Activision can't guarantee Call of Duty Elite will launch on PC

Activision has cast doubt on the launch of Call of Duty Elite on PC after it said it was unable to guarantee its availability on the platform.

The PC version of Elite, the Beachhead Studio-developed service that expands the multiplayer side of Call of Duty, was delayed by Activision ahead of Modern Warfare 3's launch.

Beachhead Studio head Chacko Sonny said the decision was taken to ensure a safe PC environment.

"We're as committed as ever to the PC, but the need to ensure a safe PC environment is greater than ever," he said. "It's really extensive. We need more time to get there, so Elite on PC will not launch on Day 1.

"We're working our butts off to make it happen, but we won't release it until we know that PC gamers can enjoy Elite as it's meant to be.

"The issue here is that the PC is an insecure platform. Without a central, trusted resource for stats, a lot of our competition features become unfair. We can't give away prizes when people can easily cheat their stats. Leaderboards are less fun when a lot of the users are there unfairly."

Now, though, it seems Elite may not make it to PC at all.

"We are working towards a universal Elite experience but we cannot guarantee if or when a version will be available for the PC," the Call of Duty Elite Twitter page said in response to a fan question.

Elite on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 has endured a difficult launch as it struggles to cope with the sheer volume of players brought in by the launch of Modern Warfare 3. Last week Activision blamed the problem on exceptional demand for the service and announced all premium subscribers will receive 30 days free usage as compensation.