Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Won't Be Rendered in HD Resolution

Just like Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 won't be rendered in a high-definition resolution. Instead, the upcoming game will only be 600p natively. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare was released for the PC, Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 on November 6, 2007. It was the third entry in the series from Infinity Ward. For that reason, they decided to try something new instead of the tired World War II first-person shooter game that has been done many times before. Therefore, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare ended up in the modern era.

To build the new setting, Infinity Ward coded their proprietary game engine for Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. Since first-person shooting games place huge emphasis on accuracy, a steady and consistent frame rate is required. Thus, Infinity Ward decided to construct the game engine for Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare by placing emphasis on keeping it running at 60 frames per second. They went so far as to render the game at 600p natively and then upscale it to high-definition resolutions in order to reach the frame rate mark.

The lack of high-definition resolution did not bother many, however, as Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is widely regarded as one of the best-looking first-persons shooters even in 2009 thanks to its silky smooth frame rate in addition to incredible special effects. The PC, Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 went on to become one of the best-selling games of all-time.

Because of the massive success for the first title, expectations were high for the sequel. Many thought that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 would go above and beyond the standards set by its direct prequel. This includes the graphics department.

However, it looks like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 will be rendered in the same 600p resolution as Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. So, despite spending another two years with the same proprietary game engine, Infinity Ward decided once again to emphasize frame rate over high-definition resolutions.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 aren't the only games that don't render in 720p or higher, however. In fact, most up the other titles don't even run at 60 frames per second despite not having to use high-definition textures. Not to mention it is impossible to tell the difference between resolutions with your naked eye anyway.

Just like Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 will no doubt be a visual marvel when it comes out for the PC, Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 on November 10, 2009.