updated the op with notes from the conference.
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http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/..._Beachhead_Studio_For_CoD_Online_Platform.php
http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/beachhead-studio-to-work-on-call-of-duty-digital-platform/
http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/02/09/activision-announces-beachhead-studios.aspx
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Kifimbo said:The "new" franchise at the Toy Fair event might be Sypro. Called Sky Landers/Spyros Adventure.
Source: superannuation
http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/..._Beachhead_Studio_For_CoD_Online_Platform.php
Gamasutra said:Sources have told Gamasutra that Neversoft, once heavily involved in the Guitar Hero brand, is working on a new original IP project and is unlikely to be meaningfully affected by the cuts.
Source: http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/activision-at-least-two-blizzard-titles-coming-by-2012-diablo/Joystiq said:"Should we not release a major title from Blizzard this year, we would expect for planning purposes to launch a minimum of two Blizzard titles in 2012."
aegies said:Activision also says the "peripheral business was not profitable in 2011."
vg247 said:Activision just confirmed that there'll be no Hawk or music titles other than GH coming this year. Ergo, no DJ Hero 3.
aegies said:activision says Sales of mid-tier titles are being squeezed out. non AAA, non-hardcore games didn't perform to expectations.
geoff said:Activision also planning games based on Family Guy and the TV show Wipeout this year.
Wario64 said:Call of Duty China being developed too. Free to play, microtransaction based
geoff said:Activision will talk about the "content" and "services" for Call of Duty: Beachhead at a later date. Not today.
Wario64 said:Diablo 3 coming along very well, but no release date locked in. No date set.
Wario64 said:They're talking about Beachhead [the new CoD studio announced today]. Best in class online community, exclusive content, services to Call of Duty. Support in-game integration. Project is in over a year. Didn't really talk much about it
http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/beachhead-studio-to-work-on-call-of-duty-digital-platform/
"Beachhead 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. The platform has been in development for over a year and we're very excited about the increased value we can bring to the community. We look forward to sharing more specifics on this exciting new endeavor with you in the near future."
http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/02/09/activision-announces-beachhead-studios.aspx
The new division will entirely focus on creating a new digital platform and services for the Call of Duty franchise.
Announced in Activision's conference call this afternoon, this new studio is expected to follow in the massively successful footsteps of Blizzard's Battle.net service. With the high profit margins enjoyed by direct digital distribution, you can bet that Activision is drooling at the thought of bringing the huge Call of Duty audience over to that model.
Is this the first step toward the long-rumored pay-for-play Call of Duty online mode? Activision hasn't said yet, but statements about how Beachhead will be creating "special services" for Call of Duty are easy to read as such.