Internet gossip has pointed to the imminent introduction of a "second tier" subscription offering for Call of Duty’s online component.
Apparently, publishing giant Activision is looking to roll out a monetised edition of the shooter’s multiplayer in the first quarter of 2011 – that’s according to the chaps at Wedbush Morgan Securities, at least.
Writing in the company’s January 2011 newsletter, analysts commented, "Activision remains a top pick, primarily due to the company’s potential to create and monetize a second tier of multiplayer online gaming for its Call of Duty franchise.”
"We expect this to occur during the first quarter of 2011."
Rumblings of a subscription-based online service have been floating around the web for some time now, though nothing has been set in stone as of yet. However, Call of Duty developers Infinity Ward and Treyarch pledged back in July 2010 that they would never charge for online gaming.
Stay tuned for more developments as they break.