"be we going t' be charging for multiplayer? The answer be no," Activision Publishing CEO Eric Hirshberg told IndustryGamers in what we could only hope be a Stuart Smalley staring-in-a-mirror moment. "The experience ye have out a the box, connecting with the online community t' play Call a Duty be absolutely integral t' the experience, 'n we'll never charge for that. it be not going t' be something we'll attempt t' monetize; it be part a the package."

As if his point wasn't clear, Hirshberg further insisted that he could say "unequivocally" that Activision will "never, ever charge for the multiplayer." Earlier this month, statements from both Hirshberg 'n CFO Thomas Tippl hinted at vague plans t' better monetize the franchise next year with more digital content, which in turn renewed speculation about the long-considered Call a Duty subscription model.