Now, as a console gamer I am largely unaffected by this news but I can see both sides of the argument and I feel it is news worthy. Here is the basic rundown. The term "Dedicated Server" refers to a server that acts as a host for the game. Individuals or Clans can purchase a Dedicated Server for a small monthly fee and then set up private matches using specific settings. Many PC gamers prefer to play using Dedicated Servers as they feel it offers them a good amount of freedom and the ability to play with mods.
Important note: Mods do not always refer to glitching or cheating. Mods also refer to user generated content like maps, weapons or skins.
The benefit here is pretty obvious. I mean we are talking Free Maps, Skins etc... something us Console gamers have always had to pay for and in talking to my fellow PC gamers I found that there is something more. A feeling of ownership and pride in a well run and popular server. One even described it as a feeling of "home" for him and his fellow clan mates. A place they go to and play everyday, using the setting they are used to and a place to meet up with the other members and regulars that have found their way to their server.
Unfortunately, it not all sunshine and roses either. There is a flip side to this coin. One that most notably affects the average PC gamer; One not affiliated with a large group or clan. For this fellow, Dedicated Servers are not as inviting. To find a match you have to search through a long list of servers and seemingly pick one at random to attempt to join. On occasion you might find a good server and enjoy yourself but you also might be headed into a nightmare. Perhaps a server full of cheaters and glitchers, clan tryouts, 13 year old n00bs or maybe a very uninviting clan full of complete asses that are just rude to every random that shows up. You can spend half your night trying to find a match, only to end up walking away due to one bad server after another. And there is really no way to tell until you are in there. Get a bad room and start the process all over again.
Infinity Ward is trying to help the average gamer by taking out the Dedicated Servers and having everything run off IWnet. A system that would turn PC gaming into a very similar model of how Console games work. Gone are the custom setting and mods and in its place is a matchmaking system that puts you into a room with similarly skilled players in a game mode you search for. So the average gamer can simply search for a TDM and instantly get into a room with similarly skilled players. Very simple and streamlined. Plus IWnet also adds a number of features to accommodate larger groups including a new Friends List features and Party System (think Xbox Live) that allows you to keep track of your friends and play as one group. Go from lobby to lobby with all your friends and play against the public. Or you can also start a private match which allows you to change a number of predetermined settings. Things like score limit, air support and even "head shots only" are available to mess with. But nothing outside what the game programmers have already decided.
All in all the only real thing missing will be the mods. This means there will be far fewer cheaters (which is a good thing) but also no user generated content (this is a bad thing). Now many PC gamers are all for Matchmaking and the features IWnet has to offer and for the most part they just want to add the option of Dedicated Servers as well as Matchmaking. This sounds like a fair option but in the end I don't think it will matter. IW has put a lot of time and money into IWnet and despite a online petition with over 130,000 supporters, they are serious about giving IWnet a chance. They want to be able to more closely control the online gaming experience and more importantly (for them) charge for extra Downloadable content. With FREE user generated content out of the picture they can count on more people downloading the extra maps packs. Ultimately, I think that is what it really boils down to, money. IWnet's matchmaking system will make them more money and allowing Dedicated Servers will not.
In the end there is no right side or wrong side. Both sides have valid points and both sides have advantages and disadvantages. The bottom line is how strongly you feel about the issue and whether or not you are willing to pass up one of the biggest games this generation because of it.
So, how do you feel about it?
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