It looks like the Call of Duty Elite gamer social network for the PC will not be ready in time for the launch of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 on Nov. 8, according to the One of Swords blog created by Activision Blizzard.
In a Q&A with Activision social media manager Dan Amrich, Beachhead Studio Head Chacko Sonny cites data security as the reason for the delay. Without a central server hub to store statistics, many of Elite’s competition features will become unfair, he says. Beachhead Studio, a division of Activision Blizzard, is in charge of creating Call of Duty Elite and has been working on it for two years.
“We’re as committed as ever to the PC, but the need to ensure a safe PC environment is greater than ever,” Sonny said. “It’s really extensive. We need more time to get there, so Elite on PC will not launch on Day 1. We’re working our butts off to make it happen, but we won’t release it until we know that PC gamers can enjoy Elite as it’s meant to be.”
Call of Duty Elite is a new online service designed to enhance the franchises’ multiplayer experience through stat tracking, organized tournaments, additional game content and more. Some of its features will be free of charge, while others will be offered through a premium membership. PC users, though, will be able to use the service for no cost once it launches. “Elite for PC will be about access to your own stats, or those of your friends. Basically establishing a circle of trust,” said Beachhead Studios’ Product Director Noah Heller. “And because it will have some reduced functionality, it will be free for everyone.”