I think we’ve mentioned here before how much we like co-operative multiplayer (to the point where it is a tipping point factor in convincing us to buy certain games), so this shouldn’t be too surprising. Anyway, according to an interview with Mercenaries Lead Designer Scott Warner, there won’t be any adversarial multiplayer in Mercenaries 2.

Eurogamer: Online co-op has been confirmed - will we also be getting PvP deathmatch scenarios?

Scott Warner: Unfortunately Mercs 2 will only feature a co-operative mode, although you’re certainly welcome to emergently turn the game’s robust mechanics into a deathmatch against your friend at any time!

And you know, I’m ok with that. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed with the constant demands that not only should every game have multiplayer, but that it should have 18 different multiplayer modes to make it worth a purchase. Adversarial multiplayer doesn’t work within the technological scope of the game; the only competitive/adversarial multiplayer mode I could see working in Mercenaries would be competing firms, where you compete for contracts by underbidding and duplicitous action, and then if you lose the contract, you sell out the other guy to the enemy, or work for him. Which would be awesome. Maybe next next-gen.

-Aegies