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Infinity Ward responds to Modern Warfare 2 dedicated server petition
We're going on three days now since the event that some computer gaming enthusiasts are referring to as "Black Saturday," in which it was revealed that the PC version of Modern Warfare 2 wouldn't allow online multiplayer on dedicated servers. These same enthusiasts penned an online petition that has since garnered over 100,000 signatures -- but unfortunately for this rapidly expanding group, comments recently made by Infinity Ward's Jason West and Vince Zampella in a Game Informer interview make it sound like the developer's position won't be reversing any time soon. "We're just prioritizing the player experience above the modders and the tuners," West explained. The duo had received countless complaints from PC Modern Warfare players who were unable to find a match online that wasn't riddled with cheaters, "insular" clans and enormous skill disparities -- problems they hope IWNet will eliminate. When asked why both matchmaking and dedicated servers couldn't both exist, West explained that this practice would "bifurcate the community." The implementation of IWNet will likely make the game more accessible to casual PC gamers -- however, we worry that Infinity Ward might be ignoring the timeless adage of "make new friends, keep the old, one is silver and the other gold." What do you think, dear readers? Is this a smart move or a brilliant mistake on Infinity Ward's part?
Petition for dedicated servers in Modern Warfare 2 growing rapidly
Normally, we try to avoid writing about petitions from incensed gamers who're miffed at some corporate slight recently made against them. However, the petition which was drawn in response to Infinity Ward's somewhat unpopular decision not to allow dedicated servers in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is different -- not only for its reasonable request that the developer "review their decision" regarding the game's server hosting capabilities, but also because it's garnered around 75,000 signatures since the announcement was made just two days ago. As is often the case with instances of internet democracy, it's impossible to know whether or not the petition will influence Infinity Ward to reverse its dedicated server policy. We've contacted IW's Robery Bowling to see if the petition has at least made a blip on the developer's sizable radar screen. %Gallery-50567%
Retailers list Modern Warfare 2 bundle for November 10 [update]
Update: A Microsoft representative has contacted us to say that the bundle will be shipping on November 10. As the bundle includes a retail copy of the game, Microsoft is unable to allow these to ship any earlier, meaning those who pre-ordered from the sites mentioned below will likely be waiting a few days before their bundle arrives. Sorry, folks!We can't say that we were exactly taken aback to find out a couple of online retailers are listing the upcoming Modern Warfare 2-paired 250GB Xbox 360 launch as November 10, the same day the game arrives at retailers nationwide. An eagle-eyed reader at Joystiq sister site Engadget spotted the bundle at both Amazon and Costco (GameStop also has the Nov. 10 ship date listed), where the details re-confirm the bundle's lack of a component cable (for shame!). We've contacted Activision to make sure we're not being led astray, but it'd be hard to expect those willing to shell out the 399 clams for the bundle to have to wait to get their fool-shootin' on.Source 1 - AmazonSource 2 - CostcoSource 3 - GameStop
Modern Warfare 2 PC won't support dedicated servers
Whatever goodwill may have been garnered by Infinity Ward's Robert Bowling's announcement that the PC version of Modern Warfare 2 wasn't delayed has been stripped away by an interview which surfaced later in the day. On the latest podcast (around the 1:41 mark) of Call of Duty fansite Bash and Slash, Bowling revealed that matchmaking within Modern Warfare 2 would be reliant on proprietary server technology (called IWNet), and wouldn't allow users to host their own dedicated servers. Even without a doctorate in PC gaming affairs, it's easy to see how this fact would upset someone (or some community) who drops a wad of cash every month on renting a private server. Also preturbed by this news are fans of modded game modes and custom maps -- both of which would be unlikely under the IWNet framework. While Bowling maintained that the new server tech would be a boon for the PC gaming community, most hardcore PC gamers aren't particularly thrilled about MW2's server hosting capabilities being brought into parity with those of the console versions of the game. (That is to say, completely eliminated.)
Modern Warfare 2 PC not delayed, getting Steam support
Earlier this month, we received a ton of tips pointing to various stories claiming the release date for the PC version of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 had been pushed back to November 24. Infinity Ward frontman Robert Bowling recently dispatched a 140-character missive that should soothe the souls of mouse-and-keyboard wielders everywhere: "No delay on PC for Modern Warfare 2," Mr. FourZeroTwo tweeted. In the same chirp, Bowling added, "you'll also have Prestige Mode in PC as well as lots of Steam support. Hopefully min specs will be soon." Admittedly, that's not a whole lot of detail, but c'mon -- the guy had 140 letters to get his message across. We've contacted Bowling to get lengthier details on what this "support" entails.
Infinity Ward sets sights on Modern Warfare 2 Avatar items
With most street savvy gamers expecting Modern Warfare 2 to be one of the biggest -- if not the biggest -- releases of 2009, it's not too surprising to learn that Infinity Ward has Avatar items in the works. According to IW's fourzerotwo, AKA community guru Robert Bowlling, the company is preparing some items for Xbox 360 Avatars, adding that some of them will "hopefully" be free. On the same subject, Bowling notes that he's "not sure" whether the game will include any unlockable Avatar Awards. That's unfortunate, as we've yet to see a single game use the Avatar Awards feature -- even the those that have been confirmed to support it.
Washington D.C. burns in newest Modern Warfare 2 trailer [update]
digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Washington_D_C_burns_in_newest_Modern_Warfare_2_trailer'; We know, we know -- you've been sitting patiently on Joystiq for around 50 hours now, constantly hitting refresh in hopes that the newest Modern Warfare 2 trailer -- codenamed "Infamy" -- from Sunday Night Football would greet your eyes. And here it finally is! Found over on developer Infinity Ward's website, we think you'll be just as shocked as we were to see how much has changed in terms of geography from Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. Also, shooting from a motorboat! That brings the tally of strange vehicles we'll be firing from up to two! Who could ask for more?Update: Added higher-quality version of the trailer.%Gallery-50567%
Modern Warfare 2 Achievements and Trophies revealed
Our fingers have turned to goopy nubs as a result of our transcription of the Achievements and Trophies in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. We didn't keep an exact tally of the accomplishments therein, but we're fairly certain the total number approaches eight skajillion. You'll find the efforts of our toils listed after the jump -- be wary, there are a few minor spoilers in there. For instance, at some point during the game, you kill a bunch of terrorists. Stop the presses! Read - Xbox360Achievements.org Read - AllPS3Trophies.com %Gallery-50567%
New Modern Warfare 2 trailer during Sunday Night Football
According to USA Today, Activision and Infinity Ward have a new Modern Warfare 2 trailer debuting during Sunday Night Football. It'll play sometime during the game between the San Diego Chargers and the Pittsburgh Steelers at 8PM ET (5PM PT).Your options: Watch the game live ... wow, really? Still do that, eh? TiVo the game -- maybe watch the football, definitely watch the trailer. Go about your life, skip the football and check the internet sometime Sunday night, because the trailer will be everywhere. [Via VG 24/7]
Infinity Ward has no plans for pre-launch Modern Warfare 2 demo
If you're on the fence about your purchase of Infinity Ward's infinitely intimidating shooter, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, you should probably get comfortable with straddling said pickets -- Robert Bowling recently confirmed via Twitter that the title wouldn't receive a demo before its November 10 release. According to the tweet, "the entire team is focused on polish all the way up to ship of the full game." If you were really hoping to test out the game before it comes out, we suggest playing Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, and imagining it "kicked up a notch" in an Emeril Lagassi-like fashion. %Gallery-50567% [Via VideoGamer]
Interview: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 multiplayer designer Todd Alderman
Last week's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 event was focused on mutliplayer, giving us a chance to ask Infinity Ward's lead multiplayer designer, Todd Alderman, a few questions about the monstrous shooter. Read on the for the goods, including more near-confusion over the whole Call of Duty: Modern Warfare naming scheme, and details on the Special Ops missions included with the game.%Gallery-50567%
Modern Warfare 2 'Veteran Edition' offered by UK retailer GAME
UK residents who shop at GAME will be wandering around cluelessly in the dark this November when Modern Warfare 2 hits store shelves. Rather than getting the night vision goggle-equipped "Prestige Edition" like way cooler UK retailer HMV, those who shell out £119.99 for the 'Veteran Edition' will receive the 12-inch statue of returning Modern Warfare character Captain "Soap" MacTavish, seen above. At £30 more for freakin' night vision goggles, a statue (albeit a nice one) might be a hard sell for those already investing more than double the cost of the game. If you're gonna go crazy, why not just go all the way crazy?[Via Eurogamer]
Interview: Modern Warfare 2's Vince Zampella
Inifinity Ward studio head Vince Zampella was exhausted, but in a good mood, by the time we caught up with him at a Modern Warfare 2 multiplayer event last night. Zampella's been working on one of the most anticipated sequels ever, after all. (GameStop has its fingers crossed for a slice of what could be the "bestselling title of all time.") After the break, Zampella shares his feelings about straddling two brands, Call of Duty and Modern Warfare; the Wii port of the original Modern Warfare; and World at War's Zombie Mode. And, of course, he's got a few words to share about Modern Warfare 2 itself. Read on.
Hands-on: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 multiplayer
Still playing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare? Clear your calendars on November 10. In fact, just throw them away, say goodbye to your friends and family, and stock up on ready-to-eat foods and adult diapers. If Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 manages to usurp the multiplayer throne from its predecessor – which it's expected to do – you're going to need 'em. It's an "evolution" of everything you loved about the first game, running at the same gorgeous 60 frames per second. The evening was sponsored by Microsoft (no surprise given the Modern Warfare 2 console reveal), and it was strictly multiplayer only. We played games of Domination, Assault, Team Deathmatch, and Capture the Flag on the three maps featured in this demo, for a total of four hours of fragging. Read on for what's new, some images from the event, some brand-new screenshots, and some multiplayer video at the end of the post. %Gallery-73088%
No plans for 250GB Xbox drive outside Modern Warfare 2 bundle, MS says
Shortly after the announcement of the Limited Edition Modern Warfare 2 Xbox 360 bundle, we had a chance to grill Microsoft's Albert Penello, director of platform marketing for Xbox, about the bundle. While Pinello confirmed the bundle's absence of any additional accessories – no high-definition cables, no WiFi adapter – he also commented on the 250GB hard drive. When asked if Microsoft had any plans to sell the significantly embiggened hard drive separately, Pinello said, "I wouldn't say plans. Maybe. I hear this story every two years. It was the 20s, and then the 60s, and then the 120s." Not that you could afford it anyway. So, Microsoft doesn't have "plans" per se, but Pinello pointed out that, historically, these things become available separately. Until then, if you want a massive 250GB of Xbox storage, your only avenue is purchasing the $399 Modern Warfare 2 bundle. %Gallery-73023%
$399 Modern Warfare 2-themed Xbox 360: 250GB HDD, wireless controllers, game
click for gallery digg_url = 'http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/15/399-modern-warfare-2-themed-xbox-360-250gb-hdd-wireless-contr/'; Microsoft and Infinity Ward just announced the availability of a Modern Warfare 2-themed Xbox 360 console at a press event in Los Angeles. Included in this "limited edition" $399 package is: a 250GB Xbox 360 console, with the requisite Modern Warfare 2 markings (the so-called "Super Elite"); two wireless controllers, presumably also apparently not Modern Warfare 2-themed (though, notably, not Mad Catz's officially licensed wired controllers); and, lastly, a "standard edition" copy of Modern Warfare 2. No matter how you do the math, that's a good deal. As most of us know, the only thing that moves more consoles than "a good deal" is "a good deal" that includes the words "modern," "warfare," and "two" somewhere in the title. Major Nelson says it's the "standard edition" of the game and Amazon, in addition to not listing a WiFi adapter (we won't quit complaining, Microsoft!), specifies that the bundle only includes a "Composite A/V cable." The only other detail we've gathered is that you'll be able to preorder like you've got a pair beginning "today" – Amazon has the listing right here. If you're hungry for any more details you can watch our shakicam videos of the big reveal and what's in the box. %Gallery-73023%
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2's Mad Catz peripherals, accessories detailed
Peripheral manufacturer Mad Catz is going all out for sure-fire holiday hit Call of Duty 6: Modern Warfare 2: Call of Duty 4 Some More. The product range, which includes specially designed controllers for each of the destination platforms, should be available just as you go out to inevitably purchase Infinity Ward's FPS on November 10th. We've placed images below, with pricing and details after the break.%Gallery-72452%
New Modern Warfare 2 footage captures the life of a flag runner
And at nearly two minutes, the above footage captures a blessedly long life indeed. Though Modern Warfare 2's parlance gives the "flag runner" an air of nobility and excitement, a more accurate label would stem from the following observation: what you're carrying is not a flag so much as a "shoot me everyone" banner. Come November 10th, we might opt to play a different role during this mad multiplayer dash through (what appears to be) the set of Michael Bay's latest piece of explodima vérité. Then again, if you have someone classy protecting you, it might be worth the thrill. Provided you don't shoot them in the back (0:44). Oops![Thanks, Big_Lozbowski]
Square Enix teases Modern Warfare 2 release in Japan
The latest Square Enix teaser site is quite the puzzle. It's got a big "2" in it like the one in the Modern Warfare 2 logo, it features a rotating display of famous quotations about war, and it has Activision and Call of Duty trademark information at the bottom of the page. We're stumped -- we're just going to have to wait for that "2" to count down to zero!Or we could "guess" it's Modern Warfare 2 right now. If you're wondering why Activision wouldn't publish the speculative "best selling game of all time" in every possible territory itself, it's simple: the publisher no longer operates in Japan.[Via VG247]
Mad Catz detailz mice, controllers, 'Throat Communicator' for Modern Warfare 2
our best guess Knowing us, we're going to need some extra Modern Warfare 2 accessories when the game releases this November -- and no, the $150 collector's edition certainly isn't enough! Mad Catz is thankfully answering the call from those of us yearning for more ways to spend money on non-essential MW2 items (non-essentials being everything other than the game disc, of course), detailing today its previously announced accessories.The damage ranges from $15 to $100 for 10 different items, such as custom controllers, mice, faceplates, and even something dubbed "skinz." We've been promised images of said items later in the week, so we'll just have to wonder what a "Throat Communicator" could possibly look like until then.
