PC Modern Warfare 2 multiplayer shrinks

Infinity Ward has revealed that the PC version of Modern Warfare 2 will support only 18 players online, whereas previous instalments have catered for 32.

Nine-versus-nine is what console gamers can expect and, speaking in a Best Buy Live Chat (via Kotaku), the developer outlined this number as the future-focus for the war series.

IW veteran Mackey McCandlish said a cap of 18 players helped the team hone map sizes, perks, classes, challenges and more effectively.

Nevertheless, the PC crowd - still smarting over the lack of dedicated server support in MW2 - is unlikely to take the decision sitting down.

Modern Warfare 2 launches this Tuesday 10th November.