Topic: MW2 looks to emulate consoles on the PC

[MistaObvious]

It appears that dedicated servers for the PC release of MW2 have been nixed from the game.  I don't know this for a fact, as in I haven't seen actual confirmation on this yet (still looking), but the IW forums are ablaze with the subject.  It appears that the MP aspect of the game will emulate the console's matchmaking method of setting up matches.

Since I have never played an MP game online with a console, I honestly couldn't say what this means in terms of how many can play, etc., etc.

I'll keep looking.  This could be very disappointing and, if true, would mean that I would definitely NOT buy this game or any future COD release.  I love the attention to detail and actually enjoyed the SP games from all releases, but a lack of MP with any real staying power is really the final touch to my growing frustration with IW, Treyarch and Activision.

Maybe I will buy that L4D2 afterall.

[MistaObvious]

Apparently FPSadmin has confirmed the story.  IWNet will be hosting the servers using a match-making system.  From what I read on another site, this is geared towards pitting players of varying levels against players of similar levels.  The idea appears to be aimed at keeping players equally matched...  or something like that.

[Sparks]

IW net + steam (separate)
Listening servers only
no info on mod tools GG Activision...



http://bashandslash.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=739&Itemid=111

[Grendel]

I'm really not getting why they think this is a good idea.

Matchmaking with a max of 12 slots.

Maybe there will be enough of a reaction that this will change. 

Very disappointing.

[Grendel]

Looks like a petition drive has started up:  http://www.infinityward.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=41922&start=200

I haven't watched a petition like this before, but I'm impressed.  Over 1,200 signatures in 10 minutes.

[jeff]

That petition was deleted... now there is a new one.

http://www.infinityward.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=123824

I haven't pre-ordered and I won't buy it until I find out if it is worth it or not. How ridiculous.

[MistaObvious]

Extremely disappointing.  Supposedly piracy was part of the reason.  Don't think they realize how many will pirate the game now instead of paying for it compared to before.  Also think they might have missed how 360/PS3 games are still vulnerable to piracy.  Hell, if I were brave enough and had the gumption, I could even mod the Wii so I could pirate games.  If they want to avoid piracy, they should stop making software.

[Grendel]

32,000 signatures now.  Statistically inconsequential, but still a lot of people mad enough to want to say something about it.

[Andro-blahhhhh]

Well, if this is true this ends my plans to buy it. Was talking to G-man the other night and was excited to get back into the game scene. FAIL!!!!

[Smonkey]

Left 4 dead uses a matchmaking system sorta, no rank or anything like that stopping you from playing with someone cause of rank. But... the game was made for it and it works well in L4D. I dunno about MW2. Sounds like it will be more like Battlefield Heros online system, anyone tried that? Besides even if it works ok, that sucks not being in control when pubbing. Not like I was gonna get MW2 anyway. Ive been done with CoD since CoD4. On a side note since Liam mentioned L4D2, its not too late to preorder it and save money. Steam has a 4 pack where you get 4 copies for the price of 3. So $33.75 each.

[brrman]

Well, you can also have a dedicated server in L4D also.  Not sure about L4D2 tho.

I sure won;t be buying MW2 with no ded servers tho.

[MistaObvious]

The matchmaking system for L4D works because the game's designed that way.  MW2, I'm sure, is also being designed around it, but it's a game genre that's designed best for more players playing together.  It just doesn't make sense to have a max 4-on-4 type system in a war-type setting.  It'll always be slow-going and the camaraderie that made previous war-based FPS games successful will also be gone.  I mean, if it weren't for Ded. servers, half of us would have never met and begun playing with the other half simply based on our locations.

That's an assumption, btw, about the max players.  I honestly don't know how they'll plan the max amount of players except to assume that it'll be based on a host's max throughput.  If it's to emulate consoles, though, I'm pretty sure it'll be a maximum of 8 players on any given game.

[Morphine]

This makes me sad. Without dedicated servers, communities likes ours would not exist. If I wanted to deal with s***ty matchmaking services, I would play on xbox live... I like a sense of community and getting to know who I am playing with/against. Also, I can find a game without everyone and their mothers using martyrdom and constantly spamming rifle grenades. Cannot do that without dedicated servers. No maps/mods means the game will not last nearly as long. Plus, MW2 is an extra 10 dollars compared to other new titles and since it lacks possibilities of user created content.. why should i pay more for it? I would rather make a "long term" investment. Besides, we know we are going to end up with yet another console port. We can only hope that IW realizes what they have done is possibly the dumbest thing ever. It is no way to treat the fanbase that made their company and franchise.

That being said, this controversy has taken the gaming news industry by storm. Currently the online petition has 76118 signatures. That is well over 1000 more than when I began writing this. It is a big if, but assuming those who have signed the petition will not buy the game it could affect PC sales by just under $4.6 million. So far I have noticed the PC version has been falling in a lot of big vendors' top seller lists. On Amazon it has already fallen to 73rd. I checked that on Amazon this morning and it was 71st.

I would not be opposed to a matchmaking system for a "quick play" type of feature... but dedicated servers MUST be included.

DICE's K.M. Troedsson says it best, "Dedicated servers FTW. What ever secures a better online experience is a given for us."

Ball is in your court, Infinity Ward.

[Grendel]

What Morph said.

[DeathDealer]

I just signed the petition and at the moment it has 79,371 signatures.  With that many possible missed sales you would think that they would rethink the server issue...One can hope!