Activision versus EA FPS Trash Talk 2012 kicks off

The annual slanging match between the industry's two biggest publishers has been opened by EA global product manager Kevin O'Leary.

"Poor Black Ops 2 you look tired, you should take a year off and rest," O'Leary tweeted following Activision's big reveal yesterday.

EA's side generally take a more humourous approach to the inevitable end of year shooter showdown, and O'Leary's follow up suggests he's no exception.

"Excited about the FPS competition and E3 this year. Medal of Honor Warfighter, Battlefield 3, Frostbite 2...FTW," he said.

The manager later requested any news services following him mention his myriad other areas of expertise, such as haiku and extreme sleeping. Done.

EA makes no secret of its intention to take part of Call of Duty's market share, and spokespeople and staffers frequently engage in a bit of gentle trash-talking about the competition. Activision seems a little more prim, with Eric Hirshberg describing the practice as mudslinging, despite boss Bobby Kotick's own contributions. Last year we got a crick in the neck watching the two companies go for it; it was great.

Thanks, Gamespot.