Activision: Social networks a "necessity" for gaming

Services like Call of Duty Elite will become a necessity for future blockbuster games, says Activision.

The publisher’s VP of digital Jamie Berger posits that, while Elite is currently positioned as an optional extra for consumers, social networks will one day be essential components to the biggest releases.

We believe that a 24/7, year-round services strategy that broadens the game experience beyond just playing is going to be a necessity,” he told MCV.

Right now, it’s an option but in three to five years, it won’t be. To support a diverse player base, you will have to have a services and ongoing content strategy. I don’t see how games are going to manage without that.

Elite is about Call of Duty being bigger than ever five years from now and laying the groundwork for that.”

This shift has already begun, with rival EA readying the EA Sports Football Club for FIFA 12, as well as Autolog and Battlelog for Need for Speed and Battlefield 3 respectively.