Earlier this week, a rumor came out on InsideMobileApps.com stating that Microsoft may be getting rid of its Microsoft Points system in favor of a more traditional transaction system like that of the Android App and Apple App stores.

Though Microsoft gave the expected “we do not comment on rumours or speculation” response, InsideMobileApp reports of mobile developers being told to plan upcoming DLC and In-App purchases in accordance with this change. Whether this will affect just the Windows Phone which uses the Microsoft Points system that started with the XBox 360 or carry across all Microsoft platforms at this point is all speculation.

The Microsoft Points system has come under fire since the initial Marketplace pricing structure on the XBox 360 was revealed. At its origin, downloadable titles on the XBox Marketplace were either 400 or 800 Microsoft points which translates to $5 and $10 respectively.

The problem however quickly presented itself that points were sold in 500 point increments. This resulted in leftover points. It would force customers to make further purchases in favor of having unused currency sitting on their account. This problem further compounded itself when DLC evolved and was priced at other irregular point values.

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A billion dollars in sales in just 16 days. An unprecedented release both for the video game and entertainment industry. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is a juggernaut. It only seems fitting that along with the Call of Duty Elite mobile app going live this week, that the DLC announcements would start rolling out as well. Starting January 24th for premium Call of Duty Elite members on XBox Live (and later dates for other platforms) until September, there will be at least twenty content drops for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 including “brand new multiplayer maps, Special Ops Missions, new game modes and more.”

“The mammoth launch of Modern Warfare 3 and the breakout success of Call of Duty Elite were just the beginning. Call of Duty Elite provides an “always-on” connection to our fanbase, and the MW3 Content Season is the ultimate way to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to the Call of Duty community and provide tremendous value to Call of Duty Elite premium members,” said Eric Hirshberg, CEO of Activision Publishing. “With the Call of Duty®: MW3 Content Season for Call of Duty Elite we are delivering on our promise of more new content, more often, and with more variety than ever. With three studios collaborating on the first season, the breadth and depth of material on tap is truly extraordinary. It’s rare you can successfully execute both quantity and quality, but thanks to the expertise of our developers, the reach of Call of Duty Elite and the passion of our fans, we intend to deliver.”

Content drops will occur once a month for the nine month duration of the DLC season with the first three months from January to March promising five different content drops.

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Call of Duty Elite is a service that allows the most hardcore Call of Duty players to lose themselves in some pretty advance stat tracking and multiplayer progression. Now those gamers have even less of a reason to spend any time away from their account with the launch of the iOS app for the service.

The new app will be free for all registered users, and is available on all iOS platforms today. An android version is going to be hitting soon as well.

Immerse yourself in Call of Duty® wherever you go with the Call of Duty® ELITE mobile app. Evaluate your multiplayer progress with in-depth stat analysis. Formulate new strategies based on your recent performance and remotely incorporate edits to your loadouts. Push your changes directly into Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® 3 so you’re always ready to play.

Check out a list of features and some screen shots after the jump.

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First they are sour, then they are sweet. Capcom hopes that a downloadable game staring the little candy dudes ends up more like the latter. World Gone Sour is a new game that will take place in a human sized world, but from the perspective of the little sugary treats.

Game Informer is reporting that Capcom has the game in development.

“Sour Patch is the #1 all sour candy brand in the U.S. but there is so much more to these iconic characters than just their sour exteriors and sweet interiors,” says Sebastian Genesio, marketing director for Sour Patch. “Bringing our ‘lost kids’ to life in video game form will add a new dimension to these lovable snacks. We feel this video game will resonate strongly with our core audience of teens and young adults.”

“Sour Patch has brought its brand to life in a unique experience that only video games can deliver,” said Christian Svensson, senior vice president, planning & strategy, Capcom Entertainment, Inc. “Whether you’re a fan of Sour Patch Kids or fun and engaging gameplay, World Gone Sour has something for all gamers to enjoy.”

It is also being reported that the game will feature the new Method Man song, World Gone Sour (The Lost Kids) and narration by Creed Bratton, who, conveniently, plays Creed on The Office. Sounds like this game will have everything you could possibly want in a game based on candy.

World Gone Sour will be available this winter for 400 Microsoft Points or $4.99 on the PSN or PC.

Check out the latest episode of the Bitcast with JC and WallE as they explore the world of gaming. In the news, the two reflect on the Grand Theft Auto V launch trailer and recap their predictions from the last episode and see who did better. Also discussed are the November 8th PSN releases of Crono Cross, Final Fantasy V and Final Fantasy VI.

In the Topic of the Week section, the Bitcast takes a look at the Free to Play gaming model which is becoming more and more prevelent in gaming today. The two discuss both the merits and concerns of the concept, look at how it has been implemented in existing titles and talk about what it can have in store for the future.

In their Now Playing, WallE has a throwback moment as he looks back at the original Uncharted for the PS3. JC expands further on his time with his review for Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure.

Sure, the Avatar Marketplace isn’t really meant for the hardcore gamers out there, or those who would remember a movie as far back as 1987, but this marketing plan is definitely one for kids of all ages.

Starting tomorrow, August 25th, you can suit up as your favorite Detroit city android policeman RoboCop as a full collection of RoboCop-themed attire makes its way to the Avatar Marketplace.

Go as simple (and bad ass) as dressing up in the full RoboCop suit and upholding your own version of “the law” against your XBox Live friends. Or you can go a little simpler, by just donning the helmet, or wearing a retro OCP t-shirt. How about an obscure “I’D BUY THAT FOR A DOLLAR” shirt or even a pet ED-209?

There’s just about something for every fan of the original RoboCop series in there.

Check out the official trailer for the collection after the jump, and be sure to grab these for a few simple Microsoft Points starting tomorrow, August 25th.

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A few days ago, we brought you a peek at the first screen shots for the Rezurrection map pack for Call of Duty: Black Ops. As we discussed last time, the Rezurrection pack is an all Zombie mode map pack featuring the brand new Moon level alongside four remastered classic zombie mode maps which were featured in the Hardened and Prestige Editions of Call of Duty: Black Ops. Players who purchased these special editions will receive the Moon map for free while new purchasers will be paying the standard $15 (1200 Microsoft Points) price.

When looking at the trailer below, players will ask themselves what Treyarch can do to add something new and special to the Zombie world of Call of Duty and the answer isn’t some special weapon or trap. It’s Zero G. Players have become so accustomed to games always feeling and moving the same way for years, but now they have a whole new environment that not only looks different but controls and reacts differently as well.

Not only do zombies run slower and players have the ability to jump throughout levels but, conversely, players will be running away slower while zombies will be bounding at players from across the level as well. The map pack brings an entirely new dynamic and play style not possible in previous levels ever in the series.

Check out the full trailer for Call of Duty: Black Ops Rezurrection zombie Map Pack below. Stick tight for the pack’s August 23rd release date on the XBox 360 before headed to PlayStation 3 after.

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Seriously, who doesn’t love content packs and zombies? They give you a new way to enjoy your previously played game and usually don’t cost all that much. That’s why we like them around here, anyway.

Fortunately, we’re getting another one for Call of Duty Black Ops. This new one, called Rezurrection, is all-Zombies all the time and set to launch first on the Xbox LIVE online entertainment network on August 23rd. Rezurrection “hurls players into orbit with Moon, the climax of the Call of Duty Zombies saga and the first in the series to drop zombie-slaying into low-G lunar battlegrounds. With new outrageous weapons, high-tech gear, and a bloodthirsty undead menace, Moon is the most challenging and thrilling Zombies adventure yet.”

The Rezurrection content pack includes the all-new Moon level, four re-mastered levels of Zombie lore: Nacht der Untoten, Verruckt, Shi No Numa and Der Riese, the Zombie factory that started it all. It also includes an enhanced Zombies Soundtrack.

But wait, it gets better. If you’ve purchased the Black Ops Hardened or Prestige Editions and already own the four re-mastered maps, the other contents in the Rezurrection pack will be included at no cost, including Moon, the soundtrack and the theme. For players that have not purchased the Black Ops Hardened or Prestige Editions, Rezurrection will be available for 1200 Microsoft Points.

Sounds like a winner. To get you excited, we’ve got some screens from the pack to share with you today. Click through for all the fun.

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For those of you who are still undecided on whether or not they will be purchasing the latest DLC pack on XBox 360 for Call of Duty: Black Ops, this latest trailer may push you over the edge. First and foremost Annihilation introduces zombie monkeys. Yes, you heard right. Zombie monkeys.

As with previous DLC packs, Annihilation looks to add new gameplay elements instead of just creating new maps. The Shangri La zombie map included looks to add not only zombie monkeys but also booby traps, mine shafts, flooding tunnels and even an exploding cymbal crashing toy monkey. And amazingly, it really doesn’t stop there. Add in a shrink ray that turns the zombies in to pygmies that players can kick across the level.

For all the hesitancy that people approached Treyarch developing Black Ops, Treyarch has proven them all wrong. And the way that Treyarch keeps stepping up their game with constant improvements and gameplay additions makes us even more excited to see what this talented studio has in store for the future.

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As we told you previously, Activision is set to release a new expansion pack for Call of Duty: Black Ops soon called Annihilation. We’ve already brought you some screenshots and the first trailer for the expansion pack and now, we’ve got a new multi-player trailer to share today.

As I’m sure you’rea aware, Annihilation will include four new multiplayer maps “Hangar 18,” “Drive-In,” “Silo” and “Hazard.” There will also be a new add-on for the popular Zombie mode, in which players must defend themselves against hordes of the undead.

Call of Duty: Black Ops is a huge success having grossed over $1 Billion worldwide. With content packs like Annihilation and previous releases First Strike and Escalation, its popularity is sure to continue.

Check out the trailer after the jump. Get the new map pack on June 28th exclusively for XBox 360.

- By clicking through you certify you are 18 years of age or older. -

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Normally, I like to weave in a little commentary with these posts and also bring you the cool photos, screenshots and trailers you really want. However, today I’m just not in the mood for all that and instead, will just cut to the chase.

Soon we will see the release of another expansion pack for Call of Duty: Black Ops. This next one, called Call of Duty: Black Ops Annihilation, is chock full of cool new ways to blow stuff up.

Plus, it features the ever-popular zombie levels sure to please fans of wasting the undead. We’ve got new screenshots and a trailer for this pack for you today, so click through to enjoy them.

The Call of Duty: Black Ops Annihilation content pack comes to Xbox Live on June 28th. Rock and roll.

By clicking through you certify you are 18 years of age or older. Yeah, they make us say that.

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When you’ve got the best selling FPS video game of 2010, what do you do for an encore? Why, keep releasing expansion and map packs of course to enhance the experience even further.

That’s just what Activision is  doing with the announcement today of Annihilation, a brand new content pack for Call of Duty: Black Ops, that’s set for release for XBox 360 on 28 June.

Annihilation will include four new multiplayer maps “Hangar 18,” “Drive-In,” “Silo” and “Hazard.” There will also be a new add-on for the popular Zombie mode, in which players must defend themselves against hordes of the undead. Of course. Who doesn’t love zombies?

“With Annihilation, Black Ops fans will get four exciting and unique multiplayer settings with Hangar 18, Drive-In, Silo and Hazard,” said Treyarch Studio Head, Mark Lamia. “Players will also enjoy an all-new Zombies experience, Shangri-La, an exotic and mysterious map filled with deadly traps, dark secrets and innovative gameplay that will challenge even the most daring Zombie hunters.” Sounds cool.

Of course, as you already know, Call of Duty: Black Ops is a huge success having grossed over $1 Billion worldwide. With content packs like Annihilation and previous releases First Strike and Escalation, it’s popularity is sure to continue. The only thing that might displace it, or at least knock it down a few pegs, is the upcoming release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 — which I got to check out recently at E3.

I’m sure there’s room at the top for both of these games. More info on Call of Duty: Black Ops Annihilation as we get it.