Activision said that demand for its Call of Duty Elite subscription exceeded its own optimistic expectations. While the company hasn't revealed how many subscriptions have been purchased, we can get an idea thanks to GameStop. In a recent earnings call, the retailer announced that nearly 600,000 subscriptions were sold at their stores.

That's a staggering figure for an online service that has yet to prove itself. Even more incredible is the fact that this number only accounts for vouchers purchased at GameStop locations--undoubtedly, the figure jumps much higher when you include all subscriptions purchased directly on Xbox Live and PlayStation Network.

Read more: DLC is 'the killer app' GameStop expected »

If there was ever any doubt that Modern Warfare 3 would continue the Call of Duty series trend of massive launches, those can be put to rest. Activision announced today that it has set a new five-day record with sell-through revenue topping $775 million, overtaking both Black Ops ($650 million) and Modern Warfare 2 ($550 million). That's right: the series is still growing every year.

Read more: Topping XBL and PSN records »

Activision knew that the launch of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 would be big. The game has managed to break pre-order records, and its multiplayer servers seem to managing the load quite well.

Its premium Call of Duty Elite subscription service, however, has not been able to manage the load. Many more are subscribing to the $50 annual membership, besting Activision's undoubtedly optimistic expectations. Since its inception, service has been "intermittent" at best. "We are having trouble scaling the service to meet demand," Activision admits. "Many of you are trying to get in and unfortunately, you can’t right now."

Read more: Access to Elite 'temporarily' limited »

At its core, the Call of Duty franchise follows a distinct formula while maintaining its hold as the de facto representative of shooters within popular culture. Modern Warfare 3 follows a new path, with development split between multiple studios: series vets Infinity Ward with key members of its team gone, and newly-formed developer Slegehammer Games. As I grabbed the controller, the question at the front of my mind was whether the two studios could find a way to tap into the magic that separates Call of Duty from the ever crowded field of shooters vying for my time.

Read more: Following the recipe to Modern Warfare 3 »

When Modern Warfare 3 hits tomorrow, you'll probably want to know a thing or two about killstreaks. The powerful bonuses have been a defining feature for the series, and this year they're being redefined as Strike Packages. We already knew they'd come in three flavors, but now we're getting a look at exactly how each one will break down.

Read more: Assault, Support, and Specialist detailed »

It's a safe bet that the most hardcore fans of Call of Duty are waiting in line for tomorrow's launch of Modern Warfare 3. While our sleeping bags were just about to be pulled from our dusty attics, Activision dropped the 'Hardened Edition' of the game off at our Los Angeles office.

At $99--and very "limited" availability--the 'Hardened Edition' is the only special version of the upcoming title (previous games also received a $150 'Elite' version). Is it worth the price of admission?

Read more: Elite 'Founder' bonuses, ID card, and more »

Modern Warfare 3 is mere hours away now. PC users are getting dedicated server support, but just in case you're new to the whole "dedicated servers" thing, Sledgehammer Games has written up a fairly detailed tutorial. It covers the basics on how to make your server and set your rules.

Read more: Server walkthrough »

"There's a soldier in all of us." Activision is reviving its marketing slogan from Call of Duty: Black Ops with Modern Warfare 3. Emphasizing that anyone can learn to have a good time in the franchise's online multiplayer offerings, the newest commercial--titled "The Vet & the n00b"--stars Sam Worthington, Jonah Hill, and Dwight Howard, in an explosive CG-filled live-action spectacle of a trailer.

Watch: Rocket launchers, grenades, and exploding planes »

Isn't it about time Sony and Microsoft announced the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox next-thing-they're-going-to-name-it? Some have been pleading, especially with the arrival of games like Battlefield 3, which look significantly better on PC than on console. Industry Gamers polled a few developers, and the general consensus seems to be "no."

"There is way more to be done on this generation," Square Enix Group's Worldwide Technology Director Julien Merceron said. The longer a generation goes, the more "creative people and artists" can "really understand how content should/could be designed, helping designing way more polished experiences."

Read more: Is there room for improvement? »

Next week, the battle for your free time gets a new contender. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 launches on November 8, and according to Infinity Ward creative strategist Robert Bowling, there are over 800 reasons for you to keep playing the game.

Speaking with IGN, Bowling noted there will be a ten opportunities to Prestige in Modern Warfare 3, each with an 80 level loop--equalling 880 total levels. By comparison, Call of Duty: Black Ops featured 800 levels; fifteen Prestige opportunities with 50 levels per loop. We suspect all 880 levels will be earned within the first week by at least one 'hardcore' gamer.

Watch: 'Modes and Match Customization' trailer »

Activision and the multiple development teams behind Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3--Infinity Ward, Sledgehammer Games, and Raven Software--are a few weeks away from shipping the latest game in the franchise.

To detail some changes made to the game's multiplayer mode, a new video has been released. In the video, members of the development platoon detail how the game's new weapon leveling and proficiency systems work. Now gamers have a new layer of weapon customization available to them, allowing them to do things like reduce weapon kick and even do things like melee faster with certain weapons.

Watch: Modern Warfare 3 weapon proficiency and leveling »

Activision has teamed up with the fine folks at Mountain Dew and Doritos to provide double XP in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. But, how does the promotion work exactly?

Specially marked packages will contain codes you can use to unlock double XP time in Modern Warfare 3's multiplayer, when it comes out. For example, a 20 ounce Mountain Dew bottle will give you 15 minutes of time, while a family size 17 ounce Doritos bag will give you 90 minutes of bonus XP time.

Read more: How much time you can get »

Let's say you love playing Call of Duty, but you hate your 0.1 K/D ratio, getting sniped and stabbed seconds of spawning. If only there were some way money could make you a better player. Activision is proposing just that, with the Call of Duty Elite service.

One of the pillars of Activision's new subscription service is "Improve," which is supposed to step your game up. "It's the ultimate strategy guide for Call of Duty," Beachhead's Jennifer Puno explains.

Read more: What's included with a subscription »

It feels like it was only yesterday that we were playing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 at Activision's Call of Duty XP event. Well, believe it or not the shooter is launching in just over two weeks.

A launch trailer for the upcoming Infinity Ward, Sledgehammer Games, and Raven Software-developed title has been released today, featuring shots of all four of the game's primary locations: America, England, France, and Germany.

Watch: Modern Warfare 3 launch trailer »

We're inching closer to what is likely to be one of this year's top-sellers, Modern Warfare 3. In preparation for the event, community manager [corrected title for Bowling - ed.] creative strategist Robert Bowling has answered some lingering questions about the PC version of the game, including how dedicated servers will work, visual options, and rooting out cheaters.

Read more: Lobbies, textures, and cheaters »