"Call of Duty XP" kicks off this weekend, but details on the "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3" Hardened edition may have just leaked out. An anonymous source has provided a photo to Wired of an unreleased advertisement for the premium package, and for all intents and purposes, the thing looks legit. The Hardened edition will apparently contain a steel case, as well as one extremely nice digital goodie.
"Modern Warfare 3" is slated for a November 8 launch date, and details on the premium Hardened edition – which has become a routine "Call of Duty" upgrade – were expected during "Call of Duty XP" this weekend. It's not immediately clear who leaked the ad image, but we do know the contents.
The advertisement is directed towards the European market, but if history holds true, the contents will remain exactly the same for the North American version. The great thing is – if the ad is real – you won't need to purchase a separate subscription for the upcoming "Call of Duty Elite" service, as the package contains a 1-year premium membership. You'll also gain "Founder" status, which comes with various privileges like emblems and player cards. Even better? That means you'll get every map pack released for the next year, as well. Not a bad deal.
Also reportedly included in the Hardened edition is a SteelBook case and a 100-page "field journal" containing game-specific notes. PlayStation 3 users will receive an "Animated Timeline" theme, while Xbox 360 gamers get the "Special Ops Juggernaut" avatar costume.
The Hardened edition will have a slight mark-up over the standard edition of "Modern Warfare 3," but if you're one of the lucky people attending "Call of Duty XP" this weekend, Activision is giving you a free copy (probably some type of voucher or coupon).
Speaking of "XP," be sure to stay tuned to MTV Multiplayer for our live coverage of the event this weekend, including the first look at "Modern Warfare 3" multiplayer.