Call of Duty Elite challenges players, helps them connect for a monthly fee

Written by Matt Swider on May 31, 2011

News: We went hands on CoD Elite at an Activision event two weeks ago. With the embargo lifted, we can tell you all about this layer for Black Ops and MW3.

Update: Video: CoD Elite gameplay trailer takes you on a tour using Black Ops Theater Mode

CoD Elite screenshot

I don't want to sound Elitist, but Gaming Target and members of the videogame press got a chance go hands-on with Call of Duty Elite two weeks ago. It's not a new CoD game; it's more like an additional layer to Activision's flagship FPS franchise. Best of all, it's coming this November, just in time for CoD MW3.

To answer everyone's burning question of УWhat is Call of Duty Elite?,Ф Activision and the new internal team at wholly-owned Beachhead Studios began their pre-E3 presentation with three simple words: Connect. Compete. Improve. The Elite digital platform takes advantage of computers, smartphones and the game to allow everyone, especially its most invested gamers, to view insanely detailed statistics, enter into prized-based contests and find new friends, groups and clans.

The "connect" portion of that unofficial slogan provides you with a way to find friends and rivals among your personal interests. The example that the CoD developers gave during an on-stage demo was photography. Much like a Facebook interest or flickr tag, entering "photography" into the connect menu will allow you to join ranks with people of that shared interest. A better example would be players who like a specific type of weapon, leading you to play a Black Ops round in which AK-47s are the sole focus.

"Compete" finally gives hardcore CoD fans more than bragging rights. From competitions that are simply about being the best to taking part is contests in which the most picturesque screenshot of a flamethrower is the goal, these all-out-wars could net you in-game rewards and real-life prizes. Those CoD jeeps that are always parked outside of Treyarch during Black Ops events would make a fine prize. Final, the "improve" menu if your CoD portal to pumping up your game. Everything from heat maps to ideal weapon breakdowns will bring you to statistical nirvana. Activision called it a Уpersonal online coach,Ф and it's true. The motivation to get better and stay in the CoD game comes from easily seeing your stats either swing upward or sag downward.

The fact that you can see your detailed progress via the game, the web and a forthcoming smartphone application on iPhone and Android devices means it'll be impossible to avoid CoD Elite. There will be a premium membership plan attached to Elite, though portions of the online service, like statistics and connecting with fellow CoD players, will be free-of-charge. Also, Elite won't work for MW2 and all CoD games before that. However, its tandem launch with CoD MW3 and Black Ops means there will be two games for which you can pour over stats right out of the gate. Additionally, the company did mention that magic B word: Уbeta.Ф There will be a CoD Black Ops Elite beta this summer. Stay tuned to Gaming Target for our full interview about CoD Elite and more forthcoming news about CoD MW3.