Modern Warfare 2 getting third-person MP view

The massive hype machine behind Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 got a boost from some grassroots buzz today, courtesy of a leaked video. The nearly eight-minute YouTube clip shows what appears to be a multiplayer bout of the upcoming first-person shooter being played from a third-person perspective. (The clip has since been pulled due to "copyright restrictions.")

The clip's authenticity appeared to be proven by its French-language menus, which match those seen in preview footage and a brief shot of the packaging, which bore the European PEGI rating label. But while Activision reps had not commented on the clip as of press time, Infinity Ward director of communications Robert Bowling quickly confirmed it as genuine.

"Yes, there's a leaked video," he posted on his Twitter feed. "Yes, it confirms a new Playlist type in MW2 & yes it's why I recommend a media blackout."

Speaking with the blog Joystiq, Bowling confirmed that the third-person view would be an option in Modern Warfare 2--in very specific circumstances. Instead of being able to toggle between third- and first-person views in the single-player campaign a la Fallout 3, the perspective will only be accessible in private matches, which are clearly identified as third person.

"It's not something you can toggle on and off in ANY game," said Bowling. (Emphasis in the original.) He also said that all participants in a third-person match must use the third-person viewpoint to prevent any unfair advantages. "This is just another cool way to play the game; you obviously will still have the option to play gametypes normal as well," he explained.

Rated M for Mature, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is due out on November 10 worldwide on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. It will also be released for the PC, albeit with a controversial new multiplayer matchmaking system, which prevents the use of dedicated servers.