Activision: Modern Warfare 3 reveal countdown is a "hoax"

Activision has denied ownership of countdown website known as "findmakarov.com," branding speculation that Modern Warfare 3 is to be revealed next week as a "hoax".

"There seems to be a great deal of speculation about the next Call of Duty project. Let me be clear that we are not revealing yet. Anything indicating otherwise is a hoax," an Activision spokesperson told VG247 this morning.

In addition, an Activision spokesperson said "nope" to IGN was asked if the publisher is planning to reveal any games on Wednesday morning.

The site appeared late yesterday, and included a countdown's pointing to the middle of next week.

In addition, TVGB and Joystiq both received promotional dog tags, supposedly from Activision, which led to the site.

The URL also contains information on MW2 character Shepard.

The tags proclaimed "End the War".

The timing would have had the game being unveiled at GDC. Modern Warfare 2 was also first shown at the event two years ago.

Infinity Ward studio heads Vince Zampella and Jason West were fired by Activision for "insubordination" at this point last year, moving on to found Respawn Entertainment.

Both men are currently suing Activision over MW2 royalties. Activision is counter-suing Zampella, West and EA, who will distribute and publish the studio's first game.

It's rumoured that Infinity Ward, Sledgehammer and Raven Software are all currently working on Modern Warfare 3 in some capacity.