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“This September, October and November, we’re releasing three of the most talked about games in the industry and perhaps our best slate ever. Destiny is the most pre-ordered new IP in history. Skylanders Trap Team is yet another breakthrough innovation for the biggest kids’ video game in the world*. And Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare is a creative leap forward for the biggest franchise in the industry,” said Eric Hirshberg, CEO of Activision Publishing. “With all of the hours of great games to be played, we apologise to spouses, bosses and significant others of every stripe in advance.”

Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare

Destiny

Skylanders Trap Team

1. It all starts with the Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare exoskeleton and the fundamental way it changes player movement delivering a new level of tactical combat. Speed, strength, agility, and verticality transform how you play. New abilities, movements, perks, equipment and weapon classes offer fans the most personalized, customizable and reward-based Call of Duty multiplayer. It all comes together to make each player feel like a tier one soldier of the future.
   
   ADVANCED EXOSKELETON MOVEMENT: With the addition of the exoskeleton movements, the speed of the game increases dramatically. Boost Jump makes higher sightlines easily reachable and offers a new level of vertically. Boost Dodge delivers enhanced maneuverability, while Boost Dash provides mid-air evasive maneuverability. And Boost Slam empowers a new air-to-ground melee attack. It comes to life when players combine and chain these new mechanics to move through the map and engage with the enemy unlike anything ever in Call of Duty.
   
   The exoskeleton offers new opportunities for specific exo abilities as detailed below. With the introduction of the variable grenade, the tactical slot in the create-a-class is now open for players to choose an exoskeleton ability.
   
   SUPPLY DROPS: In Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare customization begins with Supply Drops, which is loot Call of Duty style, bringing a new reward system of more than 1,000 rewards into multiplayer. Supply Drops reward you with items, including Custom Weapons, Character Gear and Reinforcements. And these rewards come in three rarities – Enlisted, Professional, and Elite. In addition, to ranking through XP, Supply Drops will be rewarded through play time and in game challenges.
   
   

Custom Weapons: Attribute and cosmetic modifications on base weapons make up the nearly 350 custom weapon options that you can get from supply drops. These new modifications allow a greater range of customization to find the perfect weapon for individual play styles in addition to having a great look.

• Gear: Supply drops can also feature gear that allows you to customize your operator for the virtual lobby and in-game. The wide variety of cosmetic customization that players can get through gear will allow everyone on the field to know who you are.
  
  
• Reinforcements: Players can also be rewarded with one-time-use items that are activated during the match at pre-determined intervals, including perks and low-level scorestreaks. These are great for a one-time trial and burst of added excitement in match. And, like all Supply Drop rewards, Reinforcements come in the three rarity classes – Enlisted, Profession, and Elite.
  
  WEAPONS: In Advanced Warfare, players have unprecedented options to find the weapon that best suits their needs. Each weapon features 10 custom options, where cosmetics and attributes vary, which ultimately deliver nearly 350 custom weapons out of the box. On top that, each weapon delivers a spectrum of attachment options, including tried and true attachments as well as all new ones to augment your weapon.
  
  A NEW WEAPON CLASS: The high tech nature of 2054 is coming to multiplayer and there is no better example than the directed energy weapons. The new Heavy Weapons class includes directed energy weapons like the EM1 and EMPm2. These new weapons use the power of weaponized energy to overcome enemies. This class of weapon doesn’t rely on reloads, but instead they are known to overheat after too much activity.
  
  PICK 13: The much loved Pick 10 create-a-class format is back with even more customizable options than before. You can now choose which scorestreaks will be included with your class. This addition to the beloved create-a-class format provides more depth to player strategy and play style. In addition to combining scorestreaks with your class, players can customize scorestreaks to make them more powerful, for a cost. For example, players can customize a Remote Turret into a Rocket Turret Module. In addition to customizable scorestreaks, the game introduces Co-Op Scorestreaks, which for the first time, two players can now join up a scorestreak and work together. This is the perfect example of teamwork for those players that rack up score, with those that may not always get the chance to experience the high-end scorestreaks. Teaming up on a Warbird is a perfect way to gain the advantage on the battlefield.
  
  EXO ABILITIES: Brand new to Advanced Warfare, you now have the opportunity to augment your exo through additional exo abilities. Unlike the exo movements that every player has, exo abilities are selectable within Pick 13. For a slot, of course. These new exo abilities are activated by the player during the match, and used until the Exo Battery is depleted.
  
  

• Exo Shield – A quick-deploy shield attached to your exo’s arm
  
  
• Exo Overclock – Increased footspeed
  
  
• Exo Stim – Temporary health regeneration beyond normal levels
  
  
• Exo Cloak – Short duration visual concealment
  
  
• Exo Hover – Short duration hovering in place
  
  
• Exo Ping – Shows enemy movement and weapon fire in the HUD
  
  
• Exo Trophy System – Destroys incoming grenades and rockets for a limited period of time
  
  EXO PERKS: A slate of new perks impact exo abilities like a perk that suppresses boost so that it’s quieter and as a result a player’s thrusters don’t give away your location on the mini map. Another is the gung-ho perk, which allows players to re-load while sprinting, and shoot while sliding. There’s also exo overcharge, which gives players more energy for their exo battery. Exo Perks take up slots and depend on how players choose to approach their class, but within all customization, there is plenty of flexibility to make your soldier as powerful as you think he can be in the situations you’re playing in.
  
  

VIRTUAL FIRING RANGE: An all-new feature, and a first for Call of Duty. From the Create-a-Class menu or between matches, players can instantly hit the Virtual Firing Range to try out a new item with just a press of the button. No map load, no having to blindly go into a match with a new loadout. Now, players can get an immediate feel for things like the sights, attachments, bullet spread, recoil, and more before the next match even starts. It’s a great way to test-drive a new weapon before heading into battle.

CHARACTER CUSTOMIZATION: Take your Call of Duty character to a new level by selecting the heads, eyewear, helmets, shirts, vest kits, gloves, pants, knee guards, boots and even the exoskeleton itself. The possible combinations, including selecting male or female characters, are nearly limitless.

VIRTUAL LOBBY: Advanced Warfare transforms the lobby experience for the first time in Call of Duty, providing the personalized true, virtual showcase called the Virtual Lobby. This is where all of a player’s hard work, both XP Progression and Supply Drop rewards are paid-off for all to see. In the Virtual Lobby you can quickly and easily see everyone’s character in all its glory. Just slide over and look at each character in detail. With their loadouts. With their customization options. With their rare Supply Drop custom weapons, gear and reinforcements as well as weapons, loadouts and all the gear from your character customization, the Virtual Lobby is the best way to show off to friends, or get a peek at something cool that someone else has earned, and to let your accomplishments speak for themselves.

GAME MODES: Advanced Warfare includes fan favorites Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, Hardpoint, Search & Destroy, Domination and Team Domination, and more – all delivering new exoskeleton gameplay abilities, as well as:

• Uplink – Uplink has been built with teamwork in mind, and to promote fast and frantic competitive gameplay. Both teams fight for control of a satellite drone, and must race – with it in hand – to the opponent’s uplink.
  
  
• Momentum – Based on the War game mode originally found in Call of Duty®: World at War, Momentum is the Call of Duty version of tug of war. Five consecutive capture points exist on the map, but only one is active at a time. The more kills and captures your team gets, the faster you are able to capture additional points. Once the other team captures on you, the momentum meter gets reset, so your team needs to be at its best the whole game.
  
  MAPS: (Announced to date)
  
  

• Biolab – Part of a snowy secret base, this map features both close quarters indoor combat along with long range outdoor terrain with added verticality for quick and fast-paced action. Use your Exo boost to take the action to the rooftops.
  
  
• Riot – Set in a bombed out prison after a devastating riot, this penitentiary still has some defense mechanisms active. Crafted to utilize a classic 3-lane approach, this map offers two large open areas on both sides of the map along with a large cell block right in the center for an all-comers shoot-out that thrusts players right into the action.
  
  
• Ascend - Taking place in a futuristic Space Elevator terminal, this location features a map-based score streak that allows players to call in the turret defenses. Ascend also was designed with clean 3-Lane format and a verticality that is tailor made for exoskeleton abilities.
  
  
• Defender – In the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge, an abandoned bunker that’s features open gameplay and is a perfect showcase for the new exoskeleton abilities. An added aspect to this map is the dynamic event. A tsunami hits with strategic regularity and changes a good portion of the map. 
  
  

Why this has piqued our interest With pretty much the whole team being drawn into the Beta it was interesting to see the reaction from other gamers. These numbers show there is an interest in Bungie's new project and by the numbers being quoted the game is looking at a huge release later this year.

Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATVI) and Bungie, today confirmed millions of people have played their upcoming and award-winning game Destiny during their beta test to gather vital information in preparation for launch.  The Destiny Beta included a sampling of major activities featured in the full game. The beta began first on PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®3 on July 17 and came to a close Sunday evening, with 4,638,937 unique players participating.

“This is the biggest beta of this console generation by a wide margin and the largest console beta ever for a new video game IP to date,” said Eric Hirshberg, CEO of Activision Publishing. “Hosting a beta at this scale is an incredible feat, so we’re thrilled to see the phenomenal response. But the beta is just a taste of what’s to come. We’re counting down the days to our launch day, September 9th.”

“We were totally blown away by the number of people who played the beta,” said Pete Parsons, COO of Bungie. “We surpassed even our own goals and the feedback was invaluable. We cannot thank the community enough, the response was humbling and in the weeks ahead we’ll be working hard to ensure that Destiny lives up to the expectations at launch.”

Why this has piqued our interest. Although the main draw of COD remains the multiplayer, the franchises move into more extreme scenarios has been interesting. With Advanced Warfare we are looking at major changes with the introduction of a global superstar in Kevin Spacey taking a leading visual and vocal role in the plot. It remains to be seen how this will effect the campaign but it certainly has us excited.

With nations brought to their knees by a global terrorist attack, the world turns to Atlas, the largest private military company on the planet. Power, though, changes everything.

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Nickelodeon’s justice-sworn, pizza-fuelled, half-shelled heroes in green are back in Activision’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, a third-person action game coming to Nintendo 3DS™ hand-held system, just in time for the release of the Paramount Pictures’ film of the same name. Mad genius Baxter Stockman’s mutant and robotic horrors have teamed up with the shadowy armies of the Foot Clan to terrorise New York City and only Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo and Donatello can protect its subways, sewers, rooftops and streets from their devastating campaign.

Developed by Magic Pockets, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is built around fast-moving hack-and-slash gameplay, letting players swap between its four main characters at will. From Mikey’s speed to Raph’s brute force, each brother brings a unique set of strengths and skills to battle, based on their personality. Players can evolve in power over time, gaining new levels, abilities and stat points, while mighty new weapons can be crafted back at the Turtle’s Lair from raw materials collected throughout the adventure.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will arrive later this summer for Nintendo 3DS™ and is rated PEGI 12. For the latest Turtles details as they emerge, head over to https://www.facebook.com/TMNT.

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Fans Can Select Video Game Cover Art via The Legend of Korra  Facebook Page

Nickelodeon and Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATVI) today announced plans to develop and publish the first-ever video game inspired by the fan-favourite animated series, The Legend of Korra. The Legend of Korra digital video game is developed by PlatinumGames, Inc. and capitalises on the studio’s pedigree of creating visually flourishing experiences with fast-paced, dynamic combat.  The game is planned to be available for download this autumn on Sony’s PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment systems; Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system and Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows PC.  The game is provisionally rated PEGI 12.

The Legend of Korra fans will have the unique opportunity to select the cover art for this digital video game by voting on three different concepts drawn by one of the show’s character designers, Christie Tseng. Fans can visit https://www.facebook.com/legendofkorra to cast their vote. Voting will run until 31st June at 8am GMT.

Covers to select from

“We are thrilled to expand our relationship with Activision Publishing, Inc. to bring the hit animated series from TV screens to gamers everywhere,” said Yaacov Barselah, Vice President of Games & Digital Publishing New Business, Nickelodeon.  “Capturing the true essence and exquisite creative of the series, The Legend of Korra games are sure to captivate fans as they delve into the rich and exciting world ofKorra.”

The Legend of Korra video game follows Korra, a strong-willed young woman who, as the reincarnation of the Avatar, can bend the four primal forces of nature to her will. Scripted by staff writer Tim Hedrick and consulted by series co-creators and executive producers Bryan Konietzko and Michael DiMartino, the game's original adventure takes place between Books Two and Three of the TV programme allowing for an authentic Avatar experience.  The game’s cell-shaded visuals recreate the beautiful look and immersive feel of the show, with colourful, vivid detail going into every action, elemental effect and animated story sequence.

The Legend of Korra is a single player, action-packed brawler, in which Korra's mastery of martial arts and the four elements – fire, earth, air and water – can be used on the fly to bolster her combos and counters against foes. Throughout the game, Korra's polar bear-dog, Naga, will aid her in high-speed traversal segments.  The game also brings to life the series' competitive sport, Pro-Bending, in which teams of three use the elements to fight for territory in an arena. 

A handheld version of The Legend of Korra for the Nintendo 3DS™ hand-held system is also being developed by Webfoot Technologies, as a retail-only release. The handheld version of the game will feature a similar story and is a single-player, turn-based strategy RPG, in which players focus on tactically manoeuvring Korra and her allies on the battlefield.

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Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Skylanders Trap Team and Destiny Showcase Blockbuster Lineup

Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. (NASDAQ:  ATVI), is set to kick-off this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3 Expo) with a blockbuster lineup featuring the #1 and #3 videogame franchises of 2013 in the U.S., including toys and accessories, according to the NPD Group1, and what could be the biggest new videogame IP of the year. Starting Tuesday, June 10, at the LA Convention Center, the company will debut a new era for the  Call of Duty® franchise with  Call of Duty®: Advanced Warfare,  while showcasing the newest innovative title from the popular  Skylanders® brand with  Skylanders Trap Team™, and the highly anticipated  Destiny®. Both  Skylanders  and Destiny will be playable on the show floor. Activision will be located in the South Hall, booth #1647.

"This year's E3 has been years in the making for us," said Eric Hirshberg, CEO of Activision Publishing, Inc. "Each game we are showcasing is the result of our commitment to quality and innovation: our first 3-year development and our first new lead developer on the Call of Duty franchise in a decade with  Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare. Our biggest innovation since we invented the Toys-to-Life category with  Skylanders Trap Team. And the result of over four years of passion, partnership and investment to bring Bungie's vision for Destiny to life. I think this is the best slate in Activision's history and I can't wait for gamers to get a closer look."

Activision's E3 Slate Includes:

Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare - Developed by Sledgehammer Games,  Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare delivers gamers an immersive and compelling narrative, jaw-dropping visuals and, for the first time in  Call of Duty, exoskeleton gameplay that will redefine how people play the game. Players become the advanced soldier enabled with the power of the exoskeleton, an advanced arsenal of never-before-seen weaponry, new abilities and new gameplay mechanics. The first  Call of Duty to benefit from a three-year development cycle,  Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare  is built specifically for the next generation consoles. The game takes place in a future setting that immerses players into an emotional journey with a new cast of characters poised to set a new bar for the franchise. The title is scheduled for release on November 4 for Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, the Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC; not yet rated by the ESRB. For more information, visit:  www.callofduty.com,www.facebook.com/callofduty,  www.youtube.com/callofduty or follow @CallofDuty on Twitter and  Instagram.

Destiny -  From Bungie, the creators of  Halo®, and Activision, the company that brought you  Call of Duty, comes  Destiny, an epic, action-packed adventure set in a familiar but mysterious universe. Destiny delivers a new way to play first-person action games in a story-driven universe filled with single player, cooperative, competitive, public, and social activities, all seamlessly connected and a vast, persistent universe, creating the world's first "Shared World Shooter." In Destiny, gamers become Guardians of the last city on Earth, able to wield incredible powers and explore the far reaches of our solar system. The game will be available on September 9 for the PlayStation®4 system, PlayStation®3 system, Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft and Xbox 360. For more information, visit  www.DestinyTheGame.com. For exclusive updates, follow the official  Destiny  social channels atwww.facebook.com/DestinyTheGame and @DestinyTheGame on Twitter, and interact directly with the developers at  www.Bungie.net.

Skylanders Trap Team - Developer Toys for Bob, creators of the Toys-to-Life™ phenomenon, return with another exciting innovation with Skylanders Trap Team. The newest installment to the Skylanders franchise will reverse the magic of bringing toys-to-life, letting kids take characters out of the digital world and bring them into the physical world. In  Skylanders Trap Team, Portal Masters seek out and defeat the most wanted villains in all of Skylands, pulling them out of the game and into living rooms by capturing them in Traps. Players can then send villains back into the game where they play as them to fight for good.  Skylanders Trap Team will include the Traptanium Portal™, a new ring of magical energy that enables kids to not only bring their Skylanders to life, but also capture villains using the new Traps.  Skylanders Trap Team introduces new heroes known as Trap Masters and will be available on October 5 in North America for Xbox One and Xbox 360 games and entertainment systems from Microsoft, PlayStation®4 system, PlayStation®3 system, Nintendo's Wii™ system and Nintendo's Wii U™ system. A completely unique adventure will be available on the Nintendo 3DS™ hand-held system.

Call of Duty: Ghosts DLC Season Pass Owners Can Use
Devastation’s All-New Ripper 2-in-1 Weapon Immediately

Call of Duty®: Ghosts players on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3 and Windows PC will have access to Devastation, the game’s second of four massive DLC Packs planned for this year, on 8th May, 2014. Devastation delivers four small-to-medium sized multiplayer maps, the all-new tactical 2-in-1 “Ripper” SMG/Assault Rifle and “Episode 2: Mayday” – the next chapter in Extinction’s four-part episodic narrative.Devastation is available a la carte, or as part of the discounted Call of Duty: Ghosts DLC Season Pass*.

Devastation’s new multiplayer maps include:

Behemoth: Players battle atop a massive excavation platform in South America with long sight lines ideal for long-range weapons, while the confined interiors of the platform's control rooms make for intense SMG and Shotgun encounters.

Ruins: A multi-level Mayan temple with verticality suited for long-range weapons and underground pathways perfect for close-quarters showdowns. Skilled players that find and complete the map's unique Field Order will have the ability to become one of Hollywood's most formidable action film stars and the galaxy's ultimate hunter, the deadly Predator. As the Predator, players will brandish its dual wrist blades and shoulder-mounted plasma cannon, as well as be able to utilise the creature's keen hunting abilities to track down enemy players.

Collision: The mangled remains of a cargo ship that's crashed into a New York City bridge. The map's tight corridors – made-up of burnt-out vehicles and demolished shipping containers – create a space perfect for run-and-gun players.

Unearthed: A reimagined version of the fan-favourite map "Dome" from Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® 3. "Unearthed" is full of new secrets and Cryptid artefacts for players to discover in this compact, versatile map, great for all play types.

Additionally, Call of Duty: Ghosts Devastation brings fans the next chapter in the ongoing episodic Extinction story with "Episode 2: Mayday." In the aftermath of the events at the Nightfall Program facility in the Alaskan wilderness, the Quick Reaction Force boards a mysteriously abandoned Chinese research vessel adrift in the South Pacific Ocean. Armed with multiple, mod-able versions of the Venom-X weapons that harness the power of Cryptid technology, players will pursue Captain Archer in an attempt to uncover what's become of Dr. Cross, all while battling against a new Cryptid enemy called the "Seeder," and culminating with players facing-off against a massive, 400-foot tall Cryptid beast from the deep – the "Kraken."

Finally, Devastation arms players with the all-new tactical 2-in-1 "Ripper," a hybrid SMG/Assault Rifle. The "Ripper" is the perfect complement to Devastation's new multiplayer maps, providing two different configurations – medium to short-range capability as an SMG and medium to long-range as an Assault Rifle. Additionally, Call of Duty: Ghosts DLC Season Pass holders get instant access to the “Ripper” weapon and can use it in all Call of Duty: Ghosts multiplayer maps now.

Call of Duty: Ghosts game sold separately and is required to play the Devastation DLC Pack.

Legal Stuff:

 *Content in the DLC Season Pass may be sold separately.  If you purchase the DLC Season Pass, do not also purchase these standalone DLC Packs, as you will be charged for them.  DLC Season Pass and DLC Packs may not be available on all platforms or in all territories.  Pricing and release dates may vary by platform.

Activision Publishing Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard Inc. (NASDAQ: ATVI), and Hasbro Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) has today revealed new images of Optimus Prime from TRANSFORMERS™: RISE OF THE DARK SPARK™, a video game complement to Paramount Pictures’ upcoming film, TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION.

Optimus Prime will be playable in 3 different modes:

Cybertron – Optimus Prime is a noble autobot leader dedicated to preserving all life. He uses his strength and bravery to rally his heroic Autobots to wage their battle against the evil forces of the Decepticons.

Earth – Optimus Prime is the heroic leader of the Autobots. A brave and formidable warrior, he will stop at nothing to protect the rights of all sentient life on his new home planet Earth.

Earth – G1 Optimus Prime is back by popular demand. This legendary character, available in Escalation mode, allows you to play alongside your comrades as one of the toughest and most respected Autobots in history.

TRANSFORMERS: RISE OF THE DARK SPARK will be releasing on Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, Sony’s PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Nintendo’s Wii U™ system and the Nintendo 3DS™ handheld system and Windows PC.

TRANSFORMERS: RISE OF THE DARK SPARK is rated PEGI 12. Be sure to check out the latest information on the game at www.transformersgame.com.

Activision have announced the release of brand new customisation options for Call of Duty: Ghosts on Xbox One and Xbox 360 consoles. Players can now play as a host of the famous villains from the Call of Duty series including Makarov, Zakaev and Rorke in multiplayer mode.

Check out these new customisation options now available for Call of Duty: Ghosts.

·         Makarov Legend Pack: Play as Vladimir Makarov, one of the most ruthless villains in Call of Duty® history. This Pack contains a Makarov Multiplayer Character and unique Personalisation Pack featuring a themed weapon camo, reticle, patch, playercard and background

·         Zakhaev Special Character: Zakhaev is one of the most dangerous villains in Call of Duty® lore. Play as this insane revolutionary in Multiplayer

·         Rorke Special Character: Play as Rorke, the former leader turned nemesis of the Ghosts. Take control of this battle-scarred villain in Multiplayer

·         Hazmat Suit Special Character: Though it won’t protect from a hailstorm of bullets and shrapnel, the all-new Hazmat Suit ensures you will stand out from the crowd in any Multiplayer match

For more information on all the customisation options for Call of Duty: Ghosts visit the in-game store

The best Call of Duty® players from across Europe descended on London this past weekend to battle it out in the Call of Duty® European Championships. 26 teams from the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden and the rest of Europe went head-to-head for a chance to represent their country at the Call of Duty® Championship, presented by Xbox being held 28th-30th March 2014 in Los Angeles for a share of the tournament’s $1 million total prize purse.

Hosted by Activision Publishing in partnership with Gfinity, TCM Gaming from the UK & ROI were crowned the Call of Duty European Champions, picking up the €15,000 prize pot in a tense final match with Epsilon eSports.

In addition to TCM Gaming and Epsilon eSports, TEC: Intensity and Team Orbit made up the top four teams from the UK & ROI to qualify for the global Call of Duty Championship, presented by Xbox – the first competitive prize tournament to be held on Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft – at the end of March in Los Angeles.

Over the last month, more than 500 teams across Europe competed for a spot in the European Championships. The best teams from the Call of Duty European Championships will face-off against the world’s best players in California at the global Call of Duty Championship, presented by Xbox.

Congratulations to TCM Gaming and good luck to all the European teams who successfully qualified for the global Call of Duty Championship, presented by Xbox.

The full list of teams to qualify from Europe are:

Ø  TCM Gaming – UK/ROI

Ø  Epsilon eSports – UK/ROI

Ø  TEC: Intensity – UK/ROI

Ø  Team Orbit – UK/ROI

Ø  Vitality Rises – France

Ø  Vitality Returns – France

Ø  SK Gaming – Germany

Ø  Killerfish – Germany

Ø  Real Allstars – Benelux (Netherlands) 

Ø  Wizards – Spain

Ø  Lightning Pandas – Rest of Europe (Russia)

Ø  Sublime – Italy

Ø  Reign Mix – Nordic (Sweden)

Activision is proud to announce the release of brand new customisation options for Call of Duty: Ghosts. Players can choose between four weapon Personalisation Packs, play as one of the Ghosts courtesy of the Special Characters pack or take to the stage as one of the most legendary Call of Duty heroes of all time with the Capt. Price Special Character and themed Personalisation Pack.

Details of each pack as follows:

·         Personalisation Packs: Fight in style with the Ducky, Space Cats, Inferno and Circuit Personalisation Packs. 

·         Special Characters: Intimidate your enemies as one of the Ghosts. Choose from Keegan, Merrick, Hesh and Elias.

·         Captain Price Legend Pack: Become one of the most legendary Call of Duty heroes of all time with the Capt. Price Special Character and themed Personalisation Pack.

·         Extra Slots Pack: Increase the number of Create-a-Soldier load out slots from 6 to 10 for each character.

Onslaught is here.  The first of four massive, Downloadable Content (DLC) Packs for Call of Duty®: Ghosts, the definitive online experience and #1 most played multiplayer title on Xbox Live for Xbox 360 kicks-off today.  Launching first, exclusively on Xbox Live for both Xbox One and Xbox 360, Onslaught features four classically designed, smaller to medium sized Call of Duty® multiplayer maps delivering the fast-paced multiplayer experience fans love, the all-new “Maverick” dual-purpose Assault Rifle/Sniper Rifle and “Episode 1: Nightfall,” the first instalment in Call of Duty: Ghosts Extinction’s four-part episodic story that follows humankind’s first contact with the Cryptids.

Call of Duty: Ghosts Onslaught delivers a variety of new offerings for fans to dig their teeth into, starting with four new multiplayer maps. 

“Fog” is a chilling homage to classic horror films, set alongside the banks of a murky lake. Players skilled enough to pick up the map’s unique Field Order can become the embodiment of terror by donning the mask of Michael Myers, one of cinema’s most iconic horror characters of all-time, as the entire soundscape changes to the eerily familiar Halloween theme music.

“BayView” is a coastal Californian boardwalk that offers players fast-paced run-and-gun gameplay amid a seaside town. Clever players will be able to climb onto the map’s moving trolley to engage enemies, as well as call in devastating artillery strikes from the Naval Destroyer anchored offshore.

Containment” drops players into a raging battle amidst a war-torn Mexican village, where the action centres on the crippled remains of a small bridge holding a hi-jacked truck leaking radioactive material.

“Ignition,” is a completely reimagined version of “Scrapyard” – the fan-favourite multiplayer map from Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® 2, placing players into a deserted space launch facility with frenetic action amongst abandoned warehouses, flame trenches, a massive transport crawler and dynamic map elements that can take players out if they’re not paying close attention.

Call of Duty: Ghosts Onslaught also introduces the first instalment in Extinction’s new, four-part episodic narrative with “Episode 1: Nightfall.” As the initial foray into this single, connected story that will be told across each DLC Pack launch throughout the year, “Episode 1: Nightfall” takes fans to a remote research facility hidden deep within the Alaskan wilderness, where a small recon team must infiltrate the facility to find out what happened to the mysterious Nightfall Program. This expanded Extinction storyline introduces new characters, plus two all-new alien species and debuts an exclusive Venom-X weapon that pulverises the Cryptids, as players delve deeper into the story of what happened following mankind’s first contact with the Cryptids in Colorado.

On top of the new maps and first episode of the Extinction narrative, Call of Duty: Ghosts Onslaught arms players with a new, dual-purpose addition to the multiplayer arsenal with the “Maverick”. Outfitted with a lightweight wood stock, the “Maverick” can be selected in either the Assault or the Sniper Rifle class, depending on players’ play style and preference.

Do you ever dream of an escape, a quick getaway from the everyday grind to just let loose and play a little Call of Duty? Well you’re in luck. Because you’re about to get CODnapped.

The CODnapper and his team of associates rescue unsuspecting fans from their ‘to do’ lists and everyday chores and deliver them to an oasis known as ONSLAUGHT, the first downloadable content pack available for Call of Duty®: Ghosts. With four new multiplayer maps, the Maverick - an all-new dual purpose Assault Rifle & Sniper Rifle, and the next instalment of Extinction, you’re going to want all the time you can get.

ONSLAUGHT arrives first on Xbox Live on January 28th, with other platforms to follow

Gamers mark your calendars as the first of four massive Downloadable Content (DLC) Pack offerings for Call of Duty: Ghosts, the #1 most played multiplayer title currently for Xbox 360 on Xbox Live online entertainment network from Microsoft, is on the way with Call of Duty: Ghosts Onslaught.  Set to launch on 28th January first, exclusively on Xbox Live for both Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft and the Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft, Onslaught debuts four unique multiplayer maps, each with their own distinct environments, small to medium scale and varied gameplay, as well as the all-new “Maverick” dual-purpose Assault Rifle/Sniper Rifle. Anchoring Call of Duty: Ghosts Onslaught is “Episode 1: Nightfall,” the first instalment in Extinction’s four-part episodic narrative that delves deeper into the storyline and features new characters, a new weapon and new alien species including a towering, three-story tall alien enemy.

Onslaught is also included as part of the Call of Duty: Ghosts DLC Season Pass, which gives fans access to four epic Call of Duty: Ghosts DLC Packs** planned to release in 2014 – Onslaught,Devastation, Invasion and Nemesis. Additionally, Call of Duty Ghosts DLC Season Pass holders get instant access to the downloadable multiplayer map, “Free Fall,” as well as the Team Leader Digital Pack, which comes with a unique multiplayer character head, weapon camo, reticle, player patch, player card and player background.

"We know our fans have an appetite for new gameplay content all year long and the team here is committed to delivering a full season’s worth of amazing new maps, weapons and more, starting withOnslaught in January,” said Mark Rubin, Executive Producer at Infinity Ward. "This year will see an assortment of content for players to dig into, with new, uniquely themed maps, new multiplayer weapons and an episodic Extinction story arc that introduces new characters, new locations and new weapons as they try to uncover the genesis of the aliens’ existence.”

Call of Duty: Ghosts Onslaught will deliver the fast-paced multiplayer experience fans love, with four classically designed Call of Duty® multiplayer maps, each with their own distinct environments, small to medium scale and varying gameplay. The first map, “Fog,” is a small to medium sized map set alongside the banks of a murky lake. Every area within “Fog” is a chilling homage to classic horror films, from an eerie campsite, flickering TVs, torture chamber and seemingly abandoned structures as players try to unlock the map’s dark secret.  If a player happens to find and complete a specific Field Order, they become the embodiment of evil and don the persona of one of cinema’s most iconic horror characters, Michael Myers.  Additionally, the entire soundscape changes to the eerily familiar Halloween Theme music so other players know to run for their lives.  Next is “BayView,” a close-quarters map set on a coastal Californian boardwalk packed with seaside gift stores and an aquarium, offering players fast-paced run-and-gun matches. Players must also be wary of the deadly artillery strike enemies can call-in from a Naval Destroyer anchored just offshore.

The third map “Containment,” transports players to a war-torn Mexican village, where the battle rages along both banks of the dried out riverbed.  The action in this compact map centres on the remains of a small bridge holding a hi-jacked truck filled with leaking radioactive material. Surrounded by a myriad of abandoned bars, cafes, a church and a pool hall, “Containment” also features elevated rooftop vantage points for players who prefer longer-range engagements. Onslaught’s fourth map “Ignition,” launches players into an aging Florida space launch facility. Inspired by “Scrapyard” – the fan-favourite multiplayer map from Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® 2, reimagined with dynamic gameplay elements – “Ignition” packs plenty of action both above and below ground amongst abandoned warehouses, flame trenches and a massive transport crawler. As if rockets crash-landing into the map weren’t enough, the close-quarters combat is further complicated via two separate rocket test engines sites that opposing forces can trigger, sending massive fireballs into the already intense firefights and the failed launch of a massive rocket has a dramatic effect on the combat.

Call of Duty: Ghosts Onslaught also arms players with a deadly new addition to the Call of Duty: Ghosts’ weapons arsenal with the “Maverick,” a dual-purpose Assault Rifle or Sniper Rifle that players can choose how to use depending on their tactical needs – a first for Call of Duty.  Outfitted with a lightweight wood stock this weapon can be selected in either the Assault or the Sniper Rifle class.  As an Assault Rifle the weapon’s fire rate becomes fully-automatic with high damage at a decent range and as a Sniper Rifle the “Maverick” sports an advanced scope and a semi-auto rate of fire.

Included in Call of Duty: Ghosts’ initial DLC Pack is the first instalment in Extinction’s four-part episodic narrative, “Episode 1: Nightfall.” Introducing a narrative driven by two new characters and featuring two all-new alien species and an exclusive weapon, “Episode 1: Nightfall” is a fast and frenetic, action-packed continuation of the original Extinction experience in Call of Duty: Ghosts. Set in a remote facility hidden deep within the Alaskan wilderness, the shadowy Nightfall Program has been researching the origins of the newly revealed alien threat. A small recon team of elite soldiers must infiltrate the site to retrieve intel and exterminate the hordes of savage creatures and along the way uncover a three-story tall terror unlike anything they’ve faced before.

Call of Duty Ghosts downloadable content packs: ONSLAUGHT, DEVASTATION, INVASION, AND NEMESIS are available through the games Season pass. The trailer below will give you some idea of what to expect with the highlights including extra maps and a unique 4 part episodic Extinction experience. It looks like Ghosts is going to fight for the gamers wallets for the whole year.

Get ready for a full season of amazing content with the Call of Duty®: Ghosts Season Pass. With the Season Pass you’ll get 4 epic downloadable content packs: ONSLAUGHT, DEVASTATION, INVASION, AND NEMESIS – providing brand new multiplayer maps, bonus weapons and a completely unique 4-part episodic Extinction experience.  

Also included with the Season Pass is the Team Leader Digital Pack, which comes complete with a unique MP character head, weapon camo, reticle, player patch, player card and player background.

Plus, when you purchase the Season Pass, you get instant access to bonus in-game content including the downloadable multiplayer map, FREE FALL, and the Team Leader Digital Pack, which are available to download and play now.

Upgrading to a next-gen console? Purchase the Season Pass before 31st May, 2014 and the content follows you FREE within a console family, so you can play now and upgrade later.

#1 Most Played Xbox One Multiplayer Game Worldwide;

#1 Top Selling Xbox One Title at Leading North American Retailers;

#1 Xbox One Standalone Software Title in U.K.

#1 Most Played PlayStation 4 Game;

#1 Top Selling PlayStation 4 Game at Leading North American Retailers

Getting a next gen console? We've made it easy for you to upgrade your copy of Call of Duty: Ghosts, for just £9.99. If you already own a season pass for current gen, no problem, you can upgrade it for free on Next Gen consoles, and your Ghosts MP player profile will also travel with you when you upgrade.