It has been confirmed today that the next installment in the Call Of Duty series named Black OPS will have the ability for users to create their own dedicated servers for the PC.
When Modern Warfare 2 was released, the ability to create dedicated servers for the PC was removed and caused an uproar within the PC gaming community. This decision was met with significant backlash as dedicated servers are a crucial feature for many PC gamers, providing them with more control over their gaming experience, including the ability to customize game settings, manage player communities, and ensure smoother gameplay with lower latency.
While Modern Warfare 2 was developed by Infinity Ward, the next Call of Duty, CoD: Black Ops, is being developed by Activision’s “B” CoD team, Treyarch, and will now definitely feature dedicated servers. This move is seen as a significant step in regaining the trust and enthusiasm of the PC gaming community.
The Importance of Dedicated Servers
Dedicated servers offer numerous advantages over peer-to-peer (P2P) hosting, which was used in Modern Warfare 2. One of the primary benefits is the stability and reliability they provide. Dedicated servers are less likely to suffer from lag and connection issues, which can be a common problem in P2P setups where the host’s internet connection can become a bottleneck. Additionally, dedicated servers allow for better security and control, enabling administrators to enforce rules, ban cheaters, and create a more enjoyable and fair gaming environment.
In a recent interview, Treyarch head Mark Lamia said:
I think dedicated servers are excellent. I don’t see any reason not to see them unless… well, I just don’t see any reason not to. It seems people like them and we’re excited about what we’re doing right now. […] We do work very hard to reconcile the desire to manipulate and modify those dedicated servers with offering them the persistent experience and benefits that the console system provides. We’re working very hard to marry those two things, so people can run dedicated servers and also participate in the communal experience the console players get to have, given they’re all on first-party servers
Balancing Customization and Community
Lamia’s comments highlight Treyarch’s commitment to balancing the customization options that dedicated servers offer with the communal experience that console players enjoy. This approach aims to provide the best of both worlds: the flexibility and control that PC gamers crave, along with the seamless, integrated experience that has become a hallmark of console gaming.
For example, dedicated servers can be customized to host specific game modes, maps, and rulesets, catering to niche communities within the broader Call of Duty player base. This level of customization can lead to a more vibrant and diverse gaming ecosystem, where players can find servers that match their preferred playstyle and interests. At the same time, by integrating these servers with the broader Call of Duty network, Treyarch ensures that players can still enjoy the benefits of a unified player base, such as matchmaking and social features.
The return of dedicated servers in CoD: Black Ops is also likely to foster a more active modding community. Modders can create and share custom content, such as new maps, game modes, and skins, further enriching the game’s longevity and replayability. This aspect of PC gaming has always been a significant draw for many players, and Treyarch’s decision to support dedicated servers is a clear acknowledgment of its importance.
The inclusion of dedicated servers in Call of Duty: Black Ops represents a significant and positive shift for the franchise, particularly for the PC gaming community. By addressing the concerns raised by the removal of this feature in Modern Warfare 2, Treyarch is demonstrating a commitment to listening to its player base and delivering a gaming experience that meets their needs and expectations. This move is likely to be well-received and could set a new standard for future Call of Duty titles.
Via TFT’s
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