Call of Duty Convention Announced, Call of Duty XP 2011

File this one under the "how did it take them this long category," Activision announced today that they would hold the first official convention celebrating the powerhouse shooter franchise Call of Duty. Call of Duty XP 2011 will take place over Labor Day weekend, September 2 and 3, the event will take place at "a secure 12-acre compound in the urban confines of Los Angeles" and will cost you $150 to get in.

The convention will host a smattering of events; a premiere of Modern Warfare 3's multiplayer mode, hands on with the multiplayer and Spec Ops survival modes, paintball matches on a recreation of Modern Warfare 2's "Scrapyard" map, a real life version of the Spec Ops time trial "The Pit," an armory showing off all of the weapons in the series, and a full reveal of Call of Duty Elite's functionality.

In addition there will also be more traditional entertainment such as developer discussion panels with Q&A sessions, contests, and tournaments that will be topped off by a 4-player tournament with a one million dollar prize.

In an interesting move, all of the proceeds from $150 two-day passes will go towards the Call of Duty Endowment, Activision's non-profit which helps to ease veterans back into civilian life.

For those not willing to head out to Los Angeles for the convention, Activision promises there will be a "constant stream of high-production value videos." No word yet on if these streams will be free to watch or if a fee will be required.

"From the high production values of our live, immersive events--all the way to the smallest details in every design and activity--we're pulling out all the stops to make Call of Duty XP the ultimate gathering for the global community of Call of Duty fans," said Activision Publishing CEO Eric Hirshberg in the press release. "The celebration will immerse attendees in a Call of Duty experience unlike anything they've ever seen before."

Can a single franchise really sustain an entire convention, if any franchise can it's Call of Duty. Tickets will go on sale for Call of Duty XP 2011 on July 19.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Officially Announced, Teaser Trailer Included

With all the recent outtings and rumors of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, there's no doubt about it that it was coming, but hey, guess what? It really is! Surprised? Not really? Yeah, me neither, ha! With all the crap ton of pictures, screenshots, voice overs, and concept art, it was pretty damn hard not too turn your head away in anticipation, but it's here!

Robert Bowling of Infinity Ward, has tweeted this over at his official Twitter account, @fourzerotwo:

Wasn’t planned, but you’re clearly hyped, so here is the 1st of many Modern Warfare 3 videos coming in hot today! #MW3

Before the official quote was a link that took you right to the very first teaser trailer, depicting America, still under attack, but we see New York City, with missles taking over the city skyline and heading into the streets. Last, but not least, we hear someone speaking in Russian. Take a gander at the world's most anticipated game!

I'm expecting to see way more at E3! How about you?