Infinity Ward’s decision to utilize Steamworks exclusively (it will handle updates, saves, achievements, etc) for the PC version of their Modern Warfare 2 title has IGN’s Direct2Drive download service refusing to sell it.

Valve’s Steamworks platform is a direct competitor to IGN’s Direct2Drive service, and considering the fact that you won’t be able to play the PC version of Modern Warfare 2 without installing Steamworks, this really doesn’t come as a huge surprise.

Direct2Drive issued the following statement regarding the matter:

“we believe strongly that when you buy a game from us, you shouldn’t be forced to install and run a 3rd party software client to be able to play the game you purchased.”

The digital distributor is allowing for an Amazon.com link on their site for those that still want to buy the game as well as a $5 off coupon towards the purchase of other Activision titles on their site.

In all honesty, if the company disagrees with the notion of forced 3rd party software why then link to an external means of purchase and offer a discount on other games by that publisher? It seems to me that they feel guilty for causing a perceived inconvenience to their customer base and at the same time don’t want to completely burn a bridge with the publisher. If that’s the case, just suck it up and sell the damn game then.

At least two other competitors in the space (Impulse and GamersGate) have decided that they too will not be selling the Modern Warfare 2 title. If digital distribution is the future, the road there looks like a bumpy one.

What do you think? Does this sort of 3rd party package deal bother you or do you see it as business as usual? Do you even care if the bottom line means a better game play experience on your end?

Thanks Gamasutra

Tags: 3rd party software, boycott, digital download, direct2drive, modern warfare 2, Steamworks, Valve

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