View source for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

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{{Infobox video game
|title=Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
|image=Modern Warfare 2 cover.PNG
|caption=Cover art used for all territories
|developer=[[Infinity Ward]]
|publisher = [[Activision]]
|designer={{ubl|Todd Alderman<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.mobygames.com/game/call-of-duty-4-modern-warfare |title= Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare – MobyGames |date= November 16, 2007 |accessdate= November 16, 2007 |publisher= MobyGames}}</ref>|Steve Fukuda|[[Mohammad Alavi (game developer)|Mohammad Alavi]]}}
|producer=Mark Rubin
|director=Jason West
|writer=Jesse Stern
|composer=[[Lorne Balfe]]
|series=''[[Call of Duty]]''
|engine=[[IW engine]]
|platforms={{ubl|[[Microsoft Windows]]|[[PlayStation 3]]|[[Xbox 360]]|[[OS X]]}}
|released={{Vgrelease|WW|November 10, 2009}}
|genre=[[First-person shooter]]
|modes=[[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
}}

'''''Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2''''' is a [[first-person shooter]] video game developed by [[Infinity Ward]] and published by [[Activision]]. Officially announced on February 11, 2009,<ref name="Reannounced" /> the game was released worldwide on November 10, 2009 for [[Xbox 360]], [[PlayStation 3]], and [[Microsoft Windows]].<ref name="GDC Trailer, Title Cut" /> It is the sixth installment of the ''[[Call of Duty|Call of Duty series]]''<ref name="CoD6 Announced">{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/news/6197777.html?tag=other-user-related-content;1 |title=Infinity Ward enlisted for Call of Duty 6 |date=September 16, 2008 |accessdate=December 3, 2008 |last=Sinclair |first=Brendan |publisher=GameSpot |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110920160521/http://uk.gamespot.com/news/6197777.html?tag=other-user-related-content;1 |archivedate=September 20, 2011 |df=mdy }}</ref> and the direct sequel to ''[[Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare]]'', continuing the same storyline, with ''[[Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3]]'' ending the storyline.<ref name="Reannounced" /><ref name="IGN Early Reveal">{{cite web |url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/983/983098p1.html |title=Modern Warfare 2 Details Surface |date=May 14, 2009 |accessdate=May 14, 2009 |last=Onyett |first=Charles |publisher=IGN}}</ref> It was released in conjunction with two other ''Call of Duty'' games: ''[[Call of Duty: Modern Warfare: Mobilized]]'' for the [[Nintendo DS]],<ref name="DS game">{{cite web |url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/101/1010028p1.html |title=Call of Duty: Modern Warfare: Mobilized in Development for Nintendo DS |date=August 3, 2009 |accessdate=August 3, 2009 |publisher=IGN}}</ref> and ''[[Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare#Retail versions|Call of Duty: Modern Warfare: Reflex]]'', a [[Video game porting|port]] of ''Call of Duty 4'' adapted by [[Treyarch]] for the [[Wii]] console.<ref name="Wii game">{{cite web |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/101/1010870p1.html |title=Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Coming to Wii |date=August 5, 2009 |accessdate=August 5, 2009 |publisher=IGN}}</ref>

The game's campaign follows the Task Force 141, a [[special forces]] unit fronted by Captain [[Soap MacTavish]], and the [[United States Army Rangers]] as they hunt Vladimir Makarov, leader of the Russian Ultranationalist party. The game's main playable characters are Gary "Roach" Sanderson, of the 141, and James Ramirez, of the Army Rangers, with Captain MacTavish becoming playable later in the campaign. An expansive multiplayer mode is featured in the game, with several new features and modes that were not seen in its predecessor.

Development for the game began in 2008, when it was still known as ''Call of Duty 6''; eventually, the full title was revealed. ''Modern Warfare 2'' uses the [[IW engine|IW 4.0]] engine, an improved version of ''Call of Duty 4''{{'}}s IW 3.0 engine. Infinity Ward was inspired by real-life conflicts when developing the game's campaign mode. They initially tested the game's multiplayer mode by playing an in-house beta version of the game. Teasing of the game began in March 2009, with short trailers being released for the game and, eventually, a full reveal trailer. The game's multiplayer was revealed shortly after. Two [[downloadable content]] packs were released for the multiplayer mode, each containing four new maps.

''Modern Warfare 2'' has been critically acclaimed by various gaming websites, attaining a 94/100 aggregate score on [[Metacritic]], with praise stemming primarily from its in-depth multiplayer component. Within 24 hours of release, the game sold approximately 4.7 million copies in North America and the United Kingdom. In addition to its release, a [[comic book]] series based on one of the game's characters was also produced, entitled ''[[Modern Warfare 2: Ghost]]''.<ref name="Comic" /> Despite the game's success, it was subject to [[Controversies surrounding Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2|some controversies]], with one surrounding [[No Russian|a playable level]] that had the player carry out a terror attack on an airport.

==Gameplay==
''Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2'' is a [[first-person shooter]] video game.<ref name="RPS Review">{{cite web|last=Meer|first=Alec|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2009/11/17/wot-i-think-modern-warfare-2/|title=Wot I Think: Modern Warfare 2|work=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]|date=November 17, 2009|accessdate=August 10, 2016}}</ref> The player can perform several actions, including jump, sprint, crouch, lay [[Prone position|prone]], and aim down their gun's [[iron sights]].{{sfn|Infinity Ward|2009|p=2}} When the player is shot by an enemy, blood will splatter their [[HUD (video gaming)|heads-up display]] (HUD), denoting that they have taken damage; if the player avoids gunfire by taking cover, then their [[Health (gaming)|health]] will recover.{{sfn|Infinity Ward|2009|p=5}} The HUD also displays other information, such as a compass, a [[mini-map]], and the player's current ammunition count.{{sfn|Infinity Ward|2009|p=3-4}} The game features traditional guns, including [[assault rifle]]s, [[shotgun]]s, [[handgun]]s, and [[sniper rifle]]s. The player will be given specific guns at the beginning of each [[level (video gaming)|level]], but may switch them out with another gun they find.{{sfn|Marcus|Sea Snipers|2009|p=6—7}} Most guns have attachments, such as [[suppressor]]s, and [[heartbeat sensor]]s.<ref name="Giant Bomb Review">{{cite web|last=Gerstmann|first=Jeff|authorlink=Jeff Gerstmann|url=http://www.giantbomb.com/reviews/modern-warfare-2-review/1900-229/|title=Modern Warfare 2 Review|publisher=[[Giant Bomb]]|date=November 10, 2009|accessdate=August 10, 2016}}</ref> The player can also use grenades and [[flashbang]]s when faced with a large group of enemies, as well as a knife for [[close quarters combat]].{{sfn|Marcus|Sea Snipers|2009|p=8}} In some levels, the player will be given special equipment, such as [[Night vision device|night vision goggles]], or a [[laser designator]].{{sfn|Marcus|Sea Snipers|2009|p=9}}

[[File:MW2 Multiplayer.png|right|thumb|Players can compete against each other in Multiplayer mode]]
''Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2'' has three different game modes to choose from: Campaign, Spec Ops, and Multiplayer.<ref name="Joystiq Review"/> Campaign is a [[single-player]] mode where the player completes eighteen levels connected by an overarching plot.{{sfn|Marcus|Sea Snipers|2009|p=5}} Each level features a series of objectives to fulfill, and the player will often switch characters between levels.<ref name="Joystiq Review">{{cite web|last=Kelly|first=Kevin|url=https://www.engadget.com/2009/11/10/review-call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2/|title=Review: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2|work=[[Joystiq]]|date=November 10, 2009|accessdate=August 10, 2016}}</ref><ref name="PopMatters Review">{{cite web|last=Williams|first=G. Christopher|url=http://www.popmatters.com/post/116433-uniforms-are-relics-call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2/|title=Uniforms Are Relics|work=[[PopMatters]]|date=November 18, 2009|accessdate=August 11, 2016}}</ref> If the player dies during a level, they will [[Spawning (video gaming)|respawn]] at the most recent [[checkpoint (video gaming)|checkpoint]].{{sfn|Infinity Ward|2009|p=3—4}} Levels can be played on one of four [[difficulty level|difficulties]], and each level can be replayed after it has been completed.{{sfn|Infinity Ward|2009|p=3—4}}{{sfn|Marcus|Sea Snipers|2009|p=15}} Spec Ops mode features twenty-three additional levels that can be played individually or [[Cooperative gameplay|cooperatively]] with a partner. These levels provide specific challenges, such as defusing three bombs within a short period of time.<ref name="IGN Spec Ops">{{cite web|last=Bozon|first=Mark|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/11/07/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2-spec-ops-hands-on|title=Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2: Spec Ops Hands-On|publisher=[[IGN]]|date=November 6, 2009|accessdate=August 11, 2016}}</ref> If one player goes down while playing cooperatively, they will begin crawling, and can shoot enemies with a handgun. If they are not revived by the other player, then they will die and fail the level. There are five tiers of Spec Ops levels, with each tier harder than the last. Only the first tier is available from the beginning, as later tiers can be unlocked with enough stars. Players earn stars by completing the levels on one of three difficulties, with the amount of stars earned corresponding to the difficulty chosen.<ref name="IGN Spec Ops"/>

Multiplayer mode allows players to compete against each other in team-based and [[deathmatch]]-based game types on various maps. Each game type has an objective that requires unique strategies to complete.{{sfn|Marcus|Sea Snipers|2009|p=148}} If the player kills three or more players in a row without dying, they achieve a "killstreak", which gives the player a tactical advantage during a match. These include a [[MQ-1 Predator|Predator]] missile,<ref name="IGN Hands On">{{cite web|last=Bozon|first=Mark|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/09/16/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2-multiplayer-hands-on?page=1|title=Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Multiplayer Hands-On|publisher=[[IGN]]|date=September 16, 2009|accessdate=August 12, 2016}}</ref> a [[sentry gun]],{{sfn|Marcus|Sea Snipers|2009|p=194}} and a "tactical [[nuclear weapon|nuke]]".<ref name="Kotaku Review">{{cite web|last=McWhertor|first=Michael|url=http://kotaku.com/5400558/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2-review-this-means-war|title=Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Review: This Means War|work=[[Kotaku]]|date=November 10, 2009|accessdate=August 12, 2016}}</ref> Alternatively, if the player dies several times without a kill, they will be rewarded with a "deathstreak" bonus, which evens the match for the player.<ref name="Kotaku Review"/> A match ends when either a team or player has reached a predefined number of points, or the allotted time expires in which case the team or player with the most points wins.{{sfn|Marcus|Sea Snipers|2009|p=156}} The player's performance in the Multiplayer is tracked with [[experience point]]s, which can be earned by killing opposing players, completing objectives, or by completing a match.<ref name="USA Today Review">{{cite web|last=Molina|first=Brett|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gamehunters/post/2009/11/review-believe-the-hype-on-call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2/1#.V6-hplUrLnA|title=Review: Believe the hype on 'Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2'|work=[[USA Today]]|date=November 10, 2009|accessdate=August 13, 2016}}</ref> As the player gains experience, they advance in level, unlocking new weapons. The player will also unlock perks, which modify certain gameplay elements like unlimited sprint and increased bullet damage.{{sfn|Marcus|Sea Snipers|2009|p=193}}

==Plot==

===Setting and characters===
The story featured in ''Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2''{{'s}} Campaign mode serves as a sequel to ''Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare''{{'s}} Campaign mode, and is set five years later. In the previous game, the player killed Imran Zakhaev, a Russian [[nationalism|ultra-nationalist]] who sought to restore his country back to the glory days of the [[Soviet Union]]. Despite this effort however, ultra-nationalists seized control of Russia, and declared Zakhaev a [[martyr]], straining diplomatic relations with the United States. One of Zakhaev's lieutenants, Vladimir Makarov, began a campaign of revenge against the West by committing acts of [[terrorism]] throughout Europe.

The player primarily controls Sergeant Gary "Roach" Sanderson, a member of an elite counter-terrorist unit named Task Force 141. In addition to Roach, the player will also assume control of [[Private First Class#United States|Private First Class]] Joseph Allen and [[Private (rank)#United States|Private]] James Ramirez of the [[United States Army Rangers]].<ref name="E3 2009 IGN">{{cite web|url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/989/989984p1.html|title=E3 2009: Modern Warfare 2 Impressions|date=June 2, 2009|accessdate=June 2, 2009|last=Ocampo|first=Jason|publisher=[[IGN]]}}</ref> Several [[non-playable character]]s feature prominently in the story. [[Soap MacTavish|John "Soap" MacTavish]]. serves as a senior member of Task Force 141, acting as Roach's superior officer.<ref name="IGN Early Reveal" /> Another member of the unit is Lieutenant Simon "Ghost" Riley, who conceals his face with a skull print [[balaclava (clothing)|balaclava]].<ref name="MTV comic preview">{{cite web|url=http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2009/08/17/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2-comic-book-series-coming-from-wildstorm/|title='Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2' Comic Book Series Coming From Wildstorm|last=Frushtick|first=Russ|date=August 17, 2009|accessdate=August 17, 2009|work=[[MTV]] Multiplayer}}</ref> Sergeant Foley, along with his subordinate, Corporal Dunn, is initially Joseph Allen's squad leader, and becomes James Ramirez's squad leader later in the story. [[Lieutenant General]] Shepherd is the commander of the United States Army Rangers and Task Force 141.

===Story===
In 2016, Private First Class Joseph Allen participates in a military operation alongside United States Army Rangers stationed in [[Afghanistan]], by assisting them in taking back a city from insurgents. Impressed by Allen's capabilities, General Shepherd recruits him into Task Force 141. While Allen prepares for an upcoming assignment, Captain John "Soap" MacTavish and Sergeant Gary "Roach" Sanderson infiltrate a Russian airbase in the [[Tian Shan]] mountains to retrieve an Attack Characterization System (ACS) module from a downed American satellite.

Allen is soon sent on an undercover mission in Russia for the [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]], joining Vladimir Makarov in a [[mass shooting]] at an airport in [[Moscow]]. After leaving the airport, Makarov, who has been aware of Allen's true identity, kills him and leaves his body behind to [[false flag|spark a war]] between Russia and the United States. Outraged by what is believed to be an American-sponsored terrorist attack, Russia retaliates by launching a surprise invasion on the [[East Coast of the United States]].{{Efn|Following the invasion, Task Force 141 concludes that the ACS module had already been compromised before its retrieval.}}<ref name="MW2-ps3">{{cite video game|title=Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2|developer=[[Infinity Ward]]|date=November 14, 2009|publisher=[[Activision]]|version=1.04|platform=[[PlayStation 3]]/[[Xbox 360]]|level=Second Sun}}</ref> With no evidence of Makarov's involvement in the airport massacre, Task Force 141 is sent to [[Rio de Janeiro]] to capture Makarov's arms dealer. They capture the dealer, and learn that Makarov's nemesis is being held in a Russian [[gulag]]. Task Force 141 assaults the gulag and rescues the prisoner, who is revealed to be [[Captain Price]], a member of the British [[Special Air Service]].{{efn|In ''[[Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3|Modern Warfare 3]]'', it is revealed that Price was captured during "[[Find Makarov: Operation Kingfish|Operation Kingfish]]" in 2013, a mission to kill or capture Makarov.}}

Price agrees to help Task Force 141, but insists that his priority is to end the war in the United States. After raiding a Russian port, Price launches a [[submarine-launched ballistic missile|ballistic missile]] towards [[Washington, D.C.]] and sets it to detonate in the [[near space|upper atmosphere]]. The resulting [[Nuclear electromagnetic pulse|EMP]] blast disables all electronic devices across the eastern seaboard, causing both factions to suffer but giving the Americans a much-needed advantage.<ref>"Soap's Journal". ''Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3's Hardened edition''. Activision (November 8, 2011).</ref> Soldiers fighting in Washington, D.C. narrowly avoid a [[scorched earth|bombing run of Russian-occupied strategic structures]] by the [[United States Air Force]], when they light green flares atop the [[White House]], showing that the city remains in American hands.

Meanwhile, Task Force 141 narrows Makarov's hiding place to two locations; Price and Soap travel to an [[aircraft boneyard]] in Afghanistan to intercept an arms deal, while Roach and Lieutenant Simon "Ghost" Riley raid Makarov's safehouse on the [[Georgia (country)|Georgian]]-Russian border. Although Makarov himself is absent, Roach and his team obtain vital information on the antagonist; however, when they reach the extraction point, Shepherd betrays and kills the unit. It soon becomes evident that Shepherd is the catalyst of the war between Russia and the U.S. with the intent of generating a massive wave of American enlistment, along with defense spending and production in a time of emergency. Shepherd sent Allen to participate in the massacre, fully aware that Makarov would set America up; he also allegedly provided the ACS to the Russian forces to be compromised, informed Makarov of Allen's identity, and eventually managed to secure a [[blank cheque|blank check]] from the government to fund his war effort, his endgame being to kill Makarov himself and usurp the glory, thus cementing his status as a national hero. Price and Soap learn of Shepherd's betrayal, and escape a battle between Shepherd's and Makarov's forces.

Price contacts Makarov on an open radio channel, where Makarov reluctantly reveals Shepherd's mountain base in Afghanistan. Price and Soap raid the base to take revenge on Shepherd in a [[suicide mission]]; during the infiltration, Shepherd attempts to escape on a boat, with Price and Soap in hot pursuit. At the climax of the pursuit, Shepherd sails into a helicopter, but Price shoots it down as he and Soap tumble over a waterfall.<ref name="MW2-ps3"/> A dazed Soap stumbles towards the crash of the helicopter, and attempts to kill Shepherd, but is stabbed in the chest. When Price arrives and engages Shepherd in a fist fight, Soap pulls the knife out of his chest and throws it at Shepherd, killing him. Nikolai, who arrives to recover the duo, and Price evacuate Soap for medical attention.

==Development==
''Modern Warfare 2'' was originally announced as ''Call of Duty 6''.<ref name="CoD6 Announced"/> The game was first announced under the title ''Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2'' by Activision on December 3, 2008.<ref name="ModWar2 Confirmed">{{cite web |url=http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/691461/Activision_Announces_New_Call_of_Duty_Guitar_Hero_and_Tony_Hawk_Games.html |title=Activision Announces New 'Call of Duty', 'Guitar Hero', and 'Tony Hawk' Games |date=December 3, 2008 |accessdate=December 3, 2008 |last=Leahy |first=Brian |publisher=G4 }}</ref> Activision subsequently retracted its announcement, stating that any information about an upcoming ''Call of Duty'' game was "speculative."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.videogamer.com/news/04-12-2008-10107.html |title=Activision: CoD Modern Warfare 2 reports 'speculative' |date=December 4, 2008 |accessdate=January 29, 2009 |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |publisher=Videogamer}}</ref> Infinity Ward then asserted that it had not officially confirmed its latest project at that time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fourzerotwo.com/2009/01/11/beware-of-fake-cod5-beta-invites/ |title=Beware of fake "COD5" Beta Invites |date=January 11, 2009 |accessdate=January 29, 2009 |last=Bowling |first=Robert |publisher=Infinity Ward |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090123155224/http://www.fourzerotwo.com/2009/01/11/beware-of-fake-cod5-beta-invites/ |archivedate=January 23, 2009 }}</ref> On February 11, 2009, Activision officially announced ''Modern Warfare 2'' and set a tentative release date for "[[Christmas and holiday season|Holiday]] 2009."<ref name="Reannounced">{{cite web |url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/953/953538p1.html |title=Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 This Holiday |date=February 11, 2009 |accessdate=February 11, 2009 |last=Ocampo |first=Jason |publisher=IGN}}</ref> The game was tested in an internal [[Betaware|beta]] by the development team. While both ''Call of Duty 4'' and ''[[Call of Duty: World at War]]'' had been preceded by public multiplayer betas, no such beta was released for ''Modern Warfare 2'' because it was determined that, according to Community Manager Robert Bowling, no public beta was needed unless the internal beta did not provide adequate feedback.<ref name="No beta">{{cite web |url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/101/1015777p1.html |title=No Public Beta for Modern Warfare 2 |last=Brudvig |first=Erik |date=August 19, 2009 |accessdate=August 19, 2009 |publisher=IGN}}</ref>

Infinity Ward announced on October 2009 that the PC version of ''Modern Warfare 2'' would not support the use of user-run dedicated servers or in-game console commands. Such announcement was received poorly by some members of the PC community,<ref name="ars_tech_pc">{{cite web|last=Kuchera |first=Ben |url=http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2009/11/pc-modern-warfare-2-its-much-worse-than-you-thought.ars |title=PC Modern Warfare 2: it's much worse than you thought |publisher=Ars Technica |date= |accessdate=November 8, 2009}}</ref> a negative response that eventually drew Infinity Ward's own response on the matter in an effort to put the community at ease.<ref name="IWNET">{{cite web|url=http://www.fourzerotwo.com/?p=745 |title=Modern Warfare 2 For PC |date=October 20, 2009 |accessdate=October 26, 2009 |author=FourZeroTwo |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091023073838/http://www.fourzerotwo.com/?p=745 |archivedate=October 23, 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Salty |first=Sir |url=http://gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2009/10/20/modern-warfare-2-dedicated-server-response.aspx |title=Infinity Ward Responds To PC Fanboys' Dedicated Server Woes – News |publisher=GameInformer.com |date=October 20, 2009 |accessdate=November 8, 2009}}</ref> During brainstorming sessions, an idea came forth on what if the ending of Modern Warfare was a loss, leading to the sequel.<ref name="Ideas">{{cite news|url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/2009-11-03-warfare03_ST_N.htm|title='Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2' benefits from 'NCIS' writer|date=November 3, 2009|accessdate=December 2, 2009|publisher=[[USA Today]]|author=Mike Snider}}</ref> In an interview with Jesse Stern, he talked to producers of Infinity Ward with ideas such as "outbreaks, viruses, chemical warfare, and even outlandish things such as aliens and the living dead."<ref name="Jesse Stern">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/213011/modern-warfare-2-writer-the-airport-level-was-a-risk-we-had-to-take/|title=Modern Warfare 2 writer: "the airport level was a risk we had to take"|publisher=GamePro.com|date=November 19, 2009|accessdate=December 3, 2009|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091122045327/http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/213011/modern-warfare-2-writer-the-airport-level-was-a-risk-we-had-to-take/|archivedate=November 22, 2009}}</ref> Stern mentioned having the game based on real-life conflicts before they halted further planning at first due to events in the [[2008 South Ossetia war]] and in the [[2008 Mumbai attacks|Mumbai terrorist attacks]].<ref name="Jesse Stern"/>

===Game engine===
The game utilizes the in-house [[IW engine|IW 4.0 game engine]], which is claimed to be a generation beyond the capabilities of the engine used in ''Call of Duty 4''.<ref name="Engine">{{cite web |url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/100/1003728p2.html |title=The 10 Best Game Engines of This Generation |last=Stead |first=Chris |date=July 15, 2009 |accessdate=July 15, 2009 |publisher=IGN}}</ref> Although proprietary, it is based on an unspecified [[id Tech]] engine, and can accommodate larger worlds, enhanced graphic detail, and more efficient rendering.<ref name="TexStream">{{cite web|url=http://www.fourzerotwo.com/?p=686 |title=Modern Warfare 2: Texture Streaming |author=fourzertwo aka Robert Bowling |date=August 20, 2009 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090922222009/http://www.fourzerotwo.com/?p=686 |archivedate=September 22, 2009 }}</ref> [[Infinity Ward]] has addressed the issue of enemies that continually respawn at different points of a level.<ref name="GS Early Reveal">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6209543.html?tag=recent_news;img;1 |title=First Modern Warfare 2 details emerge |date=May 12, 2009 |accessdate=May 12, 2009 |last=Thorsen |first=Tor |publisher=GameSpot |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629004338/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6209543.html?tag=recent_news;img;1 |archivedate=June 29, 2011 |df=mdy }}</ref> The developer demonstrated that the game engine uses a "dynamic [[AI]]", which has replaced the infinite respawn system and allows enemies to act more independently. These "smarter" enemies are designed to actively seek out and drive the player forward through a level, and can break away from set behaviors such as following a designated route in order to attack. The player cannot depend on enemies to be found in the same locations as a previous play-through because enemies will behave differently each time a level is played.<ref name="standard box" />

===Audio===
On August 20, 2009, Robert Bowling revealed through Twitter that [[Kevin McKidd]], [[Craig Fairbrass]], [[Barry Pepper]], [[Keith David]], and [[Glenn Morshower]] were confirmed voice actors for the game.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6215853.html |title=Modern Warfare 2 casts Keith David, Kevin McKidd |last=Tor Thorsen |date=August 20, 2009 |accessdate=August 20, 2009 |publisher=Gamespot}}</ref> It was later confirmed that McKidd would voice the protagonist, "Soap" MacTavish.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://forums.infinityward.com/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=78084&p=1465868#p1465868|title=Re: Modern Warfare 2 Voices Announced (And Database)|last=Fourzertwo aka Robert Bowling|date=August 21, 2009|accessdate=August 27, 2009|publisher=Infinity Ward}}</ref> Fairbrass, who voiced Gaz in ''Call of Duty 4'', provided voice work for "Ghost". [[Billy Murray (actor)|Billy Murray]] reprised his role as Captain Price from ''Call of Duty 4''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.07766575100.com/richardjohntaylor/clients/billyamurray/news.html |title=news |publisher=07766575100.com |date= |accessdate=November 8, 2009 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091010010042/http://www.07766575100.com/richardjohntaylor/clients/billyamurray/news.html |archivedate=October 10, 2009 }}</ref> Rapper [[50 Cent]] provided voice work for the Special Ops and multiplayer modes, portraying "one of the squad [member] voices."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.destructoid.com/50-cent-to-be-appearing-in-modern-warfare-2-143297.phtml |title=50 Cent to be appearing in Modern Warfare 2 |last=Stirling |first=Jim |date=August 8, 2009 |accessdate=August 8, 2009 |publisher=Destructoid}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://thisis50.com/profiles/blogs/50-cent-visits-infinity-ward |title=50 Cent Visits Infinity Ward |last=50 Cent |date=July 7, 2009 |accessdate=August 8, 2009 |publisher=This Is 50}}</ref> The main theme of ''Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2'' was provided by Hollywood composer [[Hans Zimmer]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/musicNews/idUSTRE57R0HL20090828 |title=Composer Hans Zimmer game for Call of Duty &#124; Entertainment &#124; Music |publisher=Reuters |date=August 27, 2009 |accessdate=November 27, 2009}}</ref> while the rest of the score was composed by [[Lorne Balfe]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/windows/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2/credits |title=Game Credits for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2|publisher=Moby Games |accessdate=September 12, 2009}}</ref> The soundtrack was released on June 1, 2010.<ref name="iTunes OST">{{cite web | url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/call-duty-modern-warfare-2/id373849748 | title=Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (Original Game Score) | publisher=[[iTunes|iTunes U.S.]] | accessdate=August 23, 2016}}</ref> The [[iTunes]] page for the soundtrack incorrectly lists Zimmer as the soundtrack's only composer.<ref name="iTunes OST"/>

{{Infobox album
| Name = Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (Original Score)
| Cover = 
| Type = Soundtrack
| Longtype =
| Artist = [[Lorne Balfe]]
| Released = {{Start date|2010|6|1}} {{Small|(digital)}}
| Recorded = 2008–09
| Genre = {{hlist|[[Video game music|Soundtrack]]|[[Orchestral music|orchestral]]|[[Ambient music|ambient]]}}
| Length = 52:39
| Label = [[Activision]]<ref name="iTunes OST"/>
| Last album  =
| This album  =
| Next album  =
| Misc = 
| Producer = Lorne Balfe
}}

{{Track listing
| collapsed = no
| total_length = 52:39
| writing_credits = yes
| title1 = Opening Titles
| writer1 = [[Hans Zimmer]]
| length1 = 3:25
| title2 = Extraction Point
| writer2 = [[Lorne Balfe]]
| length2 = 3:35
| title3 = Breach
| writer3 = Balfe
| length3 = 3:22
| title4 = Guerrilla Tactics
| writer4 = Balfe
| length4 = 2:58
| title5 = Siege
| writer5 = Balfe
| length5 = 4:06
| title6 = Infiltration
| writer6 = Balfe
| length6 = 4:28
| title7 = Esprit de corps
| writer7 = Balfe
| length7 = 3:07
| title8 = Retreat and Reveille
| writer8 = Balfe
| length8 = 2:58
| title9 = Ordinance
| writer9 = Balfe
| length9 = 1:58
| title10 = Contingency
| writer10 = Balfe
| length10 = 2:16
| title11 = Onwards
| writer11 = Balfe
| length11 = 2:28
| title12 = Code of Conduct
| writer12 = Balfe
| length12 = 2:09
| title13 = Chain of Command
| writer13 = Balfe
| length13 = 2:01
| title14 = Safeguard
| writer14 = Balfe
| length14 = 2:43
| title15 = Deadline
| writer15 = Balfe
| length15 = 3:56
| title16 = Protocol
| writer16 = Balfe
| length16 = 3:47
| title17 = Coup de grâce
| writer17 = Balfe
| length17 = 3:22
}}

==Marketing and release==
On March 25, 2009, a teaser trailer for the game was revealed at the Game Developer Choice Awards ceremony in San Francisco. The teaser was posted on [[Infinity Ward]]'s website,<ref name="Teaser Trailer">{{cite web |url=http://modernwarfare2.infinityward.com |title=Modern Warfare 2 Teaser Trailer |date=March 25, 2009 |accessdate=March 25, 2009 |publisher=Infinity Ward}}</ref> and released on the [[Xbox Live Marketplace]] and the [[PlayStation Network]] a short time later.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/04/02/playstation-store-update-79/ |title=PlayStation Store Update |date=April 2, 2009|accessdate=April 13, 2009|publisher=PlayStation.Blog}}</ref> A second teaser was released on May 10, 2009 and showed gameplay features such as snowmobile driving and underwater actions. The teaser announced that the game would be "revealed" on [[TNT (TV network)|TNT]] during the [[National Basketball Association|NBA]] [[2009 NBA Playoffs|Eastern Conference Finals]] on May 24, 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/981/981399p1.html|title=Modern Warfare 2 Gameplay Glimpsed |accessdate=May 11, 2009 |date=May 10, 2009 |last=Goldstein |first=Hillary |publisher=IGN}}</ref> The "reveal" was the first full-length trailer, which debuted extended sequences of actual in-game scenes and combat; the trailer was subsequently made available on the ''Modern Warfare 2'' official website, which was kept updated for the occasion.<ref name="Reveal Trailer">{{cite web |url=http://xbox360.ign.com/dor/objects/14281102/call-of-duty-6/videos/moderw2_trl_reveal_052409.html |title=Modern Warfare 2 Xbox 360 Trailer- Reveal 2 |date=May 24, 2009 |accessdate=May 24, 2009 |publisher=Infinity Ward}}</ref> A fourth trailer was released on July 27, 2009, and showed the first footage of the game's multiplayer mode.<ref name="Multiplayer Reveal">{{cite web |url=http://xbox360.ign.com/dor/objects/14281102/call-of-duty-6/videos/modern2_trl_multiplayer_72709.html |title=Modern Warfare 2 Multiplayer |date=July 27, 2009 |accessdate=July 27, 2009 |publisher=IGN}}</ref> On October 4, 2009, a second full-length cinematic trailer was released and revealed that part of the game would take place in a war-torn [[Washington, D.C.]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://xbox360.ign.com/dor/objects/14281102/call-of-duty-6/videos/mw2_trl_campaigntrailer_100209.html |title=IGN Video: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Campaign Trailer |date=October 4, 2009 |accessdate=October 5, 2009 |publisher=IGN}}</ref>

On July 21, 2009, Infinity Ward's Robert Bowling revealed through Twitter that a ''Modern Warfare 2'' [[Gamepad|controller]] was in the works.<ref name="Controller">{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/20/infinity-ward-helping-design-modern-warfare-2-controller/ |title=Infinity Ward helping design Modern Warfare 2 controller |date=July 20, 2009 |accessdate=July 21, 2009 |last=Nelson |first=Randy |publisher=Joystiq}}</ref> Peripherals manufacturer [[Mad Catz]] was contracted by Activision to create a line of ''Modern Warfare 2'' controllers and accessories for all platforms that the game would be available on.<ref name="Mad Catz">{{cite web |url=http://gear.ign.com/articles/101/1012847p1.html |title=Mad Catz Modern Warfare 2 Range Announced |last=Lowe |first=Scott |date=August 11, 2009 |accessdate=August 11, 2009 |publisher=IGN}}</ref> Activision stated, in its quarterly earnings report, that pre-orders for the game had broken a company record; more copies of ''Modern Warfare 2'' had been pre-ordered than any other game that the company had published before.<ref name="Preorder Record">{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5331031/modern-warfare-2-marvel-ultimate-alliance-breaking-pre+order-records |title=Modern Warfare 2, Marvel Ultimate Alliance Breaking Pre-Order Records |last=Plunkett |first=Luke |date=August 5, 2009 |accessdate=August 11, 2009 |publisher=Kotaku}}</ref> In September 2009, [[Monster Energy]] teamed up with [[Activision]] to bring special redeemable codes on the Monster Energy website,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.monsterenergy.com/web/modern-warfare-2 |title=Monster Energy Drink – Unleash The Beast – modern-warfare-2 – home |publisher=Monsterenergy.com |date= |accessdate=November 8, 2009 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091003234406/http://www.monsterenergy.com/web/modern-warfare-2 |archivedate=October 3, 2009 }}</ref> where people may submit codes included in Monster Energy packs to redeem items such as [[Xbox 360]] Premium Themes and a ''Modern Warfare 2'' Map Pack code.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.inquisitr.com/40323/modern-warfare-2-downloadable-maps-revealed/ |title=Modern Warfare 2 downloadable maps revealed |publisher=Inquisitr.com |date=October 1, 2009 |accessdate=November 8, 2009}}</ref>

===Title===
The original teaser trailer confirmed that the game's title of ''Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2'' was officially shortened to just ''Modern Warfare 2''.<ref name="GDC Trailer, Title Cut">{{cite web |url=http://investor.activision.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=373355 |title=Modern Warfare 2 Coming November 10, 2009 |accessdate=March 26, 2009 |date=March 26, 2009 |publisher=Activision Publishing, Inc.}}</ref> After photographs of the official retail boxes were posted by Robert Bowling,<ref name="box art Twitter">{{cite web |first=Robert |last=Bowling |url=https://twitter.com/fourzerotwo/status/2555334500|title=Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 boxes are ready |date=July 9, 2009 |accessdate=July 9, 2009 }}</ref> Activision confirmed that the standard-edition ''Modern Warfare 2'' packaging would feature the ''Call of Duty'' brand logo in order to reflect the game's association with the ''Call of Duty'' franchise.<ref name="standard box">{{cite web |first=Stephen |last=Totilo |title=Infinity Ward Talks Modern Warfare 2, 43 Stories Up |url=http://kotaku.com/5315981/infinity-ward-talks-modern-warfare-2-43-stories-up |work=Kotaku |publisher=Gawker Media |date=July 16, 2009 |quote='We still call the game Modern Warfare 2,' Bowling told the room. 'For our community we're making it clear that it's the sequel to Modern Warfare.' |accessdate=July 16, 2009}}</ref> It is speculated that the decision was influenced by findings that [[brand awareness]] for the game was significantly lower without the ''Call of Duty'' logo.<ref name="package branding">{{cite web|first=Leigh |last=Alexander |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=24370 |title=Modern Warfare 2 Box Retains Call Of Duty Brand |work=Gamasutra |date=July 9, 2009 |accessdate=July 10, 2009}}</ref> However, the developers still prefer to simply call the game ''Modern Warfare 2'' as they consider it a new [[Intellectual property|IP]].<ref name="RB title">{{cite web|url=http://www.videogamer.com/news/infinity_ward_modern_warfare_3_not_in_development.html |title=Infinity Ward: Modern Warfare 3 not in development |work=VideoGamer.com |date=September 21, 2009 |accessdate=October 26, 2009}}</ref> The menus in the game also refer to the title as simply ''Modern Warfare 2''.

===Retail versions===
''Modern Warfare 2'' was released in four different retail versions across the [[PlayStation 3]] and [[Xbox 360]] platforms: Standard, Hardened, Veteran, and Prestige. The standard version consists of the game and an instructional manual, and is the only version available for the Microsoft Windows platform.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/100/1008895p1.html |title=Modern Warfare 2 PC Not Getting Special Editions |last=Reilly |first=Jim |date=July 29, 2009 |accessdate=August 1, 2009 |publisher=IGN}}</ref> The Hardened Edition consists of the game and manual (which are packaged in a steel book case), an art book, and a token that allows one to download ''[[Call of Duty|Call of Duty Classic]]'', a hi-definition version of the original ''Call of Duty'' game, from [[Xbox Live Arcade]] or the [[PlayStation Store]] (''Classic'' was released individually on December 2, 2009). The Prestige Edition contains all of the elements of the Hardened Edition, but also includes a set of fully functioning [[night vision goggles]], imprinted with the ''Modern Warfare 2'' logo, and a stand modeled after the head of the character "Soap" MacTavish.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/100/1003351p1.html |title=Modern Warfare 2's 'Prestige Edition' Is Insane |date=July 13, 2009 |accessdate=July 13, 2009 |publisher=IGN}}</ref> The goggles are powered by five [[battery size|AA batteries]]<ref>{{cite book | title = Night Vision Goggles Manual | type = Booklet | quote =Required 5 AA(LR6) alkaline batteries. | page = 2}}</ref> and can see up to 50 feet in absolute darkness.<ref>{{cite book | title = Night Vision Goggles Manual | type = Booklet | quote = In this mode, the goggle operate at full power and emit a barely visible ring of red light. See up to 50 feet in absolute darkness. | page = 2}}</ref>

On September 15, 2009, Activision and Microsoft jointly announced a special, limited ''Modern Warfare 2'' version of the Xbox 360 with a 250GB hard disk. The unit is highlighted by special game product branding and includes two wireless controllers and a headset. This is the first Xbox 360 to come with a 250GB hard drive.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/press/2009/0915-mw2.htm |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100306161730/http://www.xbox.com/en-us/press/2009/0915-mw2.htm |archivedate=March 6, 2010 |title=Limited Edition Console for ''Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2'' |publisher=Microsoft |date=September 15, 2009 |accessdate=October 1, 2009}}</ref> On September 18, UK and rep of Ireland retailer [[Game (retailer)|GAME]] announced a Veteran Edition of ''Modern Warfare 2'' would be exclusive to rep of Ireland and UK. It will come with a 12" (30.5&nbsp;cm) tall statue of "Soap" MacTavish with interchangeable arms and weapons; has the same contents as the Hardened Edition.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/game-unveils-mw2-veteran-package |title=Veteran Edition Announced |publisher=Eurogamer |accessdate=September 18, 2009}}</ref> In September 2009, a Veteran Statue Bundle of ''Modern Warfare 2'' was posted on the [[EB Games]] website and is available for all platforms.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ebgames.com/browse/search.aspx?N=0&Ntk=TitleKeyword&Ntt=modern%20warfare%202&Ntx=mode%20matchallpartial&No=12|title=Search - GameStop|publisher=|accessdate=December 30, 2016}}</ref>

===Downloadable content===
Activision announced that two [[downloadable content|downloadable]] map packs would be released for ''Modern Warfare 2''.<ref name="Three DLC">{{cite web |url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/101/1011641p1.html |title=Map Packs Important for Modern Warfare 2 |last=Reilly |first=Jim |date=August 6, 2009 |accessdate=August 6, 2009 |publisher=IGN}}</ref> At [[E3 2009]], [[Microsoft]] stated that these map packs would first be made available for the Xbox 360 via Xbox Live before they would be released for other platforms.<ref name="360 DLC">{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/01/modern-warfare-2-map-packs-hitting-xbox-live-first/ |title=Modern Warfare 2 map packs hitting Xbox Live first |date=June 1, 2009 |accessdate=August 7, 2009 |last=Kietzmann |first=Ludwig |publisher=Joystiq}}</ref> Robert Bowling stated that the community response to the game and the first ten downloadable map packs would be used in designing other potential map packs.<ref name="DLC feedback">{{cite web |url=http://xboxlive.ign.com/articles/101/1013059p1.html |title=Community Will Shape Modern Warfare 2 Maps |last=Reilly |first=Jim |date=August 11, 2009 |accessdate=August 11, 2009 |publisher=IGN}}</ref>

The first map pack, titled the "Stimulus Package," was released first for [[Xbox Live]] on March 30, 2010<ref>[http://www.ripten.com/2010/03/11/mw2-stimulus-package-dlc-out-march-30/ MW2 Stimulus Package DLC Out March 30 | Ripten Videogame Blog<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> and for [[PlayStation Network]] and PC on May 4, 2010 in North America.<ref>[http://majornelson.com/archive/2010/03/14/show-353-wil-wheaton-mw2-stimulus-package-and-supreme-commander.aspx Show #353: Wil Wheaton, MW2 Stimulus Package and Supreme Commander – Xbox Live's Major Nelson<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100316204429/http://majornelson.com/archive/2010/03/14/show-353-wil-wheaton-mw2-stimulus-package-and-supreme-commander.aspx |date=March 16, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2460434/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2-dlc-gets-30-day-head-start/|title='Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2' DLC Gets 30-Day Head Start|first=Brian Warmoth|last=01/20/2010|publisher=|accessdate=December 30, 2016}}</ref> The pack contains five maps: reincarnations of the ''Crash'' and ''Overgrown'' maps from ''Call of Duty 4'', and three new maps: ''Bailout'', a multi-level apartment complex; ''Storm'', an industrial park littered with heavy machinery; and ''Salvage'', an abandoned car junkyard in the middle of the snow.<ref>[http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/games/offers/0ccf0001-0000-4000-8000-000041560817?cid=SLink] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100412133641/http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/games/offers/0ccf0001-0000-4000-8000-000041560817?cid=SLink |date=April 12, 2010 }}</ref> Within 24 hours of its release, it was downloaded over one million times. Within the first week it had been downloaded 2.5 million times, breaking Xbox Live DLC records.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/04/07/stimulus-package-sets-new-xbox-live-sales-record|title=Stimulus Package Sets New Xbox Live Sales Record|first=Jim|last=Reilly|date=April 7, 2010|publisher=|accessdate=December 30, 2016}}</ref> In addition to integrating the maps into all existing game types, the Stimulus Package adds two new game modes, randomizing the built-in game types in either normal or hardcore mode.

Activision released the second downloadable map pack, titled the "Resurgence Package", exclusively for Xbox Live on June 3, 2010 in North America. This release was followed by the PlayStation Network and PC versions on July 6 in North America and on July 7 worldwide.<ref name="2nd DLC PS3 and PC">{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/fourzerotwo/status/15941272375 |title=Resurgence Package for PS3 and PC release date announced |last=Bowling |first=Robert |date=June 12, 2010 |accessdate=June 23, 2010 |publisher=Twitter, Inc.}}</ref> The package includes five new multiplayer maps: reincarnations of the ''Strike'' and ''Vacant'' maps from ''Call of Duty 4'', and three new maps: ''Carnival'', a desolated amusement park; ''Trailer Park'', a mobile home park; and ''Fuel'', an oil refinery.<ref>[http://majornelson.com/archive/2010/05/13/an-interview-with-robert-bowling-on-the-mw-2-resurgence-package.aspx An Interview with Robert Bowling on the MW 2 Resurgence Package - Xbox Live's Major Nelson<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100515041211/http://majornelson.com/archive/2010/05/13/an-interview-with-robert-bowling-on-the-mw-2-resurgence-package.aspx |date=May 15, 2010 }}</ref>

===Comic===
{{Main article|Modern Warfare 2: Ghost}}
A six-part [[comic book]] mini-series related to the game has also been produced. Announced by Robert Bowling on August 17, 2009, ''[[Modern Warfare 2: Ghost]]'' is focused on the backstory of the character Ghost, who appears in the video game as a member of Task Force 141. The series is published by [[WildStorm Productions|WildStorm]]. The first issue of the series debuted on November 11, 2009.<ref name="Comic">{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/16/wildstorm-publishing-modern-warfare-2-comic-mini-series/ |title=Wildstorm publishing Modern Warfare 2 comic mini-series (update) |last=McElroy |first=Griffin |date=August 17, 2009 |accessdate=August 17, 2009 |publisher=Joystiq}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Modern Warfare 2 |url=http://www.mw2blog.com/modern-warfare-2-ghost-comic-issue-1-preview/ |title=Modern Warfare 2 Ghost Comic Issue 1 Preview |website=Mw2blog.com |date=October 23, 2009 |accessdate=January 2, 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091126031429/http://www.mw2blog.com/modern-warfare-2-ghost-comic-issue-1-preview|archivedate=November 26, 2009}}</ref>
{{Clear}}

===Short film===
{{Main article|Find Makarov: Operation Kingfish}}
A [[fan-made]] [[prequel]] to ''Modern Warfare 2'', entitled ''[[Find Makarov: Operation Kingfish]]'', premiered at [[Call of Duty: Experience 2011|Call of Duty: XP 2011]]. The video was produced by We Can Pretend, visual effects by The Junction, and was endorsed by [[Activision]]. The first film, Find Makarov, was a non-canon fan made film. Activision contacted We Can Pretend about the video and helped produce a second canon short film, Find Makarov: Operation Kingfish.<ref name="Joystiq">{{cite web | url=http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/03/filmmakers-share-the-story-behind-find-makarov-and-operation-kin/ | title=Joystiq: Find Makarov| date= May 25, 2012 | accessdate=May 25, 2012 }}</ref> The prequel tells the story of how Task Force 141 first tried to capture Vladimir Makarov, who was known then as Kingfish. It also tells how Soap got his facial scars, and how [[Captain Price|Price]] was captured and incarcerated in a gulag.

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
<!-- Aggregators -->
| GR = (X360) 93.57%<ref name=GRX360>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/951944-call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2/index.html |title=Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 for Xbox 360 |publisher=GameRankings |accessdate=November 15, 2009}}</ref><br />(PS3) 93.42%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/951943-call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2/index.html |title=Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 for PlayStation 3 |publisher=GameRankings |accessdate=November 15, 2009}}</ref><br />(PC) 87.84%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/951942-call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2/index.html |title=Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 for PC |publisher=GameRankings |accessdate=November 15, 2009}}</ref>
| MC = (X360) 94/100<ref name="MCX360">{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2 |title=Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (Xbox 360) Reviews |publisher=MetaCritic |accessdate=October 16, 2009}}</ref><br />(PS3) 94/100<ref name="MCPS3">{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2 |title=Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (PlayStation 3) Reviews |publisher=MetaCritic |accessdate=October 16, 2009}}</ref><br />(PC) 86/100<ref name="MCPC">{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2 |title=Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (PC) Reviews |publisher=MetaCritic |accessdate=October 16, 2009}}</ref>
<!-- Reviewers -->
| 1UP = A<ref name="MW2PS3-X360REV-1up"/>
| Allgame = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite web|last=Brown |first=Christopher |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=67576 |title=Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 – Overview |publisher=allgame |date=November 10, 2009 |accessdate=January 1, 2010}}</ref>
| CVG = 9.4/10<ref name=autogenerated1/>
| Destruct = 9.5/10<ref name="destructoid-sterling review">{{cite web |last=Sterling |first=Jim |url=http://www.destructoid.com/review-call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2-154804.phtml |title=Review: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 |date=November 12, 2009 |accessdate=March 21, 2011}}</ref>
| Fam = 39/40<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5416505/modern-warfare-2-came-this-close-to-a-perfect-famitsu-score|title=Modern Warfare 2 Came *This* Close To A Perfect Famitsu Score|first=Michael|last=McWhertor|publisher=|accessdate=December 30, 2016}}</ref>
| G4 = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="MW2PS3REV-G4">{{cite web|url=http://www.g4tv.com/games/ps3/61714/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2/review/|author=Keil, Matt|date=November 10, 2009|title=Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Review - PS3|publisher=[[G4 (U.S. TV channel)|G4TV]] |accessdate=March 21, 2011}}</ref>
| GI = 9.75/10<ref name="MW2X360REV-GI">{{cite web|accessdate=November 20, 2009|url=http://gameinformer.com/games/call_of_duty_modern_warfare_2/b/xbox360/archive/2009/11/09/review-call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2.aspx|author=Biessener, Adam|date=November 9, 2009|title=Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare 2|publisher=[[Game Informer]] }}</ref>
| GamePro = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="MW2X360REV-GPro">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/212892/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2/|title=Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Xbox 360 Review|last=Kim|first=Tae K. |date=November 10, 2009|publisher=GamerPro|page=2|accessdate=November 10, 2009|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091111214828/http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/212892/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2/|archivedate=November 11, 2009}}</ref>
| GSpot = 9.0/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/modernwarfare2/review.html |title=Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Review for Xbox 360 |publisher=GameSpot |date=November 10, 2009 |accessdate=November 15, 2009}}</ref>
| GSpy = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="MW2X360REV-GSpy">{{cite web|url=http://xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/call-of-duty-6/1043734p1.html|title=Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Xbox 360 Review|last=Tuttle |first=Will |date=November 10, 2009|publisher=[[GameSpy]]|accessdate=November 10, 2009}}</ref>
| GRadar = 10/10<ref name="MW2X360REV-GR">{{cite web|url= http://www.gamesradar.com/xbox360/modern-warfare-2/review/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2/a-2009110615016325099/g-20090326142018906090|title=Modern Warfare 2 |publisher=[[GamesRadar]] | accessdate=March 21, 2009}}</ref>
| GT = 9.5/10<ref name="MW2X360REV-GT"/>
| IGN = 9.5/10<ref name="MW2X360REV-IGN"/>
| Joystiq = {{rating|4|5}}<ref name="joystiq-kelly review">{{cite web|last=Kelly |first=Kevin |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/10/review-call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2/ |title=Review: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 |publisher=Joystiq |date=November 10, 2009 | accessdate=March 21, 2011}}</ref>
| OXM = 9.5/10<ref>{{cite web|last=Curthoys|first=Paul|title=Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2|url=http://oxmonline.com/article/reviews/xbox-360/m-r/modern-warfare-2|publisher=Official Xbox Magazine|accessdate=January 2, 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091124175443/http://oxmonline.com/article/reviews/xbox-360/m-r/modern-warfare-2?page=0%2C4|archivedate=November 24, 2009}}</ref>
| OXMUK = 10/10<ref name="MW2X360REV-OXM">{{cite web|url=http://www.oxm.co.uk/article.php?id=14989|title=Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Xbox 360 Review|last=King |first=Ryan |date=November 10, 2009|accessdate=January 2, 2017|publisher=Official Xbox Magazine|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091112013447/http://www.oxm.co.uk/article.php?id=14989|archivedate=November 12, 2009}}</ref>
| PCGUK = 80%<ref name="PCGMW2"/>
| PCGUS = 80%<ref name="PCGMW2">{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/modernwarfare2|title=Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 PC Review|last=Francis |first=Tom |date=February 2010|publisher=PC Gamer|accessdate=January 11, 2009}}</ref>
| TX = 9.7/10<ref name="MW2X360REV-TX">{{cite web|url=http://reviews.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/1803/Call-of-Duty-Modern-Warfare-2/p1/|title=Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Review (Xbox 360)|last=Eddy |first=Andy |date=November 10, 2009|publisher=[[TeamXbox]]|accessdate=January 2, 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140213012052/http://reviews.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/1803/Call-of-Duty-Modern-Warfare-2/p1/|archivedate=February 13, 2014}}</ref>
<!-- Custom reviewers -->
| XPlay = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="MW2X360REV-XPlay">{{cite web|url=http://g4tv.com/games/xbox-360/61715/Call-of-Duty-Modern-Warfare-2/review/|title=Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Xbox 360 Review|last=Keil |first=Matt |date=November 10, 2009|publisher=[[X-Play]]|accessdate=November 11, 2009}}</ref>
| rev1 = ''[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]''
| rev1Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="escapist-pitts review">{{Cite news|author=Pitts, Russ|url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/reviews/6786-Review-Modern-Warfare-2|title=Reviews: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Review Supplement | date = November 17, 2009 | work=[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]| accessdate=March 21, 2011}}</ref>
| rev2 = ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]''
| rev2Score = 10/10<ref name="telegraph-cowen review">{{Cite news|author=Cowen, Nick|date=November 9, 2009|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/6514124/Call-Of-Duty-Modern-Warfare-2-video-game-review.html|title=Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 video game review|work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|accessdate=March 21, 2011}}</ref>
| rev3 = ''[[The Guardian]]''
| rev3Score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="guardian-anderiesz review">{{Cite news|author=Anderiesz, Mike |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2009/nov/09/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2?INTCMP=SRCH|title=Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 - review | format = Game review | date = November 9, 2009 | work=[[The Guardian]]| accessdate=March 21, 2011}}</ref>
<!-- Awards -->
| award1Pub = [[IGN]]
| award1 = Editor's Choice<ref name="MW2-XBOX360-IGN">{{cite web|url = http://xbox360.ign.com/objects/142/14281102.html | title = Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Xbox 360 | publisher = IGN | accessdate = March 20, 2011}}</ref>
| award2Pub = [[GamePro]]
| award2 = Editor's Choice<ref name="MW2-Gamepro">{{cite web|url = http://www.gamepro.com/games/pc/163589/modern-warfare-2/ | title = Modern Warfare 2 | publisher = IGN | accessdate = March 20, 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101226122121/http://www.gamepro.com/games/pc/163589/modern-warfare-2/|archivedate=December 26, 2010}}</ref>
| award3Pub = [[Game (retailer)|BAFTA]]
| award3 = PC Game of the Year (2009)<ref name="MW2-Game-award">{{cite web|url = http://www.game.co.uk/lowdown.aspx?lid=10770 | title =
Modern Warfare 2| publisher = [[Game (retailer)|Game]] | accessdate = March 20, 2011}}</ref>
| award4Pub = [[GameTrailers]]
| award4 = Game of the Year 2009<ref name="MW2-Gametrailers-goty2009-award">{{cite web|url = http://www.gametrailers.com/video/game-of-gt-goty/60274 | title = GT GotY Awards 2009 | date = December 31, 2009 | publisher = [[GameTrailers]] | accessdate = March 20, 2011}}</ref>
| award5Pub = PakGamers
| award5 = Best Xbox 360 Game of 2009<ref name="MW2-PakGamers-award">{{cite web|url = http://goty.pakgamers.com/2009/?page=360 | title = Best Xbox 360 Game 2009 | publisher = PakGamers | accessdate = March 20, 2011}}</ref>
| award6Pub = [[GameSpot]]
| award6 = Best Shooter/Readers Choice<ref name="MW2-Gspot-awards">{{cite web|url = http://www.gamespot.com/best-of-2009/genre-awards/index.html?page=9 | title = Genre Awards Best Shooter
| website = [[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]
|accessdate=March 20, 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130319014307/http://www.gamespot.com/best-of-2009/genre-awards/index.html?page=9|archivedate=March 19, 2013}}</ref>
| award7Pub = [[GameTrailers]]
| award7 = Best First-Person Shooter<ref name="MW2-Gametrailers-bfps2009-award">{{cite web|url = http://www.gametrailers.com/video/best-first-person-best-of-e3/51489 | title = Best Of E3 2009 Awards Video Game, Best First-Person Shooter | date = June 12, 2009 | publisher = [[GameTrailers]] | accessdate = March 20, 2011}}</ref>
| award8Pub = [[Destructoid]]
| award8 = Editor's Choice<ref name="destructoid-sterling review"/>
| award9Pub = ''[[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]]''
| award9 = {{nowrap|[[Interactive Achievement Awards#Action|Action Game of the Year]]}}<ref name="MW2-AIAS-2010-award">{{cite web|url = http://www.interactive.org/awards/award_category_details.asp?idAward=2010&idGameAwardType=1 | title = Action Game of the Year | date = June 12, 2009 | publisher = [[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] | accessdate = March 20, 2011}}</ref>
}}
''Modern Warfare 2'' received critical acclaim, especially its console versions. Reviewers praised the in-depth story mode, mini missions, and multiplayer.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/6514124/Call-Of-Duty-Modern-Warfare-2-video-game-review.html|title=Telegraph Review|publisher=Telegraph.co.UK|accessdate=November 10, 2009 | location=London | date=November 9, 2009 | first=Nick | last=Cowen}}</ref>

[[1UP.com]] stated "Mixing real-world locations with bombastic set-pieces ''MW2'' continues the guided, thrill-ride experiences of its predecessor, and adds even more depth to its multiplayer offerings. It might not have fixed all the problems from the first game, but there's just so much quality content packed into this game that it will almost certainly be one of the most-played games in your library for a long time to come".<ref name="MW2PS3-X360REV-1up">{{cite web | url = http://www.1up.com/reviews/call-duty-modern-warfare-2_2 |title=Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Review (PS3, XBOX360) |publisher = [[1up.com]] | date=November 10, 2009 | first = David | last = Ellis |accessdate=January 2, 2017|archiveurl=http://archive.is/20130628090405/http://www.1up.com/reviews/call-duty-modern-warfare-2_2|archivedate=June 28, 2013}}</ref> ''[[Game Informer]]'' noted "Modern Warfare 2 is a masterpiece of careful iteration, with an unmatched presentation and a well of content that will take months to run dry".<ref name="gameinformer1">{{cite web|last=Biessener |first=Adam |url=http://gameinformer.com/games/call_of_duty_modern_warfare_2/b/xbox360/archive/2009/11/09/review-call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2.aspx |title=Multiplayer Reigns Supreme in Game of the Year Candidate - Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 - Xbox 360 |publisher=GameInformer.com |date=November 9, 2009 |accessdate=November 16, 2009}}</ref> [[IGN]] commented "For those planning to check out everything Modern Warfare 2 has to offer – online competition, full co-op Spec Ops mode, as well as the campaign– you're looking at a no-brainer purchase".<ref name="MW2X360REV-IGN"/> [[GameTrailers]] stated "The air of unpredictability and the care that was paid to each separate element puts it in lofty company. The multiplayer hasn't received an overhaul, but considering most shooters are still playing catch-up with Call of Duty 4, the tweaks and twists make it the best multiplayer shooting experience in the industry. Few games manage to meet such high expectations".<ref name="MW2X360REV-GT">{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/review-hd-modern-warfare/58370|title=Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Video Game, Review HD|publisher=[[GameTrailers]]|date=November 10, 2009|accessdate=November 10, 2009}}</ref> ''[[Computer and Video Games]]'' called the game "Loud, epic and incredibly polished, [and] this year's biggest must-have shooter".<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web | url = http://www.computerandvideogames.com/226967/reviews/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2-review/ |title=Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Review |publisher = [[Computer and Video Games]] | date=November 10, 2009 | first = Michael 'Mike' | last = Jackson |accessdate=March 21, 2011}}</ref>

Criticisms of the game are directed towards a variety of aspects, but focus on the short length of the single player campaign. IGN's Mark Bozon remarks that the single-player of "''Modern Warfare 2'' is surprisingly short, and doesn't live up to the standard set by previous ''Call of Duty'' games."<ref name="MW2X360REV-IGN">{{cite web|url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/104/1043366p1.html|title=Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Xbox 360 Review|last=Bozon |first=Mark |date=November 10, 2009|publisher=IGN|accessdate=November 10, 2009}}</ref> In addition, many reviewers have complained about the lack of innovation to the formula of the series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/modern-warfare-2-review|title=Eurogamer Review|publisher=Eurogamer|accessdate=November 10, 2009}}</ref><ref name="Edge Online Review">{{cite web|url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/review-modern-warfare-2|title=Edge Online Review|website=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge Online]]|publisher=[[Future US]]|accessdate=November 10, 2009|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091112085903/http://www.edge-online.com/features/review-modern-warfare-2|archivedate=November 12, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/104/1043273p1.html|title=IGN UK Review|publisher=IGN UK|accessdate=November 10, 2009}}</ref>

''Famitsu'' named ''Modern Warfare 2'' as the number one game on the top 10 video games sold in 2009, beating games such as ''[[Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots|Metal Gear Solid 4]]'', ''[[Uncharted 2: Among Thieves]]'', ''[[Halo 3]]'' and ''[[Grand Theft Auto IV]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.the-magicbox.com/game20091230.shtml|title=Magicbox Gaming News, December 30, 2009|accessdate=January 10, 2010}}</ref> It also gave the game a score of 39/40, being one of the few Western games released in Japan to have the same score as ''Grand Theft Auto IV''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5416505/modern-warfare-2-came-this-close-to-a-perfect-famitsu-score|title=Modern Warfare 2 Came *This* Close To A Perfect Famitsu Score|accessdate=January 10, 2010|date=December 1, 2009|publisher=Kotaku|author=Michael McWhertor}}</ref>

===Sales and revenue===
According to preliminary sales figures from Activision, ''Modern Warfare 2'' sold approximately 4.7 million units in the United States and the UK combined in the first 24 hours of its release.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/money/2009/11/13/2009-11-13_video_game_blitz.html |title=Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 destroys records in first day sales rampage, pulls in $310M |publisher=Nydailynews.com |date=November 13, 2009 |accessdate=November 27, 2009 | location=New York | first=Robert | last=Johnson}}</ref> The total revenue from first day sales in the U.S. and the UK was $310 million, making ''Modern Warfare 2'' the biggest entertainment launch in history at the time, surpassing in revenue its predecessor, ''[[Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare]]'',<ref name="modern warfare 2 sales">{{cite web|url=http://gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2009/11/12/modern-warfare-2-sells-close-to-5-million-in-first-day.aspx |title=Modern Warfare 2 Sells Close To 5 Million In First Day |last=Cork|first=Jeff|date=November 12, 2009 |accessdate=November 12, 2009 |publisher=GameInformer}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.videogamer.com/news/modern_warfare_2_sells_4_7_million_day_one_in_us_and_uk.html|title=Modern Warfare 2 sells 4.7 million day one in U.S. and UK |date=November 12, 2009 |accessdate=November 13, 2009 |last=Orry |first=James |publisher=Videogamer}}</ref> as well as items from other media types.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5403788/was-modern-warfare-2-really-the-biggest-launch-in-history |title=Was Modern Warfare 2 Really The "Biggest Launch In History"? – Modern warfare 2 |publisher=Kotaku |date=November 13, 2009 |accessdate=November 27, 2009}}</ref><ref name="Holiday Guide - MW2 Sales">{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/11/24/holiday.guide.video.games/index.html|title=Hot video games for holiday shopping|date=November 24, 2009|accessdate=November 24, 2009|last=Frum|first=Larry|publisher=CNN}}</ref> After five days of sales, the game had earned revenue figures of $550 million worldwide.<ref name="MW2 sales pass $550m worldwide">{{cite web|url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/36559/MW2-sales-pass-550m-worldwide|title=MW2 sales pass $550m worldwide|publisher=MCV|date=November 18, 2009|accessdate=November 26, 2009}}</ref> As of January 18, 2010, it has taken over $1 billion in sales.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8457335.stm | work=BBC News | title=Moder5 copies sold!n Warfare 2 sales hit bn | date=January 13, 2010 | accessdate=April 28, 2010}}</ref> Activision also claims that ''Modern Warfare 2'' had 8 million players online within the first five days, constituting the largest 'army' of players in the world.<ref name="Largest Army">{{cite web|url=http://venturebeat.com/2009/12/04/modern-warfare-2s-online-army-is-the-worlds-biggest|title=Modern Warfare 2’s online army is the world’s biggest|publisher=VentureBeat|date=December 4, 2009|accessdate=December 5, 2009}}</ref> On March 8, 2010, [[Robert Bowling]] announced that the game had amassed 25 million unique players.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2010/03/09/modern-warfare-2-enlists-25-million-unique-players-bowling-says/|title=Modern Warfare 2 enlists 25 million unique players, Bowling says|publisher=|accessdate=December 30, 2016}}</ref> In June 2010, Activision's [[Chief financial officer|CFO]] Thomas Tippl revealed that the game had sold 20 million copies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/e3-2010-mw2-sells-20-million-copies|title=E3 2010: MW2 sells 20 million copies|last=Sacco|first=Dominic|date=June 15, 2010|publisher=[[Market for Home Computing and Video Games]]|accessdate=November 4, 2014}}</ref> In August 2011, Activision Publishing [[Chief executive officer|CEO]] Eric Hirshberg revealed that the game had sold 22 million copies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.shacknews.com/article/69577/activision-reveals-sales-figures-black-ops-and-modern-warfare-2 |title=Activision reveals sales figures for Black Op - Shacknews.com - Video Game News, Trailers, Game Videos, and Files |publisher=Shacknews.com |date= |accessdate=December 7, 2011}}</ref> A month later in September 2011, ''Modern Warfare 3'' producer Mark Rubin, said that the game's sales are between 28 and 29 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2011/sep/12/modern-warfare-3-interview|title=Modern Warfare 3 interview: 'The hardest part is the stress'|last=Stuart|first=Keith|date=September 12, 2011|work=[[theguardian.com]]|publisher=[[Guardian Media Group]]|accessdate=November 4, 2014}}</ref> In November 2013, [[IGN]] put the game's sales at 22.7 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://microsites.ign.com/call-of-duty-a-short-history/|title=Call of Duty: A Short History|date=November 2013|work=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|accessdate=November 4, 2014}}</ref>

According to the [[NPD Group]], ''Modern Warfare 2'' sold approximately 4.2 million units for the Xbox 360 and 1.87 million units for the PlayStation 3 in the U.S. during the month of November 2009.<ref>{{cite web | author=Kohler, Chris | date=December 10, 2009 | title=November NPD: Modern Warfare Shifts 6 Million Copies| url=https://www.wired.com/gamelife/2009/12/november-2009-npd/| publisher=Wired | accessdate=December 10, 2009}}</ref> In Japan, ''Modern Warfare 2'' sold 64,000 copies for the PlayStation 3 and 42,000 copies for the Xbox 360 in its first week of sales.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.the-magicbox.com/game20091211.shtml|title=Magicbox Gaming News, December 11, 2009|accessdate=January 10, 2010|date=January 10, 2010}}</ref> The game later sold 117,000 copies on the PlayStation 3 and 61,000 on the Xbox 360.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2009/12/16/modern-warfare-2-gets-off-to-strong-start-in-japan/|title=Modern Warfare 2 Gets Off To Strong Start In Japan |author=Spencer |accessdate=January 10, 2010 |date=December 16, 2009|publisher=Siliconera}}</ref> Anita Frazier of the [[NPD Group]] reported in March 2010 that the game had sold slightly under 10 million copies in the U.S. alone.<ref name="videogamer1"/><ref>{{cite news|title=NPD: February Down 15 Percent On Lagging Unit Sales, Constrained Wii|last=Alexander|first=Leigh|publisher=[[Gamasutra]]|date=March 11, 2010}}</ref> The game is the second best-selling game of all time in both the UK and the U.S.<ref name="videogamer1">{{cite web|url=http://www.videogamer.com/news/modern_warfare_2_the_2nd_best-selling_game_in_the_us.html|title=Modern Warfare 2 the 2nd best-selling game in the US - VideoGamer.com|publisher=|accessdate=December 30, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metro.co.uk/tech/games/867796-call-of-duty-black-ops-becomes-best-selling-uk-game-ever |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops becomes best-selling UK game ever as fourth map pack hinted &#124; Metro.co.uk |first=Roger |last=Hargreaves |work=metro.co.uk |date=June 29, 2011 |accessdate=July 13, 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110703032730/http://www.metro.co.uk/tech/games/867796-call-of-duty-black-ops-becomes-best-selling-uk-game-ever |archivedate=July 3, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://metro.co.uk/2010/03/16/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2-is-uks-second-bestselling-game-ever-170575/|title=Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is UK's second bestselling game ever|first=Joe Crowther for|last=Metro.co.uk|date=March 16, 2010|publisher=|accessdate=December 30, 2016}}</ref>

===Awards===
''Modern Warfare 2'' received awards from various gaming sites and publications, it gained high praise from some video game magazines. At the [[Spike Video Game Awards|2009 Spike Video Game Awards]], ''Modern Warfare 2'' received the Best Shooter and Best Multiplayer awards. Both [[GameSpy]] and [[GameTrailers]] gave the game the ''Best Overall Game of 2009'' award<ref name="Gspy1">{{cite web|accessdate=March 21, 2011|url=http://goty.gamespy.com/2009/overall-game-of-the-year.html|title=Overall Game of the Year 2009 - Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 |work=[[GameSpy]] |publisher=[[IGN Entertainment, Inc|IGN]]}}</ref> and received from ''[[GameTrailers]]'' overall six awards.<ref>{{cite web|author=|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/game-of-gt-goty/60274 |title=GameTrailers Game Of The Year Awards 2009 Video Game, Game Of The Year &#124; Game Trailers & Videos |publisher=GameTrailers.com |date= |accessdate=January 1, 2010}}</ref> [[GameSpot]] and [[Metacritic]], both gave it the ''Best Xbox 360 Game'' award,<ref name="Gspot-best-x360-2009">{{cite web|accessdate=March 22, 2011|url=http://www.gamespot.com/best-of-2009/platform-awards/index.html?page=3|title=Platform Awards Best Xbox 360 Game |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Corporation|CBS Interactive]]}}</ref><ref name="MC-best-x360-2009">{{cite web|accessdate=March 22, 2011|url=http://features.metacritic.com/features/2009/the-best-games-of-2009/2/|title=The Best Games of 2009 |date = December 9, 2009 |first= Jason | last = Dietz |work=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Corporation|CBS Interactive]]}}</ref> the Pakistani game reviewing site, PakGamers, has awarded ''Modern Warfare 2'' with 'Best Xbox 360 Game of 2009'.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://goty.pakgamers.com/2009/?page=360|title=PakGamers – Top Xbox 360 Games of The Year 2009<!-- Bot generated title -->|publisher=|accessdate=December 30, 2016}}</ref> and from [[GameTrailers]] received the game the ''Best Multiplayer'' award<ref name="GT-best-mp-2009">{{cite web|accessdate=March 22, 2011|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/best-multiplayer-gt-goty/60264|title=GameTrailers Game Of The Year Awards 2009 Video Game, Best Multiplayer |work=[[GameTrailers]] |publisher=[[Viacom]]}}</ref> including the ''Best First-Person Shooter'' award.<ref name="GT-best-fps-2009">{{cite web|accessdate=March 22, 2011|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/best-first-person-gt-goty/60222|title=GameTrailers Game Of The Year Awards 2009 Video Game, Best First-Person Shooter |work=[[Viacom]] |publisher=[[GameTrailers]]}}</ref>

===Controversy===
{{Main article|Controversies surrounding Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2}}
Various portions of the campaign have caused some [[Controversies surrounding Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2|controversy]], including the [[Controversies surrounding Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2#"No Russian" Mission|depiction]] of a massacre carried out in a Russian airport, on the mission "[[No Russian]]".

[[Anders Behring Breivik]] claims in his manifesto that he used this video game to perpetrate the [[2011 Norway attacks]]. Coop Norway, a chain of retail stores in Norway, removed the game from its shelves as a result of this attack.<ref>{{cite news|last=Pint|first=Zach|url=http://www.planetxbox360.com/article_15754/Norway_Retail_Giant_Dropping_Many_TitlesToys_in_Response_to_Oslo_Attacks|title=Norway Retail Giant Dropping Many Titles/Toys in Response to Oslo Attacks|accessdate=January 2, 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324231355/http://www.planetxbox360.com/article_15754/Norway_Retail_Giant_Dropping_Many_TitlesToys_in_Response_to_Oslo_Attacks|archivedate=March 24, 2012}}</ref>
A YouTube user pointed out that two paintings in the multiplayer map Favela offended Muslims. Activision removed the controversial paintings and apologized for its offense to Muslims.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/call-of-duty-map-removed-at-request-of-muslim-gamers/1100-6397842/|title=Call of Duty map removed at request of Muslim gamers|newspaper=GameSpot|access-date=2016-10-14}}</ref>

===Technical problems===
After the [[PlayStation Network outage|successful hack]] on the [[PlayStation 3]] in January 2011, some ''Modern Warfare 2'' players on the PlayStation 3 have had their stats hacked or completely deleted. [[Infinity Ward]] replied that their advice was to play in private games, waiting for [[Sony Computer Entertainment|Sony]] to fix the problems on the platform side, saying that they could not patch the security problem themselves.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vg247.com/2011/01/17/blame-mw2-hacks-on-compromised-ps3-security-says-infinity-ward/|title=Bowling: I-Ward will "not rely solely on platform security" after PS3 crack |publisher=''[[VG247]]'' |date=January 17, 2011 |accessdate=January 20, 2011|quote=''“updates to the game through patches will not resolve this problem, unless the security exploit itself is resolved on the platform,” said Bowling.(...)If you are concerned about playing with players who are hacking, I encourage you to play exclusively with friends by utilizing the party or private match options in Modern Warfare 2 and Call of Duty 4 to avoid such players as much as possible until this issue is resolved by Sony.''}}</ref>
{{clear}}

==Notes and references==
;Notes
{{Notelist}}

;References
{{Reflist|30em}}

===Bibliography===
{{refbegin}}
*{{cite book|year=2009|last=Infinity Ward|title=Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 ''instruction manual''|publisher=Activision|ref=harv}}
*{{cite book|year=2009|last1=Marcus|first1=Phillip|last2=Sea Snipers|title=Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Signature Series Strategy Guide|publisher=BradyGames|isbn=9780744011647|ref=harv}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
* {{official website|http://www.modernwarfare2.com/}}
* {{IMDb title|1450746}}
* {{cite web |title=Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Trailer |date=June 22, 2009 |via=[[YouTube]] |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7vyLDEwF5I }}

{{Call of Duty series|state=collapsed}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2}}
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