory ‘checkpoint’ in which they are warned that an upcoming segment may contain disturbing elements and they can choose not to engage in the gameplay that involves this scene,” an Activision spokesperson told IGN.

This means that players can “opt-out” of the level entirely – we won’t know for sure until MW2 releases in November . However, Activision has made it clear that “[this] is not representative of the overall gameplay experience in [MW2]“, meaning that this will be the only time you’ll be killing citizens in the game.

When first showing the Modern Warfare 2 teaser trailer (shown below), there was an underwater snippet shown, which left many questioning if there was going to be an underwater level of some kind playable in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.

However, in a recent interview with GameTrailers TV, Infinity Ward cleared those questions right up. “It’s mostly… the opening to a level,” Infinity Ward’s CCO Vince Zampella told GameTrailers TV. “There’s not any underwater combat or anything… That’s how the CO’s generally infiltrate.”

Prepare for the ultimate invasion! The most anticipated game of the year and the sequel to the best-selling first-person action game of all time, Infinity Ward’s Modern Warfare 2 will strike worldwide on November 10, 2009. And, MAN!, November 10th can’t come soon enough.

Infinity Ward announced during a press event in Los Angeles tonight, that with the release of Modern Warfare 2, Microsoft is planning to release a new Xbox 360 model based on the upcoming game.

This new bundle (to be available in both North America and Europe) comes with an Elite console marked Modern Warfare 2 branding (seen above), a 250GB HDD (hard dive), a copy of Modern Warfare 2, and two wireless Black controllers. And it will be available for $399.

“It’s the highest compliment to the team and our fans to have a special themed Xbox 360 console,” said Vince Zampella, CEO of Infinity Ward. “The precision and detail that’s been put into the console captures the intensity and feel of ‘Modern Warfare 2.’ We can’t wait for our community and fans around the world to see for themselves on Nov. 10.”

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.

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?

When it comes to holiday releases only the strong can make it out alive. That’s why Activision has bumped Singularity’s release date, because they do not want Modern Warfare 2’s release getting in the way of Singularity being a success.

According to Kotaku, Activision has today opened a time portal for Singularity, moving it to Q1 2010, well out of range of Infinity Ward’s Modern Warfare 2.

“The level of excitement for Infinity Ward’s Modern Warfare 2 coming out of E3 well exceeded our expectations and therefore we have decided to move Raven’s upcoming sci-fi first person action title, Singularity, from 2009 to Q1 2010,” said an Activision spokesperson to Kotaku.

“We believe that the March quarter will provide a better opportunity to establish the new cutting-edge action IP as a ‘must-have’ title and clears the way for Modern Warfare 2 to dominate this holiday season.”

[Activision Moves Singularity Out Of Modern Warfare 2's Way via Kotaku]

Leading global publisher of mobile games, Glu has announced its plans to release a Modern Warfare 2 mobile game, published as part of the company’s expanded partnership with Activision.

“Infinity Ward’s Modern Warfare 2 is one of the most anticipated entertainment properties of the year and the Glu team is excited to develop a mobile game for this blockbuster title for fans of the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare franchise,” said Jill Braff, senior vice president, global publishing, Glu Mobile.

The mobile title will be available in Q4 2009 and will be published worldwide for carriers and application stores that support Android, Blackberry, BREW, J2ME and Windows Mobile.

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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In the shadow of being brutally teased earlier on today, it seems that even the developers at Infinity Ward just can’t let it end – but this time it was worth the wait.

As promised by Geoff Keighley, in this weeks episode of the much anticipated GameTrailers TV, it featured a teaser for Infinity Wards upcoming title Modern Warfare 2, the sequel to ’07’s Call of Duty 4. However, once again, the teaser doesn’t fill your gut because during the Easter Conference Final on May 24 we’d be able to witness the “World Premier” of the title.

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.