Activision has announced that Call of Duty Elite, the franchise's paid subscription service, will be free of charge for Black Ops 2. It will retain most — if not all — the same services it offered back when it was a paid subscription service.
Regarding map packs and additional content, the rumored Season Pass for Black Ops 2 is indeed true. Call of Duty fans will have the option of buying four separate pieces of DLC piecemeal for $15 (1200 MS Points), or get all four via the Season Pass which will cost $49.99 (4000 MS Points). The Season Pass will contain both multiplayer and zombies content and is scheduled for a 2013 due date.
Here's what Activision Publishing CEO Eric Hirshberg had to say regarding this recent announcement:
We feel that Call of Duty is at its best when our community is united, that’s why we’re returning to four map pack drops next year, and also the reason why we’re making services like leveling clans and Elite TV available to a wider Call of Duty community for Black Ops II, not just to premium Elite subscribers only. Our mission from the start with Elite has been to make multiplayer a more connected, social experience. For our premium members, we have accomplished that. We’ve been listening to the community and we’ve come to the conclusion that Elite has more value as a community wide platform to drive engagement and connectivity than as a paid members-only service.
Here's the list of features Call of Duty Elite will offer players:
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Player HQ: Track Black Ops II stats including recent match data, heat maps, challenge tracking and the ability to modify classes using the Pick 10 system
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Clan HQ: Join or create clans to participate in competitions
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Zombies Leaderboards: Track your Zombie stats and compare to other players
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Call of Duty Elite TV: Developer tips, strategy videos, custom class overviews and more
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Social Integration: Notification system to stay updated on Black Ops II news, communicate with your clan and more
Now here's the bad news, Elite will only be available for Xbox 360 and the PS3 at launch. Although Hirshberg does state that Activision is "evaluating options to bring Elite services to the PC and Wii U." Regarding the Season Pass, Activision's "goal" is to bring the Season Pass and DLC to the Wii U, but at the same time, "it's a new system and we need a bit more time to work out the details with Nintendo."
Also, if you're wondering, Microsoft will once again have timed exclusivity for Black Ops 2 DLC.
Lastly, if you're an existing paying Call of Duty Elite subscriber, you will still have access to the service for Modern Warfare 3 until that current subscription period lapses. Call of Duty Elite "Founders" will still have their status reflected in the new serivce, too. "Elite founders are amongst our most loyal customers, which we don’t take lightly. So, we’re committed to honoring them with ongoing rewards and stature as we transition to Black Ops II," Hirshberg adds.
Well, there you have it. Seems like Call of Duty Elite's paid subscription model is now obsolete and they're going the "Battlefield 3 Premium" route. Will this Season Pass net you more stuff than map packs? Activision hasn't revealed anything yet, but it wouldn't surprise me if they did.
Do you prefer a Season Pass for Black Ops 2 or should Activision stick with Call of Duty Elite's paid service? Sound off and let us know.
Black Ops 2 is scheduled for release on November 13 for the PC, Xbox 360 and PS3, while the Wii U version is slated for November 18.
Thanks, IGN
