Local Gamers Power Up For 'Modern Warfare 3'

During the wee hours Tuesday, gamers in hoodies came out of the dark shadows to buy their copies of the much anticipated "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3."

The video game, developed by San Fernando Valley-based Infinity Ward and Silicon Valley-headquartered Sledgehammer Games, went on sale at midnight.

The game picks up after the events of "Modern Warfare 2" when the U.S. Capitol was under attack by Russian forces. In the third installment, New York, Paris and London become engulfed in the terror sparked by Russian bad guy Vladimir Makarov.

Lake Elsinore’s GameStop opened its doors this morning to mostly male gamers as police stood watch.

“We were here to keep the peace during the game release,” said Riverside County Sheriff's Deputy Darin Miller shortly after midnight. “There were no problems here, but a another local game retailer did have at least one disturbance in the crowds estimated to be in the hundreds.”

Jesus Benites, 20, of Perris, made it to GameStop and used tactical strategy to make the most of the late-night shopping operation.

"We let people cut in front of us because if you were one of the last nine in line you got extra goodies. Everyone was given a wristband starting from zero, and the last one was numbered 534," he said. "We got our games plus free stuff. We got a poster, handkerchief and a ‘Call of Duty MW3 box.’"

"It was bomb,” said Henry Ibarria, 19, of Perris. He and Benites camped out at the store from about 9 p.m. Monday to early Tuesday morning. “KGGI 99.1 was here giving free pizza and prizes away. It felt like family here -- everyone was talking about the video game and having a good time."

The hype is what “Modern Warfare 3” stakeholders are hoping for.

When "Modern Warfare 2" launched, the title broke entertainment industry records and went on to earn more than $1 billion in sales.

"Modern Warfare 3" is expected to top that, despite last year’s firings of Infinity Ward execs Jason West and Vince Zampella and a subsequent lawsuit involving the men and "Call of Duty" publisher Activision Blizzard Inc.

West and Zampella are suing Activision for $36 million in unpaid "Modern Warfare" royalties; Activision has said West and Zampella breached their contracts.

The colossal battle is expected to explode in May when the parties begin warring it out in court.