Call of Duty’s run of dominance on the gaming scene could soon be brought to an end as a new study shows Halo 4 not Black Ops 2 is the most eagerly awaited game of 2012.

Although Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 has been shown as the year’s most hotly anticipated game for Sony’s PS3 console, a study by analyst firm Neilson has found that of 4,823 male and female ‘active gamers’ questioned, the most awaited Xbox title of the year is Halo 4.

With Call of Duty publisher Activision continuing to offer added benefits and periods of DLC exclusivity for Xbox 360 gamers, the latest findings come as a serious blow to the gaming powerhouse ahead the November 13th Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 release date.

Joining Halo 4 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 in the Xbox 360 anticipation charts, Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed 3 has been listed as the third most eagerly awaited release ahead of EA Sports’ Madden NFL 13 and Resident Evil 6. With Halo 4 lining up as Xbox exclusive release, in the PS3 charts the Microsoft title is replaced by the College Football themed NCAA Football 13.

What game are you most looking forward to during the annual pre-Christmas gaming release rush? Let us know via the T3 Twitter and Facebook feeds.

Via: CVG