Modern Warfare 2’s International Matchmaking Explained

We, as citizens of a country with less than stellar internet services, prefer to play our multiplayer games with local gamers as opposed to international randoms as it considerably reduces lag, making for better gaming. Understandably, we were a little upset when Infinity Ward confirmed that Modern Warfare 2, a game that’s guaranteed to be a multiplayer hit, doesn’t contain any specific region setting for its multiplayer modes.

Infinity Ward’s community manager has now clarified exactly how that matchmaking works, and it could be good news for we South Africans.

Alright, let me attempt to clarify as much as possible as its clear that there is some misunderstanding on how matchmaking works in Modern Warfare 2 for international users.

The functionality you’re asking for, the ability to connect to BEST connection rather than first available game aka quickest match, is already built into the matchmaking.

There is no need to include an additional toggle where you manually have to ask it to put you in the game best suited for your connection, that should all be done automatically without requiring you, the player, to go through an extra step to request it.
That’s what I was referring to in the tweet of, "you don’t select a region or country, it is auto-assist". Meaning, matchmaking will automatically put you in the best game for YOUR connection.

My statement was NOT to be taken as, "its the same as COD4". Just because there isn’t a menu option doesn’t mean the same functionality isn’t being done on the backend.

We’re doing extensive beta testing of Modern Warfare 2 internally, including with our Activision partners worldwide to test instances JUST LIKE THIS. Which is why I assure you a lot of your concerns will be unfounded come launch. However, we’ll still continue to monitor activity and performance for our international users post-launch and address anything that may arise.

So I encourage you, put away the pitchforks and torches for the moment until you see it in action. Then feel free to raise any concerns you may have, for now I stand behind our matchmaking for US AND international users.

If there are any other concerns you think we’re not aware of, I encourage you to let me know. This kind of response is good, shows you guys are passionate about the game, and I want to ensure you we’re just as passionate about making sure you’re heard and concerns are addressed.

There we go. Modern Warfare 2 should by all rights select games with the lowest pings, meaning we should have lobbies full of South Africans.

Source : Infinity Ward

Last Updated: October 1, 2009