Modern Warfare 2 getting third-person MP view

Following video leak, Infinity Ward's Robert Bowling confirms alternate viewpoint will be accessible during private multiplayer matches.

The massive hype machine behind Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 got a boost from some grassroots buzz today, courtesy of a leaked video. The nearly eight-minute YouTube clip shows what appears to be a multiplayer bout of the upcoming first-person shooter being played from a third-person perspective. (The clip has since been pulled due to "copyright restrictions.")

Not all Modern Warfare 2's carnage will be first person.

The clip's authenticity appeared to be proven by its French-language menus, which match those seen in preview footage and a brief shot of the packaging, which bore the European PEGI rating label. But while Activision reps had not commented on the clip as of press time, Infinity Ward director of communications Robert Bowling quickly confirmed it as genuine.

"Yes, there's a leaked video," he posted on his Twitter feed. "Yes, it confirms a new Playlist type in MW2 & yes it's why I recommend a media blackout."

Speaking with the blog Joystiq, Bowling confirmed that the third-person view would be an option in Modern Warfare 2--in very specific circumstances. Instead of being able to toggle between third- and first-person views in the single-player campaign a la Fallout 3, the perspective will only be accessible in private matches, which are clearly identified as third person.

"It's not something you can toggle on and off in ANY game," said Bowling. (Emphasis in the original.) He also said that all participants in a third-person match must use the third-person viewpoint to prevent any unfair advantages. "This is just another cool way to play the game; you obviously will still have the option to play gametypes normal as well," he explained.

Rated M for Mature, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is due out on November 10 worldwide on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. It will also be released for the PC, albeit with a controversial new multiplayer matchmaking system, which prevents the use of dedicated servers.

410 Comments

  • oishio

    Posted Nov 8, 2009 6:36 am PT

    LEAKED FOOTAGE OF MULTIPLAYER MAPS AND MODES!!!!!!!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHg5SJYRHA0

  • Poison_1vy

    Posted Nov 1, 2009 8:06 am PT

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVH1F4vIKH8
    it works awsome

  • ZeerusX

    Posted Oct 30, 2009 2:50 pm PT

    @NUSlayermann

    Uhhhh....

    In any multiplayer game, the host has always controlled the paramaters of his own servers functionality...why is this new to you? And why exactly do you think that you should have more control over individual server settings then the servers own host has?

    EDIT: Not to mention, you have absolutely no clue on how matchmaking works. You don't just have one button to press. You designate certain parameters, and it searches for what type of game you want. YOU CHOOSE what paramaters it searches by, and 3rd person will undoubtably be one of those parameters.

  • ZeerusX

    Posted Oct 30, 2009 2:48 pm PT

    Was a little worried at first, but after I read that it's a setting that can't be toggled during the game, and everyone has to use it if it's turned ON, I'm ok with it now.

    Might actually lend to an entirely different play mechanic. Could be fun when you get bored of First Person, or if you're looking for a more arcadey version of COD.

  • Psycold

    Posted Oct 30, 2009 11:15 am PT

    @Dualmask - to me the only disadvantage of FPS views is the the lack of peripheral view, but I guess we'll have to wait for half-moon shaped monitors to fix that haha

  • Dualmask

    Posted Oct 30, 2009 9:46 am PT

    @Psycold yeah, to each his own. I've got nothing against those who prefer things that way. I never understood why first person is such a popular view though. It always seems to make things more difficult than they need to be in a game.

  • Psycold

    Posted Oct 30, 2009 9:31 am PT

    @Dualmask - third person views are the reason I skip a lot of games, I much prefer FPS games, always have. I really wish GTA had a first person view.

  • NUSlayermann

    Posted Oct 30, 2009 8:49 am PT

    Wow IW, just another way to control PC gamers...It's not the fact that third person is bad, I do enjoy fallout 3 in third person sometimes, but it's the fact that the host decides how I play the game. What if every game I join (because it's matchmaking now), the host decides on third person? I could end wasting 20 minutes trying to find a game that is suitable before I even play...This is getting out of control, all this crap they have messed with...Why change one of the most successful games of all time?!

  • wjcj100

    Posted Oct 29, 2009 7:23 pm PT

    http://www.56.com/u70/v_NDcyODk2NzU.html

    Thats the site if u want see...
    Its not too much of a spoiler...just more info on the game.

  • Dualmask

    Posted Oct 29, 2009 2:22 pm PT

    I'm convinced that FPS games, already an overcrowded, popular genre, would sell even more if they had the option of also being TPS games. The FPS view is the number one reason I don't play them.

  • ohjtbehaaave

    Posted Oct 29, 2009 9:13 am PT

    To bad. I wish all the FPS games offered a 3rd person view like how Fallout 3 did. I can't play FPS game because I get dizzy and like seasick from them in 5 minutes. If they offered a 3rd person view the game would sell way more.... and it would also offer a better strategy using cover etc... ala Socom, Uncharted 2 and Gears.

  • badman11226

    Posted Oct 29, 2009 9:09 am PT

    Damn IW is getting hit hard from the left and the right side. First No DS for PC gamers, Leaked Massacre clip, now Leak 3D person view man talk about damaged control man lol. Its like they are getting punch in the face by MIke Tyson. Damn sucks to be you right now IW.

  • sgtblizzard

    Posted Oct 29, 2009 5:42 am PT

    do u idiots realize that the 3rd person is only used in private matches with ur friends

  • nemesis4x

    Posted Oct 29, 2009 5:33 am PT

    3rd person sounds awesome

  • SuprSaiyanRockr

    Posted Oct 28, 2009 9:48 pm PT

    "all participants in a third-person match must use the third-person viewpoint to prevent any unfair advantages."
    great. apparently the host chooses how I play the game.

  • sharpshooter188

    Posted Oct 28, 2009 7:28 pm PT

    that that scared the hell out of me. I thought mp was going to be ONLY 3rd person. I wouldve seriously gotten my cash back for my reserve. No interest in 3rd person shooters. Only exception was the temporary 3rd person view in vegas 2.

  • USMC575

    Posted Oct 28, 2009 5:19 pm PT

    WTH would they put 3rd person on mw2. its a waste of money to utilize it when they could put the money towards something else. still love mw2 though.....

  • Alex_09

    Posted Oct 28, 2009 2:44 pm PT

    That's such good news.

  • BattleSword1

    Posted Oct 28, 2009 2:06 pm PT

    GameSpot... spoilers... too much... not going... make it... tell Alicia... love her... X__X

  • SamSharp505_UOC

    Posted Oct 28, 2009 2:00 pm PT

    @wjcj100
    shut up :S

  • supergamer514 posted Oct 28, 2009 1:24 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    supergamer514

    Posted Oct 28, 2009 1:24 pm PT (hide)

    I had a feeling that they was gonna add the 3rd person option.

  • Hercules321

    Posted Oct 28, 2009 1:23 pm PT

    I really don't know why anyone would be upset by this. It states in the article that it is simply another game mode and that you will not have matches with some people playing in 3rd person and others playing in 1st person at the same time (maybe private matches). I'm just really baffled as to why anyone would be mad at this. You dont like 3rd person mode? Thats cool, stick with traditional match types then.

  • ShadowOfKratos

    Posted Oct 28, 2009 12:55 pm PT

    I like it, something similar to the UT3 mod.

  • beekayjay

    Posted Oct 28, 2009 11:42 am PT

    And this affects gameplay how? Not seeing how this is important or cool.

  • Jhraxlin

    Posted Oct 28, 2009 11:04 am PT

    I think this is cool, and no they don't force you to, it is a multiplayer option.

  • parhar67

    Posted Oct 28, 2009 10:45 am PT

    Well as long as it wont force me to use 3rd person and i have the option to swtich back just incase i dont like it. Its a welcome addition.

  • SpikedStrider

    Posted Oct 28, 2009 9:35 am PT

    This sounds awesome. I like more options and what the heck I may even try it. I just got Forza 3 and it allows you to play in the driver seat this time. I never play in the driver seat.... well at least until now.lol It is the first time in racing games that I actually like the driver seat.

  • prioritymail

    Posted Oct 28, 2009 9:22 am PT

    Ghost Recon FTW! 3rd person sounds nice to me

  • BLACKWINGS17

    Posted Oct 28, 2009 8:16 am PT

    Gears of War 1 & 2 were two of the best games I've ever played, so I'll take 3rd person anyday over 1st person - but pretending to be in the military was never that appealing to me. I play videogames to simulate fantasy, I have a life to simulate reality.

    For those of you that are 1st person shooters, I don't see why so many of you hate this option. Its another option in a genre where every flippin' game offers the exact same thing as the next. Heaven forbid they try to add some variety.

  • Hoski0999

    Posted Oct 28, 2009 7:41 am PT

    @infinite access

    hey its been called call of duty since oh you know since its been annouced!

  • Draaagoon

    Posted Oct 28, 2009 7:25 am PT

    I don't understand what people are complaining about. Its an additional option, it does not force you to play in third person...

    Considering this is being release at a higher price than most regular games I want all the option it has to offer. For £55 I want third person, a free cup of tea and a pack of biscuits.

  • viv_la_keano

    Posted Oct 28, 2009 3:42 am PT

    as long as it stays in private matches then it doesn't bother me too much, although I am stuggling to see the point in this

  • shoelaces-4-all

    Posted Oct 28, 2009 3:17 am PT

    @scphan
    gametrailers mannn come on. User uploaded MW2 videos. or just scroll down, people have already posted links.

  • Evilnator

    Posted Oct 28, 2009 1:57 am PT

    Never got into this.

  • Hygh_Ryder

    Posted Oct 28, 2009 12:02 am PT

    infinite_access = retard

  • x-wing20

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 11:32 pm PT

    @Infinite Access
    No they brought back the Call of Duty party in the title. plus you can see it on the box art.

  • Infinite_Access posted Oct 27, 2009 11:27 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    Infinite_Access

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 11:27 pm PT (hide)

    Hey gamespot... its not called Call of Duty anymore since oh i dont know like a year ago.

  • GodsPoison

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 10:42 pm PT

    Oh? a third person camera would actually cinvince me to play this game, fps make me dizzy and puts a strain on my eyes. If i can play the campaign this way too then i might buy it.

  • Glade_Gnarr

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 10:09 pm PT

    I don't see the point in that.

  • SlayerX13

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 9:51 pm PT

    As long as 3rd person players can't play 1st person players there is no issues. 3rd person is easy mode though. Corner campers rejoice.

  • scphan

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 9:35 pm PT

    anyone know where i can see the video?

  • i7Crisisx

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 7:58 pm PT

    Something new for CoD vets. I like it. They are not forcing us to play TPS, rather giving us the choice. I will try it out, and most likely play it often. But I am glad they are not taking away the FPS aspect of the game.

  • justin22corona

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 7:23 pm PT

    i dont see why ppl r upset about this... its just another option... and i like options in games....nobody is being forced to play in 3rd person...but its kinda cool to have the option there if u want it...just my opinion anyway

  • MetalStorm759

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 7:21 pm PT

    just watched the video... very cool. Weapons look cool, graphics look great, 3rd person doesnt look half bad. Maybe with 3rd person you'll be able to customize your player's equipment and looks? just a thought. Very cool.

  • homestar2142

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 7:11 pm PT

    Here is a link to the video if anyone wants it
    http://www.56.com/u70/v_NDcyODk2NzU.html

  • wjcj100

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 6:18 pm PT

    @SamSharp505_UOC
    If you really want a leaked video then check this out...

    http://www.56.com/u3...DczMDY4MDI.html http://www.56.com/u6...DczMDcyNjc.html

    !!!WARNING!!!
    DO NOT WATCH THIS UNLESS YOU WANT TO SEE THE
    BIGGEST.SPOILER.EVER
    THIS REGARDS TO ALL WHO FOLLOW LINK...
    BTW SOME OF YOU WILL REGRET WATCHING THIS

  • Raad78

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 6:10 pm PT

    Maybe Activision and Infinity Award are planning big changes for future up coming games of the genre, and decided to run a real text on a controlled context by giving the option of playing as a 3rd person shooter as well. As a game designer, if this is ever the reason, it was than a clever one.

  • ThisNameIsDumb

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 6:04 pm PT

    i'm on a plain .....

  • ShroudedEagle

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 5:59 pm PT

    Sounds good. There's not much games that offer that nowadays...

  • mikeyg756

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 5:53 pm PT

    Not really big news, if anything it just proves how stupidly hyped this game is. Its just another call of duty for god sake, its not like your going to get anything unexpected, just another shoot bad men, beat game, waste life on multiplayer and achieve 10th PRESTIGE!!! which means nothing, but how much free time you have.

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