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Black Ops 2 features optional texture pack installation on PS3
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 will feature the option to install textures to the hard drive, an Activision rep has confirmed.Word of the optional install first came from the official Black Ops 2 forums, where a development team member – who we have confirmed was indeed Game Design Director David Vonderhaar, as listed – announced the option.As explained to Joystiq by Activision representatives, the install option is reserved for the PlayStation 3 and is intended to reduce strain on the PS3's Blu-ray drive during extended gameplay sessions. Unlike the option to install a texture pack in EA's multiplayer shooter Battlefield 3, the Black Ops 2 install will not alter the quality of the upcoming game's graphics.According to Vonderhaar's forum post, the feature was implemented because of fan demand. "When we explained to PS3 folks that installing to the HDD wouldn't neccessarily [sic] give us any significant performance gains, they explained back that the issue is they play so much it puts constant stress on the Blu-ray drive and wears them out."Vonderhaar adds that the install is "a non-trivial amount" of HDD space, but wouldn't give an exact number because "anything can, and does change."Joystiq is still waiting on word about how the install will affect load times along with a few other details; this post will be updated when Activision offers a response to those additional questions.
The Black Ops 2 zombies bus pulls into town
Next week we get the full reveal of zombies mode in Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, but it looks like a bus will play into the mode somehow. A zombie bus?
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 confirmed for Wii U [update: exclusive features]
With Nintendo's Wii U press conference, announcing the release date and price of the console, set to go down in New York shortly, we've managed to uncover one revelation just a bit early. Namely, Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 is definitely headed to the Wii U. It's not exactly shocking, given the proliferation of the series, but there you have it.The news confirms a rumor from last month, when a Treyarch QA tester mentioned the Wii U platform on his LinkedIn profile. Stay tuned to Joystiq for more news from the upcoming international press conferences.Update: Unsurprisingly, the Wii U version of Black Ops 2 will utilize the unique features of the console, it was revealed during Nintendo's press conference. For one, the second screen can be used for the game's mini-map, to activate score streaks and even to change their loadout mid-game.More interesting, the GamePad can be used as an entire second screen in two-player modes, allowing one player to play on the TV screen, and the other to play on the GamePad. Solo players can also play via the GamePad instead of the TV, meaning mom will be free to watch her "stories" while you rack up headshots.See a shot of the second screen feature after the break.
Double-take: Black Ops 2's Vonderhaar walks us through the multiplayer trailer
Had a hard time catching all of the new multiplayer stuff revealed in the first Black Ops 2 multiplayer trailer? Treyarch game design director David Vonderhaar takes us on an extended tour of that trailer and clues us in on the new tech and firepower coming in November's sequel.
Black Ops 2's PC specifications herald end of Windows XP support
If you're excited to get Black Ops 2 for your Windows XP PC, prepare for disappointment. The FAQ page for the game's PC specifications reveals it's the first Call of Duty to not support the aged operating system.Black Ops 2 is by no means the first major PC game not to support XP. Sleeping Dogs, which was released last month, is a recent example of another game to spurn the OS. Most high-profile games, however, do still support Windows XP, mainly because a significant number of gamers still use it. Steam's August Hardware and Software Survey reveals 13% of its audience ran their games on Windows XP, although that's compared to the 71% who used Windows 7.The Black Ops 2 news coincides with Windows 7 narrowly overtaking XP as the most used desktop OS, according to NetMarketShare (not forgetting, of course, the launch of Windows 8 next month). XP is just coming up to its 11th birthday, but the overall picture suggests the venerable OS may be on its last legs, at least when it comes to gaming.
Treyarch game design director David Vonderhaar talks Black Ops 2
We interrogated Treyarch design director David Vonderhaar, bringing some secrets of Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 into the light.In our video interview, Vonderhaar provides some new information about Black Ops 2's "wager matches." "In Black Ops 2," he explains, "wager matches are now party games and they're part of the core experience. Combat training was separate, and now it's integrated."He also discusses the crazy new shoutcasting capability – especially crazy on consoles – and how that will make the game more eSports-suitable and more fun to share. Watch the full interview for more!
Call of Duty: Black Ops II limited editions unveiled, $180 'Care Package' includes aerial drone
Activision never disappoints when it comes to limited edition Call of Duty release bundles, and for the upcoming Black Ops II, it actually may have outdone itself. Besting the RC-XD from its predecessor, $180 will let you snag the Care Package edition for Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3. This massive bundle is actually boxed as an in-gamed care package (aerial drop-off not included) that's loaded with a remote controlled MQ-27 Dragonfire quadrocopter drone (!) -- we really wish we'd picked up those Modern Warfare 2 night vision goggles now (not at all for full-fledged, after hours recon of our Aol office-mates...). Naturally, it also comes loaded with the requisite DLC goodies; namely, two extra maps (Nuketown Zombies and Nuketown 2025), exclusive weapon camo, a pair of Player Card backgrounds and copy of the soundtrack. Furthermore, PS3 owners will get a pair of dynamic themes, while those with 360s will receive an XBL Zombie avatar and Claw prop. Lastly, you'll also receive a couple more tangible items in the way of an art book and a duo of "Challenge" coins. Not looking to terrorize your local airspace? Shave off the $100 premium for the drone and case (not too shabby if the AR.Drone is expensive for your budget) and you'll be able to grab the Hardened edition packed with everything else. Last, and seemingly least in this case, Activision is putting out a Digital Deluxe for PC users -- similar to the Hardened variant, but with a download code for the aging World at War in place of the physical goodies and PSN / XBL content. Wallet already prepared for the future of secret warfare? You'll find details to place your own pre-order ahead of the November 13th launch at the source links below and trailer courtesy of Joystiq after the break. %Gallery-163580%
Black Ops 2 shipping in 'Hardened' and 'Care Package' editions [update: trailer!]
You guys aren't going to believe this, but Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 will have two separate special editions, one of which includes an expensive spy-tech style toy.The "Hardened" edition, with a steelbook case, soundtrack, "challenge coins" and extra DLC, and the "Care Package," with all that plus a remote-control quadcopter (!) and a toolbox, will be out alongside the regular edition on November 13, according to MP1st.MP1st appears to have gotten hold of a press release for the items that we have yet to see, so their veracity is unconfirmed for now. However, the official Call of Duty Twitter account posted an image of the toolbox case, exactly as seen in the Care Package picture.%Gallery-163547%Update: Activision has officially announced the bundles, including a PC-exclusive "Digital Deluxe Edition" for $80. The Hardened Edition for Xbox 360 and PS3 also runs for $79.99, and the Care Package version, what with its actual flying machine, will retail for $179.99. Find full details of each bundle after the break.
Zombies to take over Nuketown in Black Ops 2
The infection is spreading – it appears that Nuketown, the idyllic small map from Black Ops, will be overrun with zombies in Call of Duty: Black Ops 2. The Call of Duty Twitter account shared the above image with the tagline, "There goes the neighborhood."Funny, but we thought the nuke would have taken care of that whole "neighborhood" problem.There's no word yet on if the zombies will be available to those who obtain the Nuketown 2025 map via pre-order or DLC purchase, or if the undead are a separate piece of DLC. We've contacted Activision for clarification.
Rumor: Black Ops 2 heading to Wii U, according to QA tester's resume
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 could be coming to Wii U, according to the LinkedIn resume of a Treyarch QA tester recently spotted by IGN. According to the description of the duties of said QA tester, Randall Herman performed "QA testing on PS3 and Wii U, multiplayer testing while collaborating with team, ad hoc testing, and regression."Black Ops 2 is set to release November 13 for Xbox 360, PS3, and PC, the only platforms it is officially announced for. We have reached out to Activision for comment on the rumored inclusion of the Wii U on that list.
Official Black Ops II gaming headsets unveiled by Turtle Beach, coming 'weeks' ahead of game release (hands-on)
The crowds that filed towards the hulking Call of Duty: Black Ops II stand at Gamescom prove it deserved all that floor space and nearby, Turtle Beach was finally showing off its range of companion gaming headphones, ranging from in-ear buds to top-of-the-range wireless gaming cans with some heavy-duty audio customization options in tow. We managed to take a look at the whole selection (which repackages several models from the XP series and the incoming Seven series). While these were still developmental models (the Call of Duty decals will be painted on, not the stickers seen here), it should give you a good idea how the headphones will appear when they arrive in the next few months. We've got details on all the headsets (and the press release) after the break. %Gallery-162533% %Gallery-162520%
Black Ops 2 in-game 'Shoutcasting' video tour
When Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 launches on November 13, it will feature built-in tools that allow players on any platform to livestream their multiplayer sessions to the web. No capture boxes or special software required.For competitive video game commentators – or anyone who wants to shoutcast a match of Call of Duty – Black Ops 2 also features a slew of in-game options to control the action as it happens live or from watching a replay. You can adjust items on the HUD, add scoreboards and user name cards, jump to the map showing all users, listen in on team mics to hear their strategies, and more.If you're worried the tools could help opponents get the upper hand, Treyarch has thought about it. Players in the middle of a game won't hear the shoutcasters do their thing and the online time delay is such that it wouldn't make a difference if someone you were playing against was watching the same match. There's also the ability to turn off streaming for certain kinds of matches – like a tournament you've organized.The tools both embrace the growing world of eSports and advance the possibilities of gaming. In-game streaming and shoutcasting tools have made it to the top of our "every game should have this feature" list. And you don't need a pair of commentators explaining the on-screen action in order to make use of the new feature, you could just stream it worldwide at any time for any reason.Joystiq had a chance to play with the feature and discuss its tools with Treyarch advisor (and pro shoutcaster) Mike Rufail as a group of journalists battled it out in a multi-team deathmatch on the Yemen map in Black Ops 2. Watch the mayhem (and why I shouldn't quit my day job) above.
Black Ops 2 features in-game livestreaming and 'Shoutcasting'
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 is looking to leave a mark on the future with its feature list, bringing livestreaming options into the series for the first time in its history. Developer Treyarch has revealed that Black Ops 2 will include the ability to stream and Shoutcast directly from the game on all platforms when it launches on November 13.In the mode, two players can serve as Shoutcasters – otherwise known as commentators – for a multiplayer match. Though inspired by the eSports crowd, the mode is available to all. Players can shoutcast games live as they are taking place or add commentary to games saved in the Theater mode of Black Ops 2.Delayed livestreams can be activated from the menu at any time, feeding the game to a web browser for anyone on a PC, Mac, or mobile device to watch.In my experience Shoutcasting a match during a recent Black Ops 2 event I learned two things: I'm honestly terrible at it and Treyarch has just vaulted Black Ops 2 to a new level in the competitive gaming scene.Stay tuned for a video of Joystiq shoutcasting tomorrow.
Black Ops 2 customization and 'League Play' brings Call of Duty to the future
The most important shift for the Call of Duty franchise was when developer Infinity Ward transformed the World War II series into a modern era military shooter. Infinity Ward changed what it meant to be a Call of Duty game: it became a game focused on action and not the war itself. Treyarch, the developer that brought the series to the Vietnam war in 2010, pushed beyond the timeline boundary set by the original developer and rests much of its next game – Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 – firmly within the year of 2025.For its multiplayer experience, Black Ops 2 takes place exclusively in this near-future time period.Despite going to "the future," the setting of Treyarch's latest effort isn't as drastic a change as it was when Infinity Ward made the period shift in 2007, but many of the features found in Black Ops 2 are just as crucial as the franchise's modern era setting change. Based on these new features, Treyarch – once thought of as the series "B" team – may be the studio dictating the future of Activison's annualized Call of Duty franchise going forward. And the new position suits them.%Gallery-162318%
A Week Between Blockbusters
You're reading Reaction Time, a weekly column that claims to examine recent events, games and trends in the industry, but is really just looking for an excuse to use the word "zeitgeist." It debuts on Fridays in Engadget's digital magazine, Distro. Thanks to a shared caution between movie studios, you were saved from seconds of paralyzing indecision last weekend. Had Total Recall and The Bourne Legacy stuck to a shared release date in theaters, as originally scheduled, you'd have become a seated participant in an extravagant and mutually destructive showdown. Between Colin Farrell and Jeremy Renner, which pouting action star would have gotten your twelve bucks and two hours?If you're a movie buff, you might not even hesitate spending time and money on both consecutively. But what happens when you bump the price up to $60, and extend the temporal investment to something between 8 and 80 hours? Now you see the dilemma squeezed in-between this holiday's most anticipated shooters, Halo 4 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, and all of a sudden one week doesn't seem like much of a buffer at all.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2's first taste of futuristic multiplayer
Treyarch released the first trailer for the multiplayer side of Call of Duty: Black Ops 2. Taking place in 2025, the multiplayer side of the game shows no shortage of doodads and whatchamacallits.Microwave transmitters, drones and EMP grenades are just a few of the high-priced murder gadgets showcased in the trailer above. There's also a new Riot Shield that has a little window for you to shoot through. Technology!
Play Black Ops 2, God of War: Ascension, Dead Space 3 and more at GameStop Expo
GameStop has posted some more details about its upcoming GameStop "EXPO." Usually, this event is reserved just for store managers and associates, but this year the US games retailer is opening it up to the public (the public, in this case, meaning PowerUp Rewards members willing to pay $35, or a $100 VIP fee).The Expo runs from 11am-4pm on August 29 in San Antonio, Texas, and during that time attendees will be able to play games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, God of War: Ascension, and Dead Space 3, among others. Devs will also be on hand for a number of games, Nintendo will show off the Wii U, and there will be giveaways, autograph signings, and lots more.Sounds like a fun afternoon in San Antonio. Though if it's anything like our local GameStop, look out for the mom trying to get her kid to leave without a game, the salesperson selling magazine subscriptions, and that guy in the corner who really, really wants to talk about how great Jak 2 was.
Black Ops 2 artisans discuss ... Black Ops 2
Trent Reznor, David S. Goyer, and a duo of Treyarch dudes want you to know what they put into Black Ops 2. They also want you to hear an extremely short clip of the Reznor-composed theme song to the game, apparently, as this trailer only allows a teensy bit before cutting off. Blast!
Black Ops 2 soundtrack bolstered by Trent Reznor, Mass Effect composer Jack Wall
Call of Duty's next big entry is getting some extra long nails to assist in its theme song – Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor composed Black Ops 2's theme song, USA Today revealed this morning. He's not crafting the whole soundtrack, though, as Mass Effect 1 and 2 soundtrack composer Jack Wall is taking that responsibility.Reznor said he was led to the project after having composed soundtracks for both The Social Network and The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. "I started dipping my toe into film scoring. That led me to film scoring agents and whatnot and a variety of projects start to get thrown at you to check your level of interest. And quite a while ago I had heard, 'Would you be interested in a big franchise video game?' Being an avid gamer my whole life, I said, 'Yeah, I would be interested in that.'" Reznor previously composed the soundtrack to Quake.Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 launches on November 13 for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC.
Black Ops 2 takes pre-orderers back to Nuketown
Activision has confirmed the "Nuketown 2025" map for Call of Duty: Black Ops 2. The "reimagined" version of the map from the first Black Ops will be given away at launch as a pre-order bonus from "participating retailers," Activision explains. The download will be available for PS3, Xbox, and PC, including Steam pre-orders."Flat out, Nuketown was a blast to play before," Treyarch studio head Mark Lamia said in the announcement, "and we're excited about the reimagined Nuketown 2025 in Call of Duty: Black Ops II. We can't wait to play with everyone come this November."
