BlackOpsEscalation

An Australian retailer has accidently let slip details of the next Call of Duty: Black Ops map pack, dubbed “Escalation”. It will contain four new competitive maps, one zombie map, and it will debut on Xbox Live on May 3. 

Thanks to the watchful eyes of the website VG247, it appears that we have our first look at when to expect the next Black Ops map pack, as well of a hint of what it may contain. The news comes from an Australian retailer (hence the May 3 release date listed as 3/5), which quickly pulled the flyer–likely after receiving an angry phone call from Activision who has yet to officially confirm the news. It is important to note, that while the info pictured appears genuine and is in holding with the previous map pack, this is all still unconfirmed.
There isn’t much more to be said about the news that isn’t on the flyer. If true, the next DLC will feature four new competitive maps as well as one new zombie map—similar to what the previous Black Ops DLC, “First Strike”, contained.
Regardless of whether or not it is released on May 3, when the DLC does debut it will hit Xbox Live first, as per the exclusivity contract between Activision and Microsoft. If the release follows the past releases, it will then head to PC and PS3 about a month afterwards.
The leak couldn’t have happened at a better time for Activision, as the publisher would no doubt love to take the attention off of themselves and the impending lawsuit between itself and the former heads of Infinity Ward who recently accused Activision of fraud. Regardless of the outcome of the trial—which also begins in May—if history is any indication, the upcoming DLC will make a ton of money regardless how gamers feel about the situation.
The details on this upcoming expansion may change, but assuming they are set, look for the “Escalation” map pack for Xbox 360 on May 3, with the PC and PS3 version due out roughly a month afterwards.