Publisher Activision and developer Treyarch reveal the official release date for Call of Duty: Black Ops 3's first DLC expansion pack known as Awakening.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 3's Awakening DLC is set for availability on February 2, 2016, and will be coming to PlayStation 4 first, with other platforms to follow at a later, as of yet unspecified date. As previously reported, the content's initial distribution to the PS4 is due to Sony's exclusive DLC partnership inked with Activision earlier this year.

The Awakening DLC will provide Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 with the first of four map packs, including four different multiplayer zones known as Gauntlet (a military facility with 3 separate areas for play), Rise (a construction site set in Zurich, Switzerland), Splash (an abandoned waterpark), and Skyjacked (a flying airship, and remake of the Hijacked map from Black Ops 2). Not to mention, the expansion has a Zombies level, Der Eisendrache, that's set in a medieval castle being besieged by a harsh, unforgiving snowstorm.

In addition to all of the fresh areas being added to Black Ops 3, four new GobbleGumballs have been thrown into the Zombies mode for fans to utilize in the game. A more in-depth look at Awakening's maps as well as the entirety of its content can be found in the trailer seen below.

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While the offerings included in the Awakening DLC pack are indeed enticing, Activision recently announced the inclusion of a feature that may not be so appealing to some fans in the form of microtransactions called Call of Duty points. Now, instead of simply earning XP through consistent gameplay like fans did in Black Ops 2, it's possible for gamers to purchase the gear they want, which can then be used in modes like those in the aforementioned DLC, with many arguing that the practice creates a pay-to-win atmosphere.

Although Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 has already earned Activision and Treyarch a sizable sum with its base materials — it topped the game sales chart of November 2015 to beat Fallout 4 — the addition of microtransactions is yet another revenue stream for both of the companies. And with the Awakening DLC going on sale soon, it seems as if the publisher and developer are intent to squeeze as many pennies out of Black Ops 3 fans as possible.

Of course, no one is forcing fans to buy any of Black Ops 3's add-ons nor take part in its microtransactions. However, should players wish to become formidable opponents in the title's multiplayer modes and remain adept with all of the maps the shooter has to offer, then they would be hard-pressed to avoid putting extra money into the game.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 is out now for PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One.

Source: Call of Duty – YouTube (via GameSpot)