Two Million Users Have Signed Up for Beta of Call of Duty Elite

There is no doubt in anyone's mind that Call of Duty is a powerhouse with over 30 million players world-wide. So when Activision introduced plans to release a paid subscription service-Call of Duty Elite-it was no surprise that the internet went crazy. Apparently though, this service has still managed to interest a large chunk of players. As there are already two million people signed up for the beta, according to Dan Amrich, Social Media Manager over at Activision.

There has been a cloud of mystery surrounding the service as we still don't know which features of the service will be paid and which will be free, and we don't know how much the paid features will cost. We do know that users participation in the service will help shape the services future.

"When the studio head at Beachhead said this would be a live beta," says Amrich, "he was not kidding — your participation really can make a difference in how Elite evolves."

He went on to reassure that if players want they can still get into the beta.

"Don’t be discouraged by the big number, thinking you shouldn’t bother because they already have enough people — two million volunteers among 30 million Call of Duty players is a small amount. More would be even better."

Call of Duty Elite will be premiering with Call of Duty: Black Ops and will continue onwards into Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, and presumably future Call of Duty games. Again, the service doesn't make the multiplayer pay-to-play, it simply introduces in depth analytics and statistics.

First Look: Call of Duty: Black Ops' - "Call of the Dead" Escalation DLC Map

We all know that Escalation, the next DLC Map Pack for Call of Duty: Black Ops, is coming within a few weeks. With 4 maps already showcased to us in a trailer, we have yet to see what the 5th map in the DLC entailed, besides knowing the fact that it's for the zombies mode in the game. Well, we didn't know until now.

Opening up, much like and old grindhouse films, we are shown an abandoned boat swarmed with the living dead. Not too long after that, the action kicks in, including the 4 characters that we'll all be all be playing as, unexpectedly too! Pictured above and as seen in the trailer, Danny Trejo, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Robert Englund, and Michael Rooker are kicking some zombie ass. Of course, the father of zombie horror himself, George Romero makes an appearance as well as one of the undead.

"This is Treyarch's tribute to the legendary George Romero, who truly defined the zombie genre and whose incredible work has been such an inspiration to our team. It was an absolute honor to work with such an amazing and talented cast whose passion and energy brought their characters instantly to life.  Fans are going to love this," says Dave Anthony of Treyarch Studios.

With pop culture stepping in with the already awesome zombies mode that Treyarch is known for, since their last Call of Duty game, World at War, it's hard not to pass this off if you're willing to spend 1200 Microsoft Points ($15). I might have to pick up Black Ops again, heh!

Escalation, Call of Duty: Black Ops 2nd DLC Map Pack is set to release on May 3rd for the Xbox 360, as a timed exclusive. No release date has been set for PC or Playstation 3.

First Look - Call of Duty: Black Ops "Escalation" DLC Pack

Previously seen as a leak and rumor, Treyarch has since confirmed that "Escalation" will be the next downloadable map pack for Call of Duty: Black Ops. Like the last map pack, including the 2 that were released for Modern Warfare 2, which was developed by Infinity Ward, will be up for 1200 Microsoft Points ($15).

With 5 Maps already confirmed, it's nice to finally hear the details and see it all in action with the maps Zoo, Hotel, Convoy, and Stockpile. Nothing yet on the one map "Call of the Dead," but I'm pretty sure it'll be damn good! Let's go through a quick rundown of each map with a small description from the guys over at Treyarch.

Zoo - "Takes place in an abandoned Soviet zoo...it provides overwatch positions...there's a monorail that runs through the entire zoo...you can walk down most of the level to get advantage points"

Hotel - "Inspired by the vistas in Havana...flank paths and lots of interesting places to hide. If you can control the elevators, you control the upper floors...of course good sniper points.

Convoy - "Inspired by Soviet invasion at the time. Snipers will enjoy this map, but run-and-gunners will have no problem getting around the map quickly.

Stockpile - Probably offers the most variety across all 4 of maps...Operational garage doors protect [a] building [which] is the heart of the map."

To check it out, watch the preview right below

Call of Duty: Black Ops "Escalation" DLC Info Leaked?

Accidently putting up on their website, GAME, an Australian video game retail store has released the date of what will be the next DLC Map Pack for Call of Duty: Black Ops. From what we know, like the last DLC pack, there will be 5 Maps for multiplayer, 4 of them being for the usual multiplayer fragging and one strictly for the Zombie mode. The list right below is as follows:

• Seize the Zoo
• Take the Hotel
• Secure the Convoy
• Raid the Stockpile
• Survive Call of the Dead

As usual, the DLC Map Pack will be a timed exclusive and will be relesed on Xbox 360 first.