Joystiq

Black Ops 'First Strike' DLC sold 1.4M units in first 24 hours

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 09 May 2011 18:05:00 EST

During an investors call today, Activision announced that 1.4 million copies of Call of Duty: Black Ops' "First Strike" map pack were sold "in the first 24 hours" of its February 1 debut on Xbox Live. At $15 a pop, that's $21 million in gross revenue in a single day -- on a single platform!

Notably, Activision Publishing's Eric Hirshberg pointed out that those sales were a "20 percent increase over Modern Warfare 2's 'Stimulus Package DLC'" launch. He added that First Strike, which was also released on PSN and PC in March, "continues to outsell the Stimulus Pack by more than 20 percent."

But hey, let's give our old friend the Stimulus Pack a break -- after all, the poor thing had to suffer the full rage of the internet when it became the very first Call of Duty DLC priced at $15! First Strike had it easy.

Black Ops 'First Strike' DLC sold 1.4M units in first 24 hours originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 May 2011 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Modern Warfare 2 DLC half off on Steam this week

James Ransom-Wiley — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 22:15:00 EST

First Xbox Live Marketplace, then PSN -- now Steam is offering a fire sale on all Modern Warfare 2 DLC "inventory." Hmm ... that must mean there's a new Call of Duty coming out soon ...

Continue reading Modern Warfare 2 DLC half off on Steam this week

Modern Warfare 2 DLC half off on Steam this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Buy Modern Warfare 2 bundle from Direct2Drive, get Modern Warfare free

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 00:15:00 EST

Digital distributor Direct2Drive is offering a puzzling offer until August 6: purchase the Modern Warfare 2 bundle (which includes the game and both map packs) for $89.99, and get the original Modern Warfare for free.

Continue reading Buy Modern Warfare 2 bundle from Direct2Drive, get Modern Warfare free

Buy Modern Warfare 2 bundle from Direct2Drive, get Modern Warfare free originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Jul 2010 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GameStop isn't worried about Online Pass

JC Fletcher — Thu, 20 May 2010 16:00:00 EST

EA and THQ are looking to slow used game sales with the EA Sports Online Pass and THQ's unnamed, similar program for UFC Undisputed 2010 -- codes included with new copies to unlock online play and other features, forcing buyers of used games to pay extra for that access. GameStop, the company who would stand to lose the most from this, doesn't seem upset at all. For one thing, CEO Dan DeMatteo offered a supportive quote in EA's announcement of Online Pass.

COO J. Paul Raines explained why GameStop isn't worried about the Online Pass program in an investor conference call. "We support the creation of added downloadable content for popular franchises," he said, "as we see that as extending the life of titles and broadening the base of game players." He went on to explain that the proportion of used game buyers playing games online is low, and that "as it grows, our proprietary models will manage trade and sale pricing to reach margin goals." In other words, if used game sales drop, so will the prices.

Raines then compared the Online Pass program to another recent high-profile download, the Modern Warfare 2 Stimulus Package, which "ave us an opportunity to promote DLC in-store on a popular franchise, and we are pleased with the results." Raines said that GameStop leads in market share on DLC cards, and experienced increased demand for points cards during the Stimulus Package launch. Basically, as long as people don't figure out that they can buy DLC and points from home more easily than from GameStop, the retailer's business is secure.

GameStop isn't worried about Online Pass originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 May 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

PSN Tuesday: MW2's Stimulus Package

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 04 May 2010 17:30:00 EST

Welcome to PSN Tuesday. It's time for the Modern Warfare 2 troopers on PlayStation 3 to get their hands on the multi-million selling Stimulus Package. It's available now.

...

Wow, you're still here reading? Okay, um, cool! PSP owners can grab Fat Princess: Fistful of Cake or What Did I Do To Deserve This My Lord! 2. Check out the full update after the break.

Choose your platform to view the corresponding release list:

(Note: Continue past the break to view both release lists.)

Gallery: Modern Warfare 2 (Stimulus Package)

Continue reading PSN Tuesday: MW2's Stimulus Package

PSN Tuesday: MW2's Stimulus Package originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 May 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Joyswag: Modern Warfare 2 'Stimulus Package' DLC

Andrew Yoon — Tue, 04 May 2010 15:15:00 EST

At long last, PS3 owners of Modern Warfare 2 can jump in on the Stimulus Package DLC. The $15 bundle adds five "new" maps, including two returning maps from Call of Duty 4. If you want a chance of scoring a free code from us, you'll want to become a Joystiq fan on Facebook. Here's how to enter:

Be sure to join Joystiq's Facebook fan page at facebook.com/Joystiq.
Then, leave one comment with your PlayStation Network ID on this Facebook thread.
You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec).
Limit 1 entry per person.
The entry period is now open and will end at 10:00AM ET on Wednesday, May 5.
At that time, we will randomly select 10 entries to receive a code to download the Modern Warfare 2 Stimulus Package DLC (ARV $14.99). Codes will be distributed via Facebook. Please ensure your privacy settings allow for incoming private messages. Codes are only compatible with PS3 and require a copy of Modern Warfare 2 and internet access to redeem.
For a list of complete rules, click here.

Joyswag: Modern Warfare 2 'Stimulus Package' DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 May 2010 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

PSA: Modern Warfare 2 'Stimulus Package' DLC assaults PSN tomorrow

David Hinkle — Mon, 03 May 2010 19:15:00 EST

Looking to bolster your map count in Modern Warfare 2? Tomorrow, the Stimulus Package DLC deploys on PSN for $14.99, bringing with it five additional maps -- three brand-new; two return from Modern Warfare. For a quick rundown of the locales straight outta Robert "fourzerotwo" Bowling's mouth, check out his post on the PlayStation Blog.

If you haven't managed to scrounge up enough change from under the couch cushions, don't fret: Infinity Ward is also turning on double the XP this week. So, even if you can't afford a stimulus package of new maps, you can at least whet your appetite for delicious experience points.

Gallery: Modern Warfare 2 (Stimulus Package)

PSA: Modern Warfare 2 'Stimulus Package' DLC assaults PSN tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 May 2010 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Modern Warfare 2's Stimulus Package hitting Steam May 4

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 16:30:00 EST

We know PC gamers probably got their hackles up when Modern Warfare 2's first batch of new content, the "Stimulus Package," was given a release date on the PS3, but not their platform of choice. Don't fret, folks -- the game's Steam listing has been updated, and now includes a May 4 release date for the new content. As a reward for your patience, Steam will even knock $1.50 off the price of the maps for pre-orderers. See? Good things do come to those who wait.

[Thanks Daniel!]

Modern Warfare 2's Stimulus Package hitting Steam May 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Apr 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Analyst ponders impact of MW2 'Stimulus Package' pricing and success

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:03:00 EST

On IndustryGamers, EEDAR analyst Jesse Divnich examines the economic impact of Modern Warfare 2's "Stimulus Package" on consumers, business and the future of DLC. He notes that "as an economist" he's glad a publisher tested the boundaries of DLC pricing, as millions of consumers (around 25 percent of MW2 owners) proved willing to drop $15 on the map pack. He points out that "if consumers deem it unfair for companies to overcharge their products, it is similarly unfair for businesses to unknowingly under-price their products."

However, Divnich wonders about the long-term implications of continued high-priced MW2 DLC, should Activision go that route. He suggests that consumers could leave the Call of Duty "circle" for games like Battlefield: Bad Company 2, where the cost for new content over time appears to be lower. He also posits that "consumers could avoid the next iteration of the Call of Duty franchise, since again, cost of dedicated ownership is now much higher." Divnich explains that the current "situation" between Infinity Ward and Activision may cloud core consumer purchases of future DLC and the franchise, as well, compared to if everything had remained -- on the surface, at least -- hunky-dory.

Analyst ponders impact of MW2 'Stimulus Package' pricing and success originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Activision raises Q1 fiscal outlook thanks to WoW, MW2 map pack

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 10:46:00 EST

Activision Blizzard raised its March quarter sales outlook today, expecting approximately $1.1 billion in revenues. CEO Bobby Kotick noted that the company is doing well due to continued demand for World of Warcraft (naturally) and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. He also stated that the company benefitted from the "record breaking launch" of the Modern Warfare 2 "Stimulus" map pack, which he claimed was originally expected to debut in the June quarter.

Kotick remains cautiously optimistic about the next couple of quarters due to the economy and because "the majority" of Activision Blizzard titles aren't expected to launch until autumn. The company plans to announce the financial details of its better-than-expected March quarter on May 6.

Activision raises Q1 fiscal outlook thanks to WoW, MW2 map pack originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 10:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Modern Warfare 2 'Stimulus Package' DLC coming to PS3 May 4, worldwide on May 5

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 17:45:00 EST

If you're a regular reader, you probably already know why we use the word "exclusive" in quotes so often. But if you're not, you might not know that it's because of situations like this, where the Xbox 360 "exclusive" Modern Warfare 2 DLC (a five map pack titled "Stimulus Package") is suddenly announced as heading to PlayStation 3 and PC. In fairness, as detailed by Microsoft to Eurogamer back in January, we already knew this particular exclusivity deal had a built-in expiration date.

What we didn't know, however, was an official release date for the PS3 and PC versions. Infinity Ward community man Robert Bowling revealed the May 4 US release date for PSN via Twitter, also detailing a May 5 release date worldwide for PS3s and May 4 for PCs worldwide. Though he doesn't specify, we have to imagine that pricing will remain in line with the content's $15 tag on XBLM. We've followed up with Bowling for clarity's sake and will let you know the solid pricing details as soon as we hear back.

Gallery: Modern Warfare 2 (Stimulus Package)

Modern Warfare 2 'Stimulus Package' DLC coming to PS3 May 4, worldwide on May 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Modern Warfare 2 'Stimulus Package' sells over 2.5M units in a week

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 16:58:00 EST

Activision announced today that the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 "Stimulus Package" set a new Xbox Live record -- clearly, mapathy had set in. According to Microsoft's figures, the DLC pack was downloaded over one million times in 24 hours, surpassing 2.5 million units within a week. All at $15 a pop.

To recap: 2.5 million of you are totally okay with a $15 map pack so, if this happens again, we aren't going to be there to kiss the boo-boo if it's suddenly $20. Just so we're on the same page.

Gallery: Modern Warfare 2 (Stimulus Package)

Modern Warfare 2 'Stimulus Package' sells over 2.5M units in a week originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Modern Warfare 2 'Stimulus Package' early adopters rewarded with free week of XBL Gold

JC Fletcher — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 18:40:00 EST

If you happened to buy the Modern Warfare 2 "Stimulus Package" map pack immediately upon launch, you got problems first, and maps later. To get over the complications caused by your attempted Mapathy treatment, Microsoft's Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb announced that day-one buyers of the map pack will receive a free week of Gold Xbox Live membership. "Check your Live messages," according to Major Nelson, for notice of the reward.

Even if every single person who ever bought the Stimulus Package already has a Gold membership, now you have it for a week longer! And for nothing but a minor inconvenience.

Modern Warfare 2 'Stimulus Package' early adopters rewarded with free week of XBL Gold originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Apr 2010 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Infinity Ward: Modern Warfare 2 glitches affected 'one percent' of players

Mike Schramm — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 23:00:00 EST

CVG had a chat with Infinity Ward's Robert Bowling recently, and surprise surprise, the guy is really good at towing the company line (he'd better be, especially when he's getting confronted with Modern Warfare 2 questions even during random PAX panels about Twitter). He easily fended off questions about whether or not the Stimulus Package's two older maps are worth the $15, the ensuing competition from Battlefield: Bad Company 2 and the supposed backlash from hardcore players, saying that MW2's popularity proves the company has done everything right so far.

Bowling was especially dismissive of the glitches that plagued what seemed to be most of the game's players, saying that only "like one per cent of our user base" of 25 million players "experienced those types of things and even participate in those types of things." Could have fooled us -- from our perspective, the frustration over the game's widespread cheating seemed significant. But Bowling persisted throughout the interview. According to him, Modern Warfare 2 is doing just fine, thanks.

Infinity Ward: Modern Warfare 2 glitches affected 'one percent' of players originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

PSA: Modern Warfare 2 'Stimulus Package' is live on XBLM, title update coming soon [update]

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 10:03:00 EST

Your crippling case of "mapathy" can finally be treated, dear Modern Warfare 2 player. Just a few minutes ago, the "Stimulus Package" DLC bundle, which includes three new multiplayer maps and two tarted-up arenas from Call of Duty 4, went live on Xbox 360. At $15, it's a pretty pricey prescription for your blues, but it might just be the only option you've got. Curse you, pharmaceutical empire!

Unfortunately, it seems the launch of the new maps was botched -- we've received a number of tips claiming the maps aren't loading in-game. Major Nelson recently Tweeted that the game needs a title update in order to incorporate the new content, which he says is coming soon. We'll let you know when everything's in working order.

Update: The Major just confirmed that the title update is live, and should be available worldwide in "a few minutes."

Gallery: Modern Warfare 2 (Stimulus Package)

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

PSA: Modern Warfare 2 'Stimulus Package' is live on XBLM, title update coming soon [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Modern Warfare 2 'Stimulus Package' DLC in stills

Randy Nelson — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 19:00:00 EST

Click to see the heavy rain more clearly

Coming March 30 to cure you of that nagging case of Mapathy are Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2's new (well, mostly) multiplayer maps: Bailout, Crash, Overgrown, Salvage and Storm. Sounding like X-Men monikers, the five DLC levels (two of which, Crash and Overgrown, hail from the original Modern Warfare) that make up the MW2 "Stimulus Package" are going to set you back 1200 ($15). Check out the first screens of them below and Get Stimulated[TM]!

Gallery: Modern Warfare 2 (Stimulus Package)

Modern Warfare 2 'Stimulus Package' DLC in stills originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mapathy explained by Modern Warfare 2 Stimulus Package promo

Justin McElroy — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:55:00 EST

We're less than a week away from Infinity Ward finally delivering fans from "mapathy," the fake disease it came up with to describe fan boredom with the same old Modern Warfare 2 maps. In this newly released video, we gain a better appreciation for the disorder, as well as the upcoming cure: The $15 "Stimulus Package", due March 30 on Xbox 360.

If you play so much Modern Warfare 2 that you've grown bored of it, we're not sure "buy more of it" is the best life choice from a big picture perspective, in fact, we'd probably suggest something like "enjoying the sunshine with friends" or "gardening." But hey, who are we to argue with Infinity Ward's scientific research?

[Via Xbox 360 Digest]

Mapathy explained by Modern Warfare 2 Stimulus Package promo originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Modern Warfare 2 'Stimulus Package' costs $15

Justin McElroy — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:50:00 EST

We've read all the available info about the new Modern Warfare 2 map collection "Stimulus Package," but we still didn't have an answer to the big question on everyone's mind: "Is that the game with a bunch of guys or the one with the beards?" That, we still don't know. However, we've gotten an answer to the second biggest question from Xbox Live's Major Nelson: The five maps (three new, two remakes) will run you 1200 MS points or $15.

As a basis for comparison, the "Variety" map pack for Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare ran 800 points ($10) for four new maps. Whether or not the new offering is a stimulating enough value is a decision you'll have to make for yourself when it arrives on March 30.

Modern Warfare 2 'Stimulus Package' costs $15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

XBLM listing reveals 5 maps, 2 CoD4 remakes in MW2 'Stimulus Package' DLC

Ben Gilbert — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 13:30:00 EST

We may have to wait until March 30 for Modern Warfare 2's first DLC, the "Stimulus Package," but thanks to an Xbox Live Marketplace listing for the map pack, we aren't in the dark anymore as to its contents. The blurb reveals the pack will contain "5 additional action-packed maps," including three all new ones ("Bailout, Storm, and Salvage"), as well as two remakes from Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare ("Crash" and "Overgrown").

"Bailout" is said to be "a multi-layered apartment complex," while "Storm" is described as "an open industrial park littered with heavy machinery," and "Salvage" is "a snowy junkyard fortified by stacked debris and crushed cars." Presumably, if you're reading about the details of unreleased a MW2 map pack, you already knew that "Crash" is a "war-torn urban environment" and "Overgrown" is set in a large dry creek. No pricing is set, unfortunately, though you can ogle the XBLM listing for now if it makes you feel any better (though we wouldn't suggest it).

[Update: Clarified Stimulus Package DLC date of release.]

[Thanks CL4P-TP!]

XBLM listing reveals 5 maps, 2 CoD4 remakes in MW2 'Stimulus Package' DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Mar 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

First Modern Warfare 2 map pack coming to Xbox Live on March 30

Kevin Kelly — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:00:00 EST

Infinity Ward community manager Robert Bowling has pointed us toward a new self-help website filled with good news: new Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 mutliplayer maps are coming to Xbox Live on March 30. While the powers that be at Activision might have ousted the creators of the game, they haven't affected the delivery of eagerly awaited new maps.

People afflicted with "mapathy," your cure is on the way. PS3 players ... well, you'll have to suffer a bit longer. Have you spoken to your FAMAS-ist about a prescription?

[Thanks Legion!]

First Modern Warfare 2 map pack coming to Xbox Live on March 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumor: Modern Warfare 2 DLC 'Stimulus Package' screens

David Hinkle — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST

[Source: The Tech Game -- in case you couldn't already tell.]

With a pair of Modern Warfare 2 DLC packs set to deploy on the Xbox 360 and PS3 this year, talk around the DMZ has everybody wondering what new stomping grounds will get added. Well, according to The Tech Game, the first pack (due this spring) will be titled "Stimulus Package" and includes five new locales - three brand new and two returning from Call of Duty 4 (Crash and Overgrown).

The images and accompanying video (the latter posted past the break) look legitimate enough, though we've sent word to Activision for confirmation. We doubt we'll hear back, considering the company has a lot on its plate right now, but don't say we didn't try!

Continue reading Rumor: Modern Warfare 2 DLC 'Stimulus Package' screens

Rumor: Modern Warfare 2 DLC 'Stimulus Package' screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments