All those rumors you’ve heard about Activision thinking about charging players a monthly fee to play their hit Call of Duty game franchise online with others? It turns out they were true, even though it was crystal clear that it would be the worst idea ever and that no self-respecting gamer would pay to play something they’ve been doing freely since online multiplayer has become so popular, the company is going to try their luck anyway.

The new service will be called Call of Duty Elite, and it will launch this fall along with the much-anticipated third installment in their ultra-popular Modern Warfare series, Modern Warfare 3.

The first gameplay trailer for Modern Warfare 3, the next installment in the mega-hit Call of Duty franchise, has found its way online.

Some people seem to be growing tired of the games, especially after the drama that ended in Activision strong-arming out many of their Infinity Ward employees, but for everyone who impatiently waits to see each year’s new title, you should be Christmas Morning-happy with what you’re about to see.

The first gameplay trailer shows off something teased in the very first trailer released for the game: that it would take place (at least partially) in New York City — a familiar location to all of us. But that won’t be the only location (though can you imagine a multiplayer map in the middle of Time Square, kids?); other places you’ll throw down with enemies include England, Paris, and Germany.

You can see the trailer by clicking on over to the other side now.

Back in March of 2010, a strange string of events unfolded when news broke that a group of what was described as “bouncer-type” security guards entered the offices of Infinity Ward, the video game developers behind the popular Modern Warfare games in the Call of Duty franchise.

Ultimately it was revealed that two of the founders and current heads of Infinity Ward, Jason West and Vince Zampella, were fired by parent company Activision for “breaches of contract and insubordination,” leaving the future of the Modern Warfare series in question.

While many lawsuits have come of that mess, Activision has re-staffed all of the vacant positions at Infinity Ward and — even though the game hasn’t been officially announced — they have been working on Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 ever since, with full expectations to meet their normal November release date…until now. It’s being reported by The LA Times that Activision has brought in a new team to help develop the third installment, which means things might not be going so smoothly.