Modern Warfare 2 PC has no dedicated servers, introduces IW.net [updated]

Infinity Ward’s Robert Bowling (fourzerotwo) has just announced on the Bash Podcast (skip to 1:40) that “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2″ will not feature dedicated servers, and instead opts to connect people via a new backend interface called IW.net, that should replicate the features “Modern Warfare” players on consoles are used to, such as matchmaking.

“With Modern Warfare 2 more than ever, the team is focussing on heaving it equal on every platform [...] literally, we’re doing a lot of work on the back-end to make sure to make it accessible for everybody. [...] We’ve been building up this system called IW.net to allow matchmaking on the PC just like we have it on consoles. You are completely reliant on IW.net, and there’s no dedicated servers.

The support of custom content (mods, maps) is still not decided on. MW2 will also replace Punk-Buster with VAC.
I am not sure what the PC community will make of this, but I guess they won’t be too thrilled.

UPDATE if you want to take action, sign this petition. Thanks to reader ‘me’ for the link!

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