It’s been in development for around two years, but Call of Duty Online has now gotten the go ahead to launch in China, thanks to a long-term deal between Activision and China-based ISP, Tencent Holdings.
The press release issued by Activision promised that the China-focused online title will “capitalize on the rich multiplayer experience that the Call of Duty franchise is known for and introduce a new gaming model designed specifically for the Chinese market. This new model will allow players the ability to personalize their weapons, characters and equipment like never before in a Call of Duty game. Using an in-game store, players can enhance their weapons, gear, and perks built specifically for the Chinese market. The new game will also bring a variety of game modes and maps and features an original story told through a series of Special Operations missions based on the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare universe.”
Call of Duty Online will be a free-to-play incarnation of the ridiculously popular FPS, and income will be made from a micro-transaction system via the sales on in-game items.
On the project, Bobby Kotick, Activision Blizzard’s CEO, said “We are very excited about our relationship with Tencent and the opportunities for gaming in China,"
"We think China is one of the most exciting places in the world for us to grow our business and to develop innovative new games."
Of course, some would argue that the word innovative and Call of Duty don’t exactly go hand-in-hand these days, such is the yearly churning out of the franchise, but I’m sure Chinese fans will relish the opportunity to get their hands on the free-to-play outing of the AAA FPS.
Follow Den Of Geek on Twitter right here. And be our Facebook chum here.