Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 for PC will not support dedicated servers, revealed developer Infinity Ward’s Community Manager, Robert Bowling, in an interview with Call of Duty fansite Bash and Slash in their latest podcast.
In the interview he revealed that Modern Warfare 2 would be reliant on proprietary server technology (called IWNet), and wouldn’t allow users to host their own dedicated servers, among other “console-like” revelations.
This set the internet on fire as PC gamers expressed their outrage at the following facts regarding the PC version of Modern Warfare 2 were revealed by Bowling (via Evil Avatar):
* IW has full control of the game.
* IWnet servers will host multiplayer.
* DLC will be a charged item for PC.
* No dedicated servers.
* Matchmaking system used to play with similarly ranked players.
* VAC instead of PB.
* Semi-capable password servers.
* Semi-capable ad-hoc servers.
* MW2 mods may not be possible.
* Full integration into Steam
Bowling defends eliminating dedicated servers for Modern Warfare 2 and their new direction for PC multiplayer with a whole list of points, basically saying that it eliminates the high barrier of entry for the non-technical people who don’t even know the first thing about how servers are set up (so players who don’t know how to scan server browsers or don’t want to memorize IPs can easily get into a game and play), it also allows them to completely crack down on cheating, etc. (see his list in the link above for his full defensive list).
But the dedicated PC hardcore is still outraged. PC gamers have even created a Modern Warfare 2 bring back dedicated servers petition, which has over 100,000 signatures(!), hoping to sway Infinity Ward to change their wily ways. Many people are threatening not to support this version of the game at all, fearing that if it sells well, it could set a new precedant on PC and force the PC industry to fall in line with online for consoles. Something that most hardcore PC gamers would consider to be the end of days. As modding, dedicated player-run servers and the ilk could all be snuffed out if developers choose to follow in Infinity Ward’s footsteps.
Here is Bowling’s official response to the petition, “It definitely made a big wave, and the response will not be ignored. I’ll ensure everyone at IW sees the petition and responds to it.”
Via Evil Avatar, Joystiq