MW2 Mini-Map Changes Explained
Find out what's different about the Modern Warfare 2 mini-map.
The Modern Warfare 2 mini-map changes are controversial, to say the least. After over a decade of the same traditional Call of Duty mini-map, Infinity Ward has opted to mix things up in Modern Warfare 2. The result? A community of long-term, dedicated players that aren't too pleased with the Modern Warfare 2 mini-map changes.
How Is The Modern Warfare 2 Mini-Map Different?
Immediately upon jumping into the Modern Warfare 2 Beta, players noticed a change with the mini-map. Historically in Call of Duty titles, firing unsuppressed weapons would display a bright red dot on the mini-map, revealing your location to enemies. But in Modern Warfare 2, enemy player dots only appear on the mini-map when a UAV is active.
Will Infinity Ward "Fix" The Modern Warfare 2 Mini-Map?
The changes to the Modern Warfare 2 mini-map have been a point of contention in the community. So much so, that Infinity Ward issued a public response. In it, they state,
"Currently, in the MW2 Beta, we only show enemy player dots when a UAV is active. The design reason for this is that we do not want to punish players for firing their weapons. We also want players to actively search out the origin of a gunshot versus just travelling directly to where the dot is on the mini-map. We continue to gather feedback on how the game is playing in regard to this topic."
So basically, Infinity Ward wants players to use their auditory senses to track down enemies and not simply rely on the mini-map.
Based on this statement from Infinity Ward, it seems as if they plan to stick to their guns and hold firm on the Modern Warfare 2 mini-map changes. However, they do mention that they'll continue to listen to feedback on the topic.
Modern Warfare 2 Mini-Map Change Ramifications
The changes to the Modern Warfare 2 mini-map will have serious ramifications on the multiplayer experience.
Typically in Call of Duty titles, silencers are must-have attachments. The benefits of hiding your gunfire on the mini-map far outweigh any cons like reduced range or damage. Now that silencers merely muffle the sound of gunfire and reduce muzzle flash, they are no longer an essential attachment. Because of this, attachment diversity could be at an all-time high in MW2.
Since enemy player dots only show up when a UAV is active, UAVs will likely be the most popular Killstreak/Scorestreak in Modern Warfare 2. In the same way, MW2 tactical equipment like Heartbeat Sensors and Snapshot Grenades and MW2 Field Upgrades such as Portable Radars and Tactical Cameras should see an increase in usage as players look to gain intel on the opposition's whereabouts. And finally, to counter all these reconnaissance tools, the MW2 Perks of Ghost and Cold Blooded will probably be more common than in previous Call of Duty titles.
All in all, the Modern Warfare 2 mini-map changes are rather significant. And if Infinity Ward decides to carry on without regard to the community's feedback, prepare to locate enemies with your ears rather than your eyes.
The Modern Warfare 2 min-map changes have Infinity Ward facing accusations of discrimination.
About The Author
Coleman Hamstead
Coleman is a freelance journalist at GGRecon. While gaming has always been his passion, it wasn’t until he worked as a Sports Journalist at the Community College of Baltimore County that he found his enthusiasm for writing. In the time since Coleman has had his work featured in publications such as The Washington Post/Launcher and ESTNN. Coleman is a graduate of Towson University with a degree in Sport Management and Business Administration.
