Playstation.com published a post by Treyarch’s Josh Olin today that details some interesting, but little-known facts about Call of Duty: Black Ops on the PS3. Included in the post is the first details of the new in-game friends list that is featured in the upcoming shooter; the first time such a feature has been available in a Call of Duty game on the PS3.

With the PS3 version of Black Ops you will now be able to browse Recent Players, Friends, navigate their File Shares, Recent Games, Combat Records – all from within game. “Sending game invites and joining Friends’ games has never been simpler” says Treyarch.

As a side note: all of these features are also available in the Xbox 360 version.

Multiplayer Online Split-Screen Support
Let’s get started with what I believe is the most unknown, yet confirmed, aspect to Call of Duty: Black Ops multiplayer – the online split-screen support we’ve re-introduced to the franchise!

The Facts:

You can connect a second controller and bring a guest online (i.e. “JD_2020” & “JD_2020(1)”).
Guests can rank up, earn unlocks, etc – all guest progress goes away once signed out.
You can bring a second, full PSN account online! Xbox only
Both players with full PSN ID’s can rank up while playing together in split-screen, as if on two separate consoles. Xbox only

Custom Games Editor
Allow me to introduce the Black Ops Custom Games Editor! Private matches have never been this customizable. Players will have the ability to structure their games at all new levels of granularity. From variables as simple as Time Limit and Score Limit, or as deep as which weapons, Perks, and gear are available. You want a Pistols Only match? Make one! No longer do custom game modes rely on the “honor system.”

Furthermore, any Custom Game you create and configure can be placed in your File Share, for friends and the community to browse, download, and enjoy. You just might create the most addictive new game mode of all time from the comfort of your own living room!

In-Game Friends List
We’ve integrated a built-in Friends List into the in game user interface. You’ll be able to browse Recent Players, Friends, navigate their File Shares, Recent Games, Combat Records – all within this in-game menu system designed to streamline the social process within the game. Sending game invites and joining Friends’ games has never been simpler than in Call of Duty: Black Ops.

Regional Matchmaking & Party Privacy
Call of Duty: Black Ops will support regional matchmaking filters on a global scale. So, no matter where you’re at in the world, you will have the ability to specify whether you want to match with players from other geographical regions, or only those local to you. This will make communication and lag a much less intrusive variable on your gameplay experience.

Additionally, given Black Ops will support joining games in progress via an even simpler built-in in-game Friends List interface, we’ll allow a Party leader to lock down his lobby to Invite Only, Friends Only, or even Close it altogether if he wants to be in complete control over who enters and exits the Party Lobby.

Emblems Do NOT Reset with Prestige
This one is pretty cut-and-dried. A frequently asked question is, “Will my kickass emblem I spent hours perfecting be lost when I prestige?” The answer is “NO!” Emblems are one of the only aspects of Black Ops MP that do not get a full reset upon entering Prestige. Things that will reset when you Prestige are: XP, COD Points, Challenge progressions, Loadouts, and so forth