Activision reveals "Beachhead" digital studio for COD
And free to play COD for China revealed
Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick has revealed the existence of 'Beachhead', a new internal studio and digital platform geared specifically around its Call of Duty franchise.
Few details are available as yet, but the division is "focused solely on the development of an innovative new platform and services for Call of Duty."
Activision Publishing CEO Eric Hirshberg hinted this may involve cross-platform functionality. It "will create the best-in-class online community, exclusive content, and a suite of services to supercharge the online gaming experience like never before.
"The platform will support in-game integration and bring online experiences and console play together for the first time."
CFO Thomas Tippl declined to answer when asked whether the new platform would involve a subscription fee.
A free to play online Call of Duty for the "exploding" Chinese market was also announced. It is not expected until next year, but will offer "learnings we can use throughout our organisation."
Kotick repeatedly claimed in the post-financial results earning call that the publisher will turn increasingly towards digital in 2011.