'Black Ops II' preview trailer offers developer insight

"We knew we wanted to include the characters that people loved to play and they loved to play with [in Black Ops 1], but we also wanted to make it this epic generation-spanning story" says Mark Lamia, Treyarch's Studio Head.

"The choices you make and your performance within the game actually dictates what's happening with the story," game director Dave Anthony said. "This is groundbreaking for the Call of Duty franchise."

Studio staff members touch on lighting effects, hint at tweaks for this year's online multiplayer, and get excited about a revamped Zombies mode. There's also a horse covered in ping-pong balls.

Call of Duty: Black Ops II is due November 13 on Xbox 360, PC and PlayStation 3. Microsoft's Halo 4 comes out for Xbox 360 the week before, while Medal of Honor: Warfighter is targeting a late October release.

"Behind the Scenes Preview - Official Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Video": youtu.be/OD9UPv_YIY4
Official website: callofduty.com