Modern Warfare DLC due on March 30

The first paid downloadable content (DLC) for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 on Xbox 360 will be available from March 30, developer Infinity Ward has said.

The developer has launched a new page titled Mapathy - defined as "a state of indifference to the same old maps one has been playing for the last several months" - which announced the new DLC.

Citing the reason for the need for a new DLC, Mapathy.com further says: "The Mapathetic individual no longer derives pleasure from blowing up people hiding in the cockpit or on top of the crane. More than 20 million people may be at risk for Mapathy."

The announcement allays fears that the DLC could be lost amid the looming legal battle between new Infinity Ward owner Activision and former chiefs Jason West and Vince Zampella.

West and Zampella continue to fight in the courts for complete control of the Modern Warfare franchise, which has threatened the very existence of the game.

The DLC is likely to be released on PlayStation 3 (PS3) and PlayStation Network (PSN) in April or May.