modern warfare 2
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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.)
Xbox 360 Modern Warfare 2 bundle nabs November 10th release date
Call it coincidence or call it fate, but precisely a week after Sony's extra-capacious 250GB PlayStation 3 Slim hits the States for $349.99, Microsoft's 250GB Xbox 360 Modern Warfare 2 bundle will arrive with a game and a pair of black wireless controllers for $399.99. Both Costco and Amazon have a November 10th ship date listed for the package, though oddly enough, neither site lists the machine as coming with a component cable. It's standard def or bust, y'all. [Thanks, Manoj] Read - Costco's listing Read - Amazon's listingUpdate: It has been confirmed by Microsoft; check out the full release after the break.
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: Modern Warfare 2's co-op 'broke the cinematic experience'
Modern Warfare 2 will not be without some form of co-op. The game features Spec Ops mode, a mission-based multiplayer experience that supports up to two players via local split-screen or online. Infinity Ward initially had planned to offer co-op throughout the game's main campaign, but decided the overall experience ultimately suffered because of it. Infinity Ward's Robert Bowling told VG247 that co-op in the main campaign "really broke the cinematic experience, took the immersion out of it, out of the story and the pacing and everything we'd spent so long crafting." Bowling also said it "ruined the experience" that Infinity Ward was aiming for, forcing the developer to redirect those efforts into polishing the campaign as an exclusively single-player experience. We'll all find out if the game is better off for it -- some in night-vision goggles -- come November 10.
Hooray! UK retailer deems Q4 release schedule 'sensible'
Speaking with GI.biz, UK retailer SimplyGames.com's director Neil Muspratt deems that the fourth quarter's software release schedule is the "most sensibly divided" one he's seen in 20 years. He believes that Modern Warfare 2 scared a significant number of games out of the Q4 arena, but still thinks the quarter will be important in terms of increasing the install base of all three major consoles following the recent price drops.Muspratt, stating the obvious, notes that the benefit of console sales being the focus for the rest of this year is that "there will be a wider audience for software" in 2010. He adds that "great products ... sell through regardless" of the time of year. We totally agree with Muspratt that Q4 2009 has an incredibly sensible release schedule. However, the first half of next year is probably the most ridiculous we've seen in 20 years.
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.
Infinity Ward: Activision didn't want Call of Duty to go Modern
Activision's always been a company with a finger squarely placed upon the pulse of the gaming culture. It knows what we need -- and what we need is more World War 2-based first-person shooters. Call of Duty's part-time developer Infinity Ward struggled with that notion for years according to a recent Official PlayStation Magazine interview with Ward's Vince Zampella. If Activision had its way, Zampella explained, Modern Warfare probably never would have happened. Whoa, did anyone else just get a really weird chill down their spine? Zampella said Activision "thought working on a modern game was risky," and went so far as to conduct "market research" supporting its fears to quell Infinity Ward's desire for modernization. We're not sure which market Activision surveyed, however, as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare moved over 14 million units. We bet the publisher talked to WWII veterans. "Yeah, our war was the coolest! Kids today with their AC-130s. That's not fightin'. That's just flyin' a big, bomb droppin' robot kite."
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]
Modern Warfare 2 dynamic themes in the works
We like PS3 dynamic themes. (We don't like paying so much for them, though.) However, ever since the initial batch of themes for LittleBigPlanet, WipEout HD and PixelJunk Monsters, we haven't seen many interesting themes for purchase. That's about to change with the upcoming Modern Warfare 2. Infinity Ward used Twitter to confirm that, like all games released in 2009, MW2 will feature both rumble and Trophy support. Additionally, they noted "some dynamic themes [are] in the works for the PS3 XMB."Considering the popularity of the Call of Duty franchise, it seems likely that the Modern Warfare 2 dynamic theme will be quite a popular item on the PlayStation Store. We can already see the hordes of people downloading the theme whilst they type up yet more annoying (and incorrect) PSN spam chain letters about how Call of Duty is becoming an Xbox-only franchise.[Via Examiner]
Modern Warfare 2 map pack planned for Spring 2010
If our trusted sources on, um, this box of Modern Warfare 2–branded Monster energy drinks are to be believed, we'll be seeing at least one map pack arriving for the game by next spring (cue: shock and awe). The Monster boxes arrived this week at various game industry folks' locations, and GameSpot spotted the details on the box of an upcoming contest where 5,000 lucky folks will receive, "MW2 Map Pack codes" with a "planned release" of Spring 2010.The only thing more exciting than the map pack reveal? Dashboard themes -- confirmed. You ever chug down four Monsters and just look at one of those, man? You can see everything!
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]
Halo 3: ODST buyers surveyed about their next purchases
Halo fans are strange, otherworldly creatures whose behaviors are difficult to analyze. A consulting firm named OTX recently tried to tap into this demographic's collective hivemind the only way it knew how -- by asking Halo 3: ODST purchasers what title they'll likely pick up next. The firm found that the average Bungie buyer plans to acquire a total of three games within the next few months, with Modern Warfare 2, Assassins Creed 2 and Left 4 Dead 2 being the most desired titles. We're not sure if that means this group enjoys blockbusters, or if they're addicted to games with numerical suffixes. Though the list of top 20 games charted in this manner is primarily composed of Xbox 360 titles, God of War III was also a popular response; with 18 percent of participants claiming it to be their next purchase. We're beginning to see a pattern develop. A manly, manly pattern.
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]
Kotick's 'Skepticism, Pessimism, and Fear' become custom classes at Modern Warfare 2 event
This week Bobby Kotick established himself as the Bond villain of the video game world with his remarks about "[taking] all the fun out of making video games," and encouraging a corporate culture of "skepticism, pessimism, and fear."Modern Warfare 2 developer Infinity Ward seems to have received the message loud and clear, though its own manifestation of that culture may not be what Kotick had in mind as he ranted. NeoGAFfer Full Recovery noticed custom class names called "Skepticism," "Pessimism, and "Fear" on the projector during this week's Modern Warfare 2 event. We went back to our own photos from the event, and there it is! We're glad to see that the developers of the potential "best selling title of all time" aren't afraid of Kotick. Or at least that they're unafraid enough to sneak a furtive joke or two. It's still probably all "yes, sir," and deep bowing when Kotick makes an appearance in the office.%Gallery-73088%
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.
