Brace yourselves, because big changes are coming to the PC version of Modern Warfare 2. Infinity Ward is planning to release a new matchmaking service called IWNet, which will give the developer “a lot more control and structure” over the PC version, with a side effect being the end of dedicated servers.
“This is the first time we’ve ever done something like this, obviously,” Bowling said on the BashandSlash podcast.
“And I know the team has huge plans for what IWNet develops into, and this is just the beginning. It’s hard for me to speak personally toward IWNet, because that is a code heavy project.”
Dedicated servers can play a host to a variety of clan events and special mods, leading to a unique community that separates PC games from console games. Bowling said he didn’t know whether the new system would mark the end of modding and custom maps, but he did acknowledge that it will be a “very different setup.”
“It’s definitely going to be a change. It’s going to be a very different setup than what we’re previously used to in the Call of Duty franchise for the PC,” In the long term it’s going to help the community. It changes the way and how we’re able to update and support the PC version.”
As always happens at times like these, there is now a petition circulating the Internet that has garnered nearly 85,000 signatures. The request is fairly simple. “Get Infinity Ward to review their decision not to allow fully dedicated servers for their forthcoming game release CoD:MW2. Remember that this Call of Duty was made popular by PC Gamers who have supported the series throughout.”
Comparatively little information on the new service is currently available, meaning that all predictions of doom are, at best, speculative. With Modern Warfare 2 due to be released November 10, we’ll likely know more soon.
Tags: Games, modern warfare