Activision and China-based Internet service portal Tencent today announced Call of Duty Online, a free-to-play version of the popular shooter that will target the Asian market.

Call of Duty Online will feature customisable weapons, characters, and equipment, via an online store.

The game will also include a variety of game modes and maps, as well as an original story told through Special Operation missions based on the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare universe.

"We are thrilled to work with the world's premiere game developer and publisher to bring this much-awaited title to Chinese game players,” said Tencent president Martin Lau.

“We believe Call of Duty Online will attract tens of millions of loyal fans in China, and our game platform and operational expertise to run massive multi-player online games can provide strong support to deliver the immersive and highly interactive game experience to game players in China."

Tencent recently received a minority stake in Epic Games, and is working with the Gears of War studio on an Asia-centric business strategy.