http://blogs.battlefield.ea.com/battlefield_bad_company/archive/2009/10/26/dedicated-to-our-pc-players.aspx

A lot of buzz has been floating around the internet lately about dedicated servers and we wanted to make sure our all our players have the best understanding of how Battlefield will be played on the PC.  Since Battlefield 1942 DICE has used dedicated servers for all platforms.  This formula has worked well, and still works well, for us and for the gaming community.   We have stayed true to this practice and will continue this tradition into the upcoming title Battlefield Bad Company 2. 

 

Other games use player-hosted or 'peer to peer' solutions, often resulting in a "host with the most" situation; where the player hosting the match has an advantage over other players connected to their game. Everyone else is dependent on the host's internet connection and if they don't have a great connection neither will you regardless how great of an internet you have.  Also, unless server migration is implemented the game ends when that hosting player quits the game forcing you to find another player-host or start your own.  With dedicated servers everyone gets non-stop action with no connection penalties based on some other player and their internet.  This makes dedicated servers the best solution for online PC gaming hands down! So rest assured PC players, Battlefield will stay true to its roots offering dedicated servers to all its players and continue the tradition of the ultimate FPS gaming experience!

 

Dedicated Server FAQ for Battlefield Bad Company 2 PC

Will there be an option to have my own dedicated server? Yes, DICE will have trusted partners with datacenters worldwide that you'll be able to rent a dedicated server from ensuring you always have a quality server in your region.

How much will it cost to rent a dedicated server for Battlefield Bad Company 2? Because these are offered by the trusted partners we can't answer that, but they will be priced fairly according to your market.

Can I control my server with remote admin tools? Yes, you will have the ability manage your server via remote admin tools allowing you to manage your server, your way.

Is there the option to give my server a custom name? Yes, you'll be able to name your server what you like.

Will I be able to make a reserve list for my server? Yes, you will be able to reserve a limited amount of space on your server when public for whom ever you like.

Am I able to host a private match? Yes, you will be able to password protect your server.

Is there a client server browser to view server lists? Yes, clients on the PC will have a full server's browser to select the server they'd like to play on.

Can I earn ranks and rewards on my rented server?  Yes!  You will be able to run your server as Ranked allowing you to still earn unlocks, rewards, and host a server for all to enjoy.

Are PC clients going to be match made to servers? No, PC clients will use their server browser and filter options.

Will you have an anti-cheat requirement? Yes, all dedicated servers and clients on PC will be required to have the anti-cheat software running at all times.

 

//GvD

In other news, a similar game has decided to not be so dedicated...

Lets just hope their server browser is an improvement over Battlefield 2's :P

DICE keeps milking the Dedicated Servers after Infinity Ward's huge mistake. DICE gains what IW loses.

I know alot of people that will swich games for their competetive fix now that COD has officially tanked. And a switch to BF:BC2 would be a smooth transition.

Way to tell IW to go fuck themselves.

 

Although it sounds like you can rent out dedicated servers from their partners and no one else. Quite a big dick move too. Might have to skip this one too.

The franchise slowly died with COD2. Cod2 had a great PC community that was built from the previous installments (vCOD and UO). COD2 with a little support could've been great. But then came that Treyarch/IW release combo with a new game every other year, killing off the community. And COD4 with all its perks just slashed the community in even smaller bits and pieces.

And when you think that they cant destory the community even further, they go and drops the a-bomb on the entire PC gaming scene.

MAFKKA said: The franchise slowly died with COD2. Cod2 had a great PC community that was built from the previous installments (vCOD and UO). COD2 with a little support could've been great. But then came that Treyarch/IW release combo with a new game every other year, killing off the community. And COD4 with all its perks just slashed the community in even smaller bits and pieces. And when you think that they cant destory the community even further, they go and drops the a-bomb on the entire PC gaming scene.

Indeed, CoD is another example, among a dozen others, where consoles ruined the series.

Battlefield MP >>>>>>>>> Call of Duty MP. anyday of the week

Pretty sure EA has maintained some control over ranked servers for a while, ie: inserting themselves in the revenue stream. I am pretty sure just about any reputable company can partner with them, but they do make $$ off it.

I used to think it was a dick move, but things are relative. Plus, despite me being wary and distrustful at first - the amount of continued support for BF2 including recent major patches... they have at least shown that they will put forth good faith efforts to maintain and update the games that they still draw revenue from.

Developers and publishers have a legitimate desire to want more revenue, and make more money. I personally would much rather support a developer that supported their community and makes a good faith attempt to provide value, than a developer that gets so egotistical they think they can shove any old trash down your throat and you will pony up anyhow.

At least , fundamentally , DICE /EA are charging for things that improve and enhance the game that only they can do whereas IW are charging you for map packs when many community members make plenty of excellent maps for free.

As long as people maintain the ability to host unranked dedicated servers for free, I will be happy to fork out for the new BF games.