Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[EA product manager Kevin Flynn defects, joins Call of Duty team]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/ea-product-manager-kevin-flynn-defects-joins-call-of-duty-team/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/ea-product-manager-kevin-flynn-defects-joins-call-of-duty-team/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/ea-product-manager-kevin-flynn-defects-joins-call-of-duty-team/#comments Kevin Flynn, who's worked for the last two years as a senior product manager for EA's UK arm, has left to join Activision's UK side as a senior brand manager on Call of Duty. Flynn's previous efforts for EA include launching Battlefield 3 and its subsequent Premium DLC campaigns in the region.

Flynn enlisted with the Call of Duty squad this month, which we imagine must be the busiest time to sign on for an Activision paycheck. With Call of Duty: Ghosts launching on November 5 and next week's next-generation engine reveal during the Xbox event on May 21, we just hope Mr. Flynn is finding adequate time for his lunch break every day. A hungry worker is not a happy worker!

JoystiqEA product manager Kevin Flynn defects, joins Call of Duty team originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbattlefieldbattlefield-3call-of-duty-ghostseaelectronic-artskevin-flynnmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ukxboxFri, 17 May 2013 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[EA CFO suggests 'new Battlefield' running on PS4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/ea-cfo-suggests-new-battlefield-running-on-ps4/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/ea-cfo-suggests-new-battlefield-running-on-ps4/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/ea-cfo-suggests-new-battlefield-running-on-ps4/#comments During a recent investor conference call, Electronic Arts' chief financial officer Blake Jorgensen specifically referenced having seen "the new Battlefield" running on a PlayStation 4. EA has not announced Battlefield 4 as coming to Sony's new flagship box, though it's hardly a stretch to envision the military shooter on the new platform.

Jorgensen shut down the implication that EA's absence from Sony's PlayStation 4 press conference last week meant its support of the new system wouldn't surface until 2014 or 2015. "I'd say between now and E3, you're going to see a lot of stuff from us," he said.

"The technical power on the platform is going to allow us to do a substantial amount of things that we've never done before," Jorgensen continued. "I've seen the new Battlefield and it is stunning, I mean it is just amazing; what the imagination of the game developers are allowed to do with that much power."

We've reached out to EA for more information about Jorgensen's statement and will update with any new information we receive.

JoystiqEA CFO suggests 'new Battlefield' running on PS4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Feb 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BattlefieldBlake-JorgensenEAElectronic-ArtsPlayStation-4PS4Sonythe-new-battlefieldWed, 27 Feb 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Battlefield 4 outed by Medal of Honor: Warfighter pre-order promotion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/14/rumor-battlefield-4-outed-by-medal-of-honor-warfighter-pre-ord/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/14/rumor-battlefield-4-outed-by-medal-of-honor-warfighter-pre-ord/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/14/rumor-battlefield-4-outed-by-medal-of-honor-warfighter-pre-ord/#comments Rumor Battlefield 4 outed by Medal of Honor Warfighter preorder promotionAs seen in the header image above, an Origin pre-order promotion for Medal of Honor: Warfighter briefly tempted customers with access to a Battlefield 4 beta before being removed from the public eye, according to neoGAF. Interesting, since Battlefield 4 doesn't really exist or anything yet, at least not in any sort of publicly official capacity.

While we didn't see the advertisement on Origin with our very own eyes, it was reportedly live and functional as a promotion, if lacking specific Battlefield 4 details, according to a corroborating report from IGN. It's possible that this was an accidental admission of BF4's existence, but it's also possible that someone at EA has learned an important lesson about letting the interns near Photoshop. We've got out ears to the ground and will update with any new information.

[Thanks, Steve!]

JoystiqRumor: Battlefield 4 outed by Medal of Honor: Warfighter pre-order promotion originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 14 Jul 2012 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BattlefieldBattlefield-4Danger-CloseDICEEAmedal-of-honor-warfighterOriginpre-orderSat, 14 Jul 2012 12:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Medal of Honor Warfighter powered by Frostbite 2.0]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/medal-of-honor-warfighter-powered-by-frostbite-2-0/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/medal-of-honor-warfighter-powered-by-frostbite-2-0/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/medal-of-honor-warfighter-powered-by-frostbite-2-0/#comments Medal of Honor Warfighter executive producer Greg Goodrich told Joystiq this evening that October's Danger Close game is being built using EA DICE's in-house Battlefield engine, Frostbite 2.0. This marks the second use of Frostbite 2.0 outside of its origin studio, following last year's Need for Speed: The Run.

After a brief on-stage presentation of the game in action, Goodrich spoke to us about how Danger Close is attempting to distinguish the game visually, despite it being built in the same engine that powers EA's other big shooter. To us, the game didn't look dramatically different from what we've seen in DICE's work with Frostbite 2.0, via BF3.

"I don't think the engine dictates on what it's gonna look like," Goodrich said. "We have a wonderful art director who has a very clear vision of the type of lens he wants to tell our story through. The tech is just a canvas, and that canvas is much larger than it's ever been before."

MoH Warfighter is being developed entirely in-house at Danger Close this time around, with DICE offering little more than engine support (and perhaps the occasional hearty back pat). Goodrich confirmed to us that he and his team aren't growing the same impressive beards during Warfighter's dev cycle.

"My wife won't let me this time," Goodrich said with a smile. "Same guys, less beard."

Gallery: Medal of Honor: Warfighter (GDC 03/06/12)

JoystiqMedal of Honor Warfighter powered by Frostbite 2.0 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefieldbattlefield-3danger-closeeaea-danger-closeelectronic-artsfrostbite-2gdcgdc-2012greg-goodrichmedal-of-honor-warfightermicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 07 Mar 2012 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Battlefield 2143' easter egg hidden in Back to Karkand DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/battlefield-2143-easter-egg-hidden-in-back-to-karkand-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/battlefield-2143-easter-egg-hidden-in-back-to-karkand-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/battlefield-2143-easter-egg-hidden-in-back-to-karkand-dlc/#comments
A couple of eagle-eyed Battlefield 3 players have spotted the above easter egg in the recent "Back to Karkand" DLC pack. It's just a stencil on a virtual wall, but of course the number "2143" (at least we're guessing that's the remains of a 4, and not a triangle) would hint at a followup to DICE's Battlefield 2142, the not-quite-as-successful futuristic spinoff of the Battlefield 1942 series. The Battlefield 3 Blog points out that a similar easter egg was hidden back in the Battlefield 2: Euro Force map pack back in 2006, and that egg was eventually the first sign of 2142's release later that year.

Don't start hoping for a sequel just yet, however. While some fans would probably enjoy a return to the 2142 universe, odds are this is just DICE having a little fun, and reminding us that while many players might have forgotten about the futuristic spinoff already, DICE's own developers haven't just yet.

Joystiq'Battlefield 2143' easter egg hidden in Back to Karkand DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2143back-to-karkandbattlefieldbattlefield-2142battlefield-3dicedlceaeaster-eggmicrosoftpcxboxTue, 20 Dec 2011 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Help Somalia hunger crisis by playing Bad Company 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/help-somalia-hunger-crisis-by-playing-bad-company-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/help-somalia-hunger-crisis-by-playing-bad-company-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/help-somalia-hunger-crisis-by-playing-bad-company-2/#comments
Somalia is in bad shape, you guys. Two back-to-back seasons of inadequate rains have prevented the country's agricultural infrastructure from producing enough food to cover the needs of its people, and as a result roughly 3.7 million Somali citizens are in need of assistance. The situation is so dire in some parts of Somalia that the UN has declared it a famine, which could spread throughout the entire country in as little as two months.

It's bad, and once again, a group of intrepid gamers have taken it upon themselves to help when help is needed most. Battlefield community site Don't Revive Me Bro has joined forces with pro gaming organization Quantic Gaming, fellow community resource Battlefieldo, and DICE's own Daniel Matros to produce First Person Saviors, a 24-hour Battlefield: Bad Company 2 event benefiting Somalia's people.

The event, which started this morning at 9 AM GMT (5 AM EDT) and runs until that time tomorrow, urges players to join specially-marked "Somalian Hunger Relief SHR" servers, rather than their usual virtual homes. Donations will be accepted by Gamers Outreach, 100 percent of which will be passed along to the World Food Programme to aid in their humanitarian efforts.

In addition to the warm, fuzzy feeling you'll get from knowing you've done a good thing, people who donate are also automatically entered into drawings for prizes and giveaways, held at specific donation intervals. The event is also an opportunity to test your mettle against some of the best Bad Company 2 players in the world, as well as actual DICE employees. So get to it! Go kill some dudes, and help save millions.

JoystiqHelp Somalia hunger crisis by playing Bad Company 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Aug 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bad-Company-2BattlefieldBattlefield-Bad-Company-2BattlefieldocharityDICEDont-Revive-Me-BrofamineFirst-Person-SaviorsGamers-OutreachpcQuantic-GamingsomaliaWorld-Food-ProgrammeSat, 06 Aug 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: A Mirror's Edge sequel could get cooler with Frostbite 2 engine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/31/mirrors-edge-sequel-could-get-cooler-with-frostbite-2-engine/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/31/mirrors-edge-sequel-could-get-cooler-with-frostbite-2-engine/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/31/mirrors-edge-sequel-could-get-cooler-with-frostbite-2-engine/#comments The Mirror's Edge and Battlefield franchises are related through more than developer-publisher relations -- they're poised to share digital DNA. If it is made, a sequel to Mirror's Edge may use Battlefield 3's Frostbite 2 engine, according to Official PlayStation Magazine, which writes, "The Frostbite 2 engine will pave the way for Mirror's Edge to make a free-running return."

We don't know much more about the potential sequel or OPM's "inside whispers," besides the fact that Mirror's Edge is an "important franchise" to EA. We may have to wait until EA and DICE stop coddling Battlefield 3 for confirmation of another game or details about its engine. For now, dreaming about free-running on Frostbite 2 will have to tide us over. Mmmm...

JoystiqRumor: A Mirror's Edge sequel could get cooler with Frostbite 2 engine originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 31 Jul 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Battlefieldbattlefield-3DICEEAmicrosoftMirrors-Edgemirrors-edge-2pcplaystationps3sequelxboxSun, 31 Jul 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mysterious Battlefield 3 paperback/eBook spotted online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/17/mysterious-battlefield-3-paperback-ebook-spotted-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/17/mysterious-battlefield-3-paperback-ebook-spotted-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/17/mysterious-battlefield-3-paperback-ebook-spotted-online/#comments Listings for a book (potentially) based on Battlefield 3 have started cropping up at various literary outlets around the web, in both paperback and eBook flavors. Amazon lists the book as a 400-page "Mass Market Paperback" by Andy McNab, an author and war-vet who, according to Gamersbook, has been advising BF3 developer DICE on their motion-capture techniques. Barnes & Nobel also has a listing for Battlefield 3, this time in as a Nook eBook, with both McNab and BF3 Executive Producer Patrick Bach cited as authors.

We can also assume that these listing aren't for a strategy guide, as the "Mass Market Paperback" classification is reserved for novels and the like, whereas strategy guides are classified as "Paperbacks." The tremendously tantalizing tome is available for pre-order at both outlets, with Amazon listing the release date as October 25 and B&N reporting a November release window. We've reached out to the book's registered publisher, Grand Central Publishing, for more information.

JoystiqMysterious Battlefield 3 paperback/eBook spotted online originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 17 Jul 2011 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AmazonAndy-McNabBarnes-and-NobleBattlefieldbattlefield-3DICEeBookmicrosoftNovelPatrick-Bachpcplaystationps3xboxSun, 17 Jul 2011 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield Heroes celebrates two years with new map, free content]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/battlefield-heroes-celebrates-two-years-with-new-map-free-conte/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/battlefield-heroes-celebrates-two-years-with-new-map-free-conte/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/battlefield-heroes-celebrates-two-years-with-new-map-free-conte/#comments If you give it to them for free, they will come -- at least, we think that's how it works. As a thanks to those who've stuck around for two years (through thick and thin) and for reaching a milestone of eight million players, Battlefield Heroes is adding the popular franchise map Wake Island later this month.

It's part of a summer promotion that extends through the next month or so. Aside from the new map, EA is also giving away two free Party Packs to players who log in between now and July 7 at 11:59pm PT. Each pack includes 77 Battlefunds, 25 Festive Flares, a permanent Party Hat exclusive to this promotion and a seven day rental to dress your hero in a Birthday Suit. We, uh, hope that isn't what we think it is. To snag your free Party Packs, simply log in to the Battlefield Heroes website, go through the My Stuff tab and select Rewards.

Finally, there are two new Extraordinary Hero item sets you can pick up, which not only give you a futuristic look, but also super powers such as a super jump and a speed boost. See both Metallo and Captain Royal in action above, whose super powers could be yours for a nominal fee. If only we could buy super powers in real life like that!

Continue reading Battlefield Heroes celebrates two years with new map, free content

JoystiqBattlefield Heroes celebrates two years with new map, free content originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefieldbattlefield-heroesea-easyfree-to-playmacpcwake-islandFri, 01 Jul 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield Play4Free launches closed beta]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/battlefield-play4free-launches-closed-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/battlefield-play4free-launches-closed-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/battlefield-play4free-launches-closed-beta/#commentsIf you've been waiting patiently for a free-to-play Battlefield game ... what's the deal? Battlefield Heroes has been available since last June. But if you've been waiting for a different free-to-play Battlefield game, the freemium Battlefield 2/Bad Company 2 hybrid Battlefield Play4Free has started its closed beta. The game is set to launch for real in the spring.

EA distributed beta invites to fans who submitted videos detailing their desire to play. An email form on the site is available for those who want to try out the new game but who didn't feel like putting together videos -- and haven't received an invite yet.

Gallery: Battlefield Play4Free



[Thanks, Bradley]

JoystiqBattlefield Play4Free launches closed beta originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefieldbattlefield-play4freebetaclosed-betaelectronic-artsfree-to-playpcTue, 30 Nov 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield Play4Free engages hostiles in Spring 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/battlefield-play4free-engages-hostiles-in-spring-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/battlefield-play4free-engages-hostiles-in-spring-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/battlefield-play4free-engages-hostiles-in-spring-2011/#comments Following a tease earlier this week, EA has announced Battlefield Play4Free this morning, a freemium title that will support 32-player online warfare. The game will activate in the spring of 2011 but, if you just can't wait, you can enlist early and test out the closed beta beginning November 30. Aesthetically -- and, apparently, in tone -- BP4F appears to be a departure from EA's other freemium warfare title, Battlefield Heroes, which has a cartoony, colorful nature (though the two games will share a single "battlefunds" wallet, confirms Ben Cousins of developer Easy, an EA Games studio).

Easy's Battlefield Play4Free will combine maps from Battlefield 2 with the classes and weapons found in the hit (and neglected) Battlefield: Bad Company 2. Players can drive 16 different vehicles, including the F35 VTOL (vertical take-off landing) jet fighter -- which certainly isn't found in BFBC2. Players will progress through the game to learn skills or, as you've probably already guessed, drop some f'real bling to pimp out their soldier.

Gallery: Battlefield Play4Free

Continue reading Battlefield Play4Free engages hostiles in Spring 2011

JoystiqBattlefield Play4Free engages hostiles in Spring 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefieldbattlefield-heroesbattlefield-play4freeea-easyeasyfree-to-playfreemiumpcrelease-dateFri, 05 Nov 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[You'll love the smell of this Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Vietnam trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/youll-love-the-smell-of-this-battlefield-bad-company-2-vietnam/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/youll-love-the-smell-of-this-battlefield-bad-company-2-vietnam/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/youll-love-the-smell-of-this-battlefield-bad-company-2-vietnam/#comments
 Battlefield: Bad Company 2's downloadable Vietnam expansion will bring four new maps, 15 weapons and six vehicles into the first-person fray this Winter. The latest trailer is presented without release date, but does highlight just how you'll find release for all those weekly anxieties. As dear Alfred says, some men just want to watch the world burn.

Continue reading You'll love the smell of this Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Vietnam trailer

JoystiqYou'll love the smell of this Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Vietnam trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefieldbattlefield-bad-company-2battlefield-bad-company-2-vietnamdicedlceamicrosoftpcplaystationps3psnxboxxbox-liveFri, 05 Nov 2010 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA kind of announces 'new, unannounced' Battlefield game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/ea-kind-of-announces-new-unannounced-battlefield-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/ea-kind-of-announces-new-unannounced-battlefield-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/ea-kind-of-announces-new-unannounced-battlefield-game/#comments According to a tweet from Ben Cousins, general manager of EA's Easy studio, Battlefield fans can start looking forward to a new entry in the franchise. Easy handles free-to-play online games for EA, such as Lord of Ultima and Battlefield Heroes, and this Friday, the studio will show its "new, unannounced" Battlefield game to London press for the first time, Cousins tweeted.

Given Easy's current projects, we're inclined to guess the new Battlefield will be another freemium entry in the online space. Of course, does it even exist? It's still "unannounced," after all -- actually, wait, wasn't that tweet kinda the announcement? We're going to need to lay down. Our brain suddenly hurts.

JoystiqEA kind of announces 'new, unannounced' Battlefield game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefieldbattlefield-play4freeben-cousinseaea-easyeasyeasy-studiosTue, 02 Nov 2010 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 1943 for PC remains on track, still no release date]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/30/battlefield-1943-for-pc-remains-on-track-still-no-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/30/battlefield-1943-for-pc-remains-on-track-still-no-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/30/battlefield-1943-for-pc-remains-on-track-still-no-release-date/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Still waiting for your PC version of Battlefield 1943? Okay, first, we feel obliged to tell you that you should probably check out Battlefield: Bad Company 2. But second, you might want to know that EA is apparently issuing refunds for pre-orders of the title to folks who reserved the PC release. VG247 asked EA about said refunds, and was told, "All pre-orders can be canceled with refund at any time and we do not have any further information at this time about a release date for the PC version of Battlefield 1943." We asked an EA rep for clarification this afternoon and were told that pre-orders for any game can be refunded at any time -- furthermore, the rep specifically pointed out "Battlefield 1943 is not canceled, but we don't have any news about a release date at this time."

Last we heard, the game was on track for release sometime this year and the game's producer even assured us that the PC version was still in the cards as recently as last March. So, while unfulfilled PC fans eagerly awaiting the game's release may ask for their pre-order money back, it also appears that whatever interest EA earned on your money since last October when pre-orders opened will remain in the publisher's hands. How nice of them! Perhaps it'll be used to support the game with DLC? Yeah, we're not holding our breath either.

JoystiqBattlefield 1943 for PC remains on track, still no release date originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefieldBattlefield-1943Battlefield-XBLAdelaydiceeaea-dicepcpre-orderrelease-dateFri, 30 Jul 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield Heroes celebrates first birthday with free in-game items]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/29/battlefield-heroes-celebrates-first-birthday-with-free-in-game-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/29/battlefield-heroes-celebrates-first-birthday-with-free-in-game-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/29/battlefield-heroes-celebrates-first-birthday-with-free-in-game-i/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Wow, has it already been a year since DICE's freemium version of its popular Battlefield FPS series, Battlefield Heroes, launched on the PC? Sure enough, that's the case and EA is looking to celebrate by hooking up players with a free $5 voucher for use in-game, which can be redeemed here to unlock a two-day XP boost, a two-day VP boost and 25 bandages. You'll have to act fast, as the code below is only valid until tomorrow:
  • 49TP-ZJB7-NVTR-P8AE
Other than free in-game items, EA also offers some stats on the first year of the game. Turns out, more than 4.8 million players have registered for play and the community as a whole has managed to commit 1.2 billion heinous murders in a total of 29 million hours of gameplay -- equal to 3,724 years, you monsters.

JoystiqBattlefield Heroes celebrates first birthday with free in-game items originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 21:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefieldbattlefield-heroesdiceeaelectronic-artsfree-to-playfreemiumTue, 29 Jun 2010 21:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Bad Company 2 'Onslaught' mode hits XBL tomorrow, June 24]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/23/bad-company-2-onslaught-mode-hits-xbl-tomorrow-june-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/23/bad-company-2-onslaught-mode-hits-xbl-tomorrow-june-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/23/bad-company-2-onslaught-mode-hits-xbl-tomorrow-june-24/#commentsFiled under: , ,

As part of his introductory post on the official Battlefield blog, the franchise's new community manager, "Bazajaytee," announced that the delayed Onslaught mode DLC for Battlefield: Bad Company 2 will arrive in the Xbox Live Marketplace tomorrow, June 24, for 800 Microsoft points ($10).

We're glad the delay wasn't, say, a week. Then we'd have probably shot someone -- in the game, of course.

JoystiqBad Company 2 'Onslaught' mode hits XBL tomorrow, June 24 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jun 2010 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BattlefieldBattlefield-Bad-CompanyBattlefield-Bad-Company-2dicedlceaElectronic-Artsmicrosoftrelease-datexboxWed, 23 Jun 2010 13:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Bad Company 2 VIP Map Pack 3 coming this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/07/bad-company-2-vip-map-pack-3-coming-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/07/bad-company-2-vip-map-pack-3-coming-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/07/bad-company-2-vip-map-pack-3-coming-this-week/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The docile environs of Battlefield: Bad Company 2's Nelson Bay and Laguna Alta maps will be shaken up this Wednesday, June 9, when the VIP Map Pack 3 incorporates two new gameplay modes into the mix. Nelson Bay will get the four-team Squad Deathmatch mode, where players will have to fight to control the M3A3 Bradley tank if they hope to succeed; while Laguna Alta will add the ever-popular Squad Rush mode. If you're a visual learner, you can check out a trailer for the new scenarios posted above.

As with all the other VIP packs, this new content will be free for those who have redeemed the VIP code that comes with new copies of Bad Company 2. If you missed out, you can always grab said code from your respective gaming platform's online marketplace for $15.

JoystiqBad Company 2 VIP Map Pack 3 coming this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Battlefieldbattlefield-bad-company-2DICEEAElectronic-Artsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3PSNxboxXbox-360Xbox-LiveMon, 07 Jun 2010 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield: Bad Company 2 PS3 update now live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/04/battlefield-bad-company-2-ps3-update-now-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/04/battlefield-bad-company-2-ps3-update-now-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/04/battlefield-bad-company-2-ps3-update-now-live/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Has your propensity for keeping things old school prevented you from getting ahead in the ultra-competitive world of Battlefield: Bad Company 2? Specifically, have you been held back by the M1 Garand rifle's lack of stat-tracking? You won't have to change your ways in order to get the recognition you deserve -- a patch went live for the PS3 version of the game last night (the 360 version is coming soon!) which corrects this oversight, as well as a few other minor multiplayer bugs.

In addition, you'll now get more points for securing team objectives, and will lose more points for killing your fellow team members. We love seeing such strong reinforcements of karmic ideals in our multiplayer shooters. Click past the jump to see the full list of changes included in the update.

[Thanks, Fernando]

Continue reading Battlefield: Bad Company 2 PS3 update now live

JoystiqBattlefield: Bad Company 2 PS3 update now live originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Jun 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefieldbattlefield-bad-company-2diceeaElectronic-ArtsfpsMicrosoftmultiplayerpatchplaystationps3updateXbox-360Fri, 04 Jun 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield Heroes deploys a double XP weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/22/battlefield-heroes-deploys-a-double-xp-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/22/battlefield-heroes-deploys-a-double-xp-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/22/battlefield-heroes-deploys-a-double-xp-weekend/#comments From today through 5:59 p.m. EDT on Sunday, May 23, Battlefield Heroes players can input the following code to earn double the XP they normally would for playing: 5RH4-G9WR-MVV2-Q4E7. Just enter the code on this page, then it's off to the races -- er, the battlefield, rather.

You've got to give it up to DICE, who has managed to keep its free-to-play shooter fresh through steady content updates -- the latest of which includes a new map and mode centered around jetpacks. And that, folks, is how you enlist over three million players.

[Via Big Download]

JoystiqBattlefield Heroes deploys a double XP weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 22 May 2010 02:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefieldBattlefield-Heroesdicedigital-illusionsdouble-xpdouble-xp-weekendeaea-diceElectronic-ArtsSat, 22 May 2010 02:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Battlefield: Bad Company 2's co-op Onslaught mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/hands-on-bad-company-2s-co-op-onslaught-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/hands-on-bad-company-2s-co-op-onslaught-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/hands-on-bad-company-2s-co-op-onslaught-mode/#comments
Click for a screenshot onslaught. Being the Battlefield: Bad Company 2 fan that you are, you've no doubt read about the game's upcoming Onslaught mode DLC. If, for some reason, you haven't -- and didn't click on that link there -- here's the skinny: it will add up to four-player co-op to EA's latest military shooter, pitting human-folk against opposing A.I. foes in a rush to complete four different maps as quickly as possible. You'll want to do that because the mode will sport worldwide leaderboards for each of its four difficulty settings.

I played the mode a couple of weeks back at EA HQ. Even on the lowest difficulty setting my three fellow players and I were absolutely humiliated within seconds of starting our first level. The A.I. is unforgiving. Our initial embarrassment had what I believe is the effect DICE is after with this mode: really making squads work together. You won't make it 50 feet if you don't -- and if you all die it's game over.

Gallery: Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Onslaught Mode

Continue reading Hands-on: Battlefield: Bad Company 2's co-op Onslaught mode

JoystiqHands-on: Battlefield: Bad Company 2's co-op Onslaught mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 May 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefieldbattlefield-bad-company-2co-opdicedlceaElectronic-ArtsMicrosoftpsnXbox-360xbox-liveFri, 21 May 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DICE explains current lack of Onslaught in PC version of Battlefield: Bad Company 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/12/dice-explains-current-lack-of-onslaught-in-pc-version-of-battlef/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/12/dice-explains-current-lack-of-onslaught-in-pc-version-of-battlef/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/12/dice-explains-current-lack-of-onslaught-in-pc-version-of-battlef/#comments While the announcement of new DLC and a new mode for Battlefield: Bad Company 2 was good news to many, it was perplexing to PC owners. See, the new Onslaught mode has only been announced for the Xbox 360 and PS3. Speaking on the Bad Company 2 forums, DICE associate producer Barrie Tingle explains why Onslaught is seemingly skipping the PC. "The problem we have on PC," says Tingle, "is that all our servers are dedicated with providers." As a result, Tingle says that changing a 32-player Conquest server into a 4-player Onslaught server adds up to a net loss of 28 player slots.

He adds that DICE isn't "ruling out" the possibility of PC Onslaught, but the company is "researching how to bring it to PC without affecting players who don't have Onslaught or their own server to run it on." When reached for comment by Joystiq on the subject, an EA representative responded, simply, "We'll have more details about PC DLC at a later date."

If only there were an awesome military shooter we could play while we wait ....

[Via VG247]

JoystiqDICE explains current lack of Onslaught in PC version of Battlefield: Bad Company 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 May 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barrie-tinglebattlefieldbattlefield-bad-company-2dicedlceaElectronic-ArtsMicrosoftonslaught-modeXbox-360Wed, 12 May 2010 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield: Bad Company 2 gains co-op 'Onslaught' mode soon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/12/battlefield-bad-company-2-gains-co-op-onslaught-mode-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/12/battlefield-bad-company-2-gains-co-op-onslaught-mode-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/12/battlefield-bad-company-2-gains-co-op-onslaught-mode-soon/#commentsFor those of you who like to play Battlefield: Bad Company 2 in good company (FIRED - Ed.), EA just announced a new co-op mode for four players. Onslaught Mode, available "soon" on PS3 and Xbox 360, remixes the Valparaiso, Atacama Desert, Isla Inocentes, and Nelson Bay maps for use in co-op with new vehicle placements and different times of day.

Players are asked to complete specific objectives in each map, with enemy AI attempting to prevent those goals. For example, the announcement specifies that "Vehicle warfare comes to the forefront in Atacama Desert while Nelson Bay focuses squarely on infantry assault."

We're following up with EA about the price of this DLC, as well as the prospect of its release on PC.

JoystiqBattlefield: Bad Company 2 gains co-op 'Onslaught' mode soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 May 2010 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefieldbattlefield-bad-companybattlefield-bad-company-2co-opdiceeaElectronic-ArtsfpsMicrosoftonslaughtonslaught-modeXbox-360Wed, 12 May 2010 09:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield: BC2 console update coming May 11]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/battlefield-bad-company-2-console-update-coming-may-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/battlefield-bad-company-2-console-update-coming-may-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/battlefield-bad-company-2-console-update-coming-may-11/#comments Recons! Medics! Assaults! Lend us your Engineers! If you're still adhering to your nightly routine of playing Battlefield: Bad Company 2 until your eyes refuse to stay open any longer, you'll be pleased to hear about some upcoming changes coming to console versions of the game. Unless, of course, you actually like the game's unkillable, super overpowered deathcopters. In that case, you're about to be sorely disappointed.

Changes coming in the update -- due out May 11 via Xbox Live and PSN -- include a few balance tweaks of most weapons, a slight nerfing of the attack helicopter and an increase in the velocity of tracer darts, making it easier to stick 'em to that aforementioned helicopter. Joy!

Check out the full list of changes after the jump.

Continue reading Battlefield: BC2 console update coming May 11

JoystiqBattlefield: BC2 console update coming May 11 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 May 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefieldbattlefield-bad-companybattlefield-bad-company-2diceeaElectronic-ArtsMicrosoftmulitplayerpatchpsnupdateXbox-360xbox-liveFri, 07 May 2010 10:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Marketplace in May: Rocket Knight, Dragon Age DLC and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/xbox-live-marketplace-in-may-rocket-knight-dragon-age-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/xbox-live-marketplace-in-may-rocket-knight-dragon-age-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/xbox-live-marketplace-in-may-rocket-knight-dragon-age-dlc/#comments You know that dusty piggy bank you've had sitting on the shelf forever? Look, forget the kid's college fund -- she's not going to college for, like, years -- and bust that thing open! There's going to be some solid content on Xbox Live Marketplace this month.

In the mood for XBLA games? How does Rocket Knight or Zeno Clash tickle your fancy? Oh, so you want some DLC -- Dragon Age: Origins will have more to offer the tireless adventurer later this month. Want to learn the Secret of Monkey Island? During the week of May 17, the secret will be half-off. See what we mean?

Head past the break for more XBLM release highlights for the month provided by Microsoft.

Continue reading Xbox Live Marketplace in May: Rocket Knight, Dragon Age DLC and more

JoystiqXbox Live Marketplace in May: Rocket Knight, Dragon Age DLC and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 May 2010 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-kingdom-for-keflingsadd-onadd-onsArmy-of-TwoAtlusavatar-marketplaceavatarsbattlefieldbattlefield-2brothers-in-armsbrothers-in-arms-hells-highwayCommand-and-Conquercommand-and-conquer-3dlcdragon-agedragon-age-originsfinal-fantasy-xiiiforza-motorsport-3game-roomgames-on-demandkonamilipsmagic-the-gatheringmagic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkersMicrosoftmiley-cyrusrock-bandrocket-knightsnoopy-flying-acesuper-street-fighter-ivthe-secret-of-monkey-island-special-editiontom-clancys-endwarubisoftxblmXbox-360xbox-livexbox-live-arcadexbox-live-deal-of-the-weekxbox-live-marketplacezeno-clashZeno-Clash-Ultimate-EditionTue, 04 May 2010 16:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield: Bad Company 2 VIP Map Pack 3 almost ready for deployment [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/battlefield-bad-company-2-vip-map-pack-3-almost-ready-for-deplo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/battlefield-bad-company-2-vip-map-pack-3-almost-ready-for-deplo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/battlefield-bad-company-2-vip-map-pack-3-almost-ready-for-deplo/#comments Look, we have a fairly refined and nuanced stance on how Battlefield: Bad Company 2 should be played: in Rush Mode.

... Yep, that's it. But, we recognize that some people just like to do things incorrectly and, lucky for them, so does developer DICE. Cue: VIP Map Pack 3. The latest free download for all VIP members adds maps to Squad Rush and Squad Deathmatch -- specifically, Laguna Alta will become available in Squad Rush mode and Nelson Bay will become available in Squad Deathmatch.

Planet Battlefield was kind enough to point out the DLC that, as you can see above, is visible in the Battlefield: Bad Company 2 store. We'll let you know when you can download it.

Update: Added clarification of source and removed the "sometime in April" quote, which never originated from DICE. Joystiq apologizes for the confusion and regrets the error.

[Via BadCompanyTwo]

JoystiqBattlefield: Bad Company 2 VIP Map Pack 3 almost ready for deployment [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 22:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefieldbattlefield-bad-companybattlefield-bad-company-2dicedlceaElectronic-ArtsMicrosoftvipvip-map-packvip-map-pack-3Xbox-360Thu, 22 Apr 2010 22:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield Heroes gets jetpacks, new map and new game mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/battlefield-heroes-gets-jetpacks-new-map-and-new-game-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/battlefield-heroes-gets-jetpacks-new-map-and-new-game-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/battlefield-heroes-gets-jetpacks-new-map-and-new-game-mode/#commentsDICE's freemium FPS, Battlefield Heroes, has had its finger on the pulse of what's hip for quite some time now. It offered content for sad MJ fans when the King of Pop passed away and even implemented some supernatural content when that New Moon flick came out. Then there was the latest stuff celebrating the release of Battlefield: Bad Company 2.

DICE clearly hasn't forgotten about its baby and now, for its three million and growing userbase, it's offering a trio of new goodies, headlined by the new in vogue multiplayer item: jetpacks. Players will use the jetpacks on a map called Midnight Mayhem, which sports a brand-new game mode called V2 Vengeance -- players must battle to capture and control a giant rocket.

The content is available right now, so head on over to the Battlefield Heroes site if you want to throw down.

JoystiqBattlefield Heroes gets jetpacks, new map and new game mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Apr 2010 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefieldBattlefield-HeroesdiceeaElectronic-Artsfpsfree-to-playfreemiumJetPackjetpacksMon, 19 Apr 2010 18:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Amazon deal: Battlefield: Bad Company 2 for $47]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/05/another-amazon-deal-battlefield-bad-company-2-for-47/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/05/another-amazon-deal-battlefield-bad-company-2-for-47/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/05/another-amazon-deal-battlefield-bad-company-2-for-47/#comments Though the boys of Bad Company usually won't spare any subject from being the target of their crude brand of wit, there's one thing they'd never think of dissing: Sweet, sweet savings. Amazon recently began offering Battlefield: Bad Company 2 on 360 and PS3 for just $47. That's not quite as hot as getting both Mass Effect games for just three dollars more -- but really, in this economy, three dollars is a pretty substantial sum of money. You could easily buy one of your favorite candy bars with that much cash, which, in the long run, will provide much more enjoyment than any video game possibly could.

Unless it's a Mounds, of course.

JoystiqAnother Amazon deal: Battlefield: Bad Company 2 for $47 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbattlefieldbattlefield-bad-company-2dealdiceeaElectronic-ArtsfpsMicrosoftsalesXbox-360Mon, 05 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Battlefield: Bad Company 2's 'Squad Rush' now available to all]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/psa-battlefield-bad-company-2s-squad-rush-now-available-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/psa-battlefield-bad-company-2s-squad-rush-now-available-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/psa-battlefield-bad-company-2s-squad-rush-now-available-to/#commentsBattlefield: Bad Company 2 Squad Rush multiplayer mode EA's lifted the velvet rope and now the whole of the unwashed masses enjoying Battlefield: Bad Company 2 can access the Squad Rush multiplayer mode. Previously only available to those who pre-ordered the game, this mode pits two squads (of four players) against each other as they fight over a single M-COM station. Once the attacking team has destroyed the M-COM station, it opens up the next section of the map -- it's a scaled-down version of the regular Rush multiplayer mode.

If you're looking for something in the way of moving pictures, head past the break for a trailer that EA was kind enough to send over.

Continue reading PSA: Battlefield: Bad Company 2's 'Squad Rush' now available to all

JoystiqPSA: Battlefield: Bad Company 2's 'Squad Rush' now available to all originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Apr 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefieldbattlefield-bad-company-2diceeaElectronic-ArtsMicrosoftmultiplayersquad-rushXbox-360Fri, 02 Apr 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 1943 recruits one million on Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/battlefield-1943-recruits-one-million-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/battlefield-1943-recruits-one-million-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/battlefield-1943-recruits-one-million-on-xbox-live/#comments We're glad you like Battlefield 1943 so much ... because that's all you're going to get from it. Even though DICE's XBLA multiplayer shooter has reached one million downloads on Xbox Live this week, producer Gordon Van Dyke told us at PAX that there really aren't any plans for DLC. It's extra surprising when you consider that it's also the fastest rise to one million downloads for any Xbox Live Arcade game in existence, releasing back in July 2009.

We wonder how many people waited until it was $10 to buy?

JoystiqBattlefield 1943 recruits one million on Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefieldbattlefield-1943Battlefield-XBLAdiceeaElectronic-ArtsfpsMicrosoftsalesxblaXbox-360xbox-livexbox-live-arcadeMon, 29 Mar 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bad Company VIP Map Pack 2 trailer (realistically) falls apart]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/bad-company-vip-map-pack-2-trailer-realistically-falls-apart/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/bad-company-vip-map-pack-2-trailer-realistically-falls-apart/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/bad-company-vip-map-pack-2-trailer-realistically-falls-apart/#comments EA has released a new trailer for the upcoming VIP Map Pack 2 for Battlefield: Bad Company 2. As the name of the DLC implies, this DLC is for VIP members only. Much like Mass Effect 2's Cerberus Network, VIP membership is free for those who bought the game new. Meanwhile, those with used copies on Xbox or PlayStation 3 will have to fork over $15 (1200 on Xbox) for a VIP membership. PC players (lucky dogs) are exempt from all this business and will receive the pack as an update.

It's worth noting that the map pack doesn't actually include any maps. Instead, it unlocks the Conquest Mode in Arica Harbor and Rush Mode in Laguna Presa. Still, it's essentially new gameplay for free, so it's hard to complain. Unless you aren't a VIP, of course. The DLC releases tomorrow, March 30.

JoystiqBad Company VIP Map Pack 2 trailer (realistically) falls apart originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bad-companybad-company-2battlefieldbattlefield-bad-companybattlefield-bad-company-2dicedlceaElectronic-ArtsMicrosoftXbox-360Mon, 29 Mar 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Activate Bad Company 2's M-COM stations early to avoid picking up kits]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/28/psa-activate-m-com-stations-early-to-avoid-picking-up-kits/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/28/psa-activate-m-com-stations-early-to-avoid-picking-up-kits/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/28/psa-activate-m-com-stations-early-to-avoid-picking-up-kits/#comments DICE informed us at PAX East that it will continue to support its hit title Battlefield: Bad Company 2 with patching -- however, one thing it won't "fix" is players accidentally picking up kits from corpses when trying to activate M-COM stations in rush mode. With millions of copies sold so far, the kit kerfuffle is a problem we've consistently heard and experienced. Little did we know that there's been a remedy to the issue all along, as Bad Company 2 producer Gordon Van Dyke told us that players can press the M-COM activation button early. He expressed that BC2 players should spread the word.

It turns out that if players hold the M-COM activation button (example: the B button on Xbox 360) before the prompt displays, they'll be able to initiate (or deactivate) the station once in range. This avoids the frustration of picking up kits off the stacks of bodies that inevitably pile up next to the boxes. It's a rather simple solution to one of the most frustrating elements in the excellent multiplayer shooter.

JoystiqPSA: Activate Bad Company 2's M-COM stations early to avoid picking up kits originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 28 Mar 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bad-company-2battlefieldbattlefield-bad-company-2DICEElectronic-Artsm-comm-com-stationsMicrosoftXbox-360Sun, 28 Mar 2010 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[No further plans for Battlefield 1943, 'another type of 1943' possible in future]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/no-further-plans-for-battlefield-1943-could-see-another-type-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/no-further-plans-for-battlefield-1943-could-see-another-type-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/no-further-plans-for-battlefield-1943-could-see-another-type-o/#comments Just exhale if you've been holding your breath for any Battlefield 1943 DLC, because it seriously sounds like the sun has set on the Pacific war. Speaking with DICE producer Gordon Van Dyke at PAX East, we asked if he could finally end the hopes and dreams that its successful downloadable experiment would receive more content. He informed us, "There's no plans. There's no plans for DLC." However, the PC version is still planned, and there is a patch incoming to address console issues, including mic problems on PS3.

Van Dyke told us that Battlefield 1943 was a cool way to express a classic game like Battlefield 1942 using the company's Frostbite engine. He said that it opened up a lot of eyes to showing off what an older Battlefield game could be like with the new engine.

When asked to elaborate if other classic Battlefield games would receive a reimagined bite-sized release he said, "I can't. There's no specific plans. The success of [1943] has given it an existence within our lineup, in our thoughts. You could possibly see another type of 1943 in the future. But it doesn't mean it's going to be based on 1942." When pressed, he continued, "Seriously, all options are open. We haven't closed our mind off to anything and we haven't locked down that we'll do anything specific."

Gallery: Battlefield 1943

JoystiqNo further plans for Battlefield 1943, 'another type of 1943' possible in future originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1943Battlefieldbattlefield-1943Battlefield-XBLAdiceeaelectronic-artsMicrosoftpax-eastpax-east-2010Xbox-360Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield: Bad Company 2 sells 2.3 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/battlefield-bad-company-2-sells-2-3-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/battlefield-bad-company-2-sells-2-3-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/battlefield-bad-company-2-sells-2-3-million/#commentsNot content to wait for March to end, EA went ahead and announced that "Battlefield: Bad Company 2 tops March sales charts." The somewhat hasty press release goes on to explain that with 2.3 million copies sold so far, Bad Company 2 is "on pace" to be the top selling title in March 2010. It is already, according to EA, the best-selling March release yet, which lends credence to EA's early claim of March dominance.

We look forward to seeing if this claim rings true at the end of the month, after Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver have had two weeks to sell. Or maybe that's why EA issued the "we won" press release now?

JoystiqBattlefield: Bad Company 2 sells 2.3 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefieldbattlefield-bad-company-2diceeaea-diceElectronic-ArtsFPSMicrosoftsalesXbox-360Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Bad Company 2 'F.R.A.G.S.' video continues Modern Warfare mockery]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/bad-company-2-f-r-a-g-s-video-is-another-case-of-mocking-mw2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/bad-company-2-f-r-a-g-s-video-is-another-case-of-mocking-mw2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/bad-company-2-f-r-a-g-s-video-is-another-case-of-mocking-mw2/#comments Hey, you remember when Infinity Ward released that unbelievably offensive "Fight Against Grenade Spam" video starring Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels to promote Modern Warfare 2? Yeah, we were trying to forget it too (sorry to remind you!), but Battlefield developer DICE just released its own variation of the video (found after the break) starring New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia to explain why grenade spam isn't so much of an issue in Bad Company 2.

According to CC, due to the variety of other gameplay options (destructible environments, a handful of different vehicles and "adrenaline pumping weapons"), grenade spam isn't the same problem that it is in "competing games of this particular genre." (It probably helps that each class only starts with one grenade too, huh?) Rather than being sponsored by the notorious acronym that closed out Infinity Ward's ad, this one ends with: "Friends Really Against Grenade Spam."

Oh, and for those of you playing along at home, this is at least the second advertisement for Bad Company 2 that directly parodies Modern Warfare 2 promos. We're still holding out hope that all this culminates in a cage match between Robert Bowling and Patrick Söderlund.

Continue reading Bad Company 2 'F.R.A.G.S.' video continues Modern Warfare mockery

JoystiqBad Company 2 'F.R.A.G.S.' video continues Modern Warfare mockery originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bad-company-2battlefieldbattlefield-bad-company-2cc-sabathiacole-hamelsdiceeaea-diceElectronic-ArtsMicrosoftmodern-warfare-2patrick-soderlundrobert-bowlingXbox-360Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA completes Battlefield: Bad Company 2 server maintenance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/ea-completes-battlefield-bad-company-2-server-maintenance/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/ea-completes-battlefield-bad-company-2-server-maintenance/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/ea-completes-battlefield-bad-company-2-server-maintenance/#comments
[sugree]

EA assures us via Twitter that, after a rocky launch period, the Battlefield: Bad Company 2 online servers have now been stabilized. Pretty much every iteration of Bad Company 2 has seen issues arise when connecting to EA's servers for online multiplayer, with Xbox 360 kicking some users all the way out to the Dashboard and PC users experiencing authentication issues with PunkBuster.

The developer now says that those issues have been addressed, due in no small part to new servers being added over the weekend. "All new hardware is in place and ready to serve your BFBC2 needs," the tweet reads, backed up by a Q&A on the Battlefield Blog with more info. While some players may still experience a stat loss issue, EA and DICE are actively looking into a fix and encourage anyone who experiences said glitch to report it online. Now, if you'll excuse us, we've got dudes to sneak up on and knife in the back.

Source 1 - Twitter
Source 2 - Battlefield Blog

JoystiqEA completes Battlefield: Bad Company 2 server maintenance originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bad-company-2battlefieldbattlefield-bad-company-2diceeaea-diceElectronic-ArtsMicrosoftmultiplayeronlinepunkbusterserverserver-maintenanceXbox-360Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC: EA DICE on building a bite-sized Battlefield]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/13/gdc-ea-dice-on-building-a-bite-sized-battlefield/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/13/gdc-ea-dice-on-building-a-bite-sized-battlefield/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/13/gdc-ea-dice-on-building-a-bite-sized-battlefield/#comments EA DICE has been a fairly prolific developer during the current console generation, churning out both a high-profile title based on original IP (Mirror's Edge), as well as ones based on established franchises like Battlefield. EA was searching for a way to capitalize on the downtime between these blockbuster releases -- a game which would be relatively quick and painless to create, while still standing up to the quality standards set by their previous releases. Thus, the idea for Battlefield 1943 was born.

Battlefield 1943 producer Patrick Liu explained the studio's unique design philosophy while making the game, which boiled down to "make the game as long as resources last." They maximized the amount of content they produced under this strategy by settling on the somewhat smaller scope of the game early, and focusing on recreating the Battlefield experience to adhere to that scope.

Some decisions made under this philosophy include making ammunition and health auto-regenerate, cutting down on tiresome resource runs back to your home base. This decision led to others, including the removal of the medic and engineer classes. It also let them focus on perfecting a handful of maps and gametypes, which, while iterated from previous installments in the franchise, also saw major adjustments in 1943.

The result was a project developed by 15 series veterans at once, at one-tenth of the cost of a full DICE game, which broke day one, week one and month one downloadable sales records. It's no surprise that Liu expressed interest in developing more "games of this size and scope" -- when handled correctly, it sounds like a miniature entry in a major franchise can be quite the profitable cash cow.

Gallery: Battlefield 1943

JoystiqGDC: EA DICE on building a bite-sized Battlefield originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Mar 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefieldbattlefield-1943Battlefield-XBLAdicedownloadeaea-diceElectronic-Artsfpsgdc-2010MicrosoftpsnxblaXbox-360Sat, 13 Mar 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bad Company 2 to offer free March 30 'mapathy' cure]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/battlefield-bad-company-2-to-offer-may-30-map-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/battlefield-bad-company-2-to-offer-may-30-map-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/battlefield-bad-company-2-to-offer-may-30-map-pack/#comments Oh man, EA's pursuit of Modern Warfare 2 just got hot, as DICE has announced via the Battlefield Blog that on March 30 -- the same day the Stimulus Package DLC will boost Modern Warfare 2's map count -- Battlefield: Bad Company 2's VIP members will receive the free "VIP Map Pack 2," which adds a Conquest mode scenario to the Arica Harbor map and Rush mode to Laguna Presa.

Both maps aren't new to the game, however neither has been available for play in the "unlocked" game modes noted above. So, that kinda qualifies as a "map pack," right? Regardless, it's free, as DICE boldly proclaims in its jab at Activision and Infinity Ward: "How to avoid 'mapathy' without paying!"

[Thanks, Qwaint]

JoystiqBad Company 2 to offer free March 30 'mapathy' cure originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bad-company-2battlefieldbattlefield-bad-company-2dicedlcElectronic-Artsmap-packmapathyMicrosoftpsnrelease-datevipvip-map-pack-2xblmXbox-360Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 Bad Company 2 VIP access patch 'hopefully' today; PC issues addressed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/battlefield-bad-company-2-patch-for-ps3-hopefully-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/battlefield-bad-company-2-patch-for-ps3-hopefully-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/battlefield-bad-company-2-patch-for-ps3-hopefully-today/#comments SCEA is currently certifying a patch that should allow PlayStation 3 owners of Bad Company 2 to gain access to their VIP content, according to DICE. The patch will "hopefully" go live today in North America, with Europe following "shortly after." Once patched, PS3 players will gain access to Nelson Bay (Rush) and Laguna Alta (Conquest) -- along with the ability to access all future content.

The PS3 isn't the only console having problems. Every platform the game is on has had consistent connectivity issues with BC2 since launch thanks to EA's servers, but the PC version is having significant issues beyond normal network problems. DICE has posted some "temporary solutions for PC gamers" while the developer works on a "permanent solution." Answers to several of those issues can be found on the EA forums. Well, at least it's a great multiplayer game ... when it works.

JoystiqPS3 Bad Company 2 VIP access patch 'hopefully' today; PC issues addressed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bad-company-2battlefieldbattlefield-bad-company-2dicedlceaElectronic-ArtsmultiplayeronlinepatchpsnMon, 08 Mar 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: Battlefield: Bad Company 2 (single player)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/battlefield-bad-company-2-single-player-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/battlefield-bad-company-2-single-player-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/battlefield-bad-company-2-single-player-review/#comments You know, it's so rare that my job feels like work. I mean, I play and write about video games for a living -- it's not a terribly taxing gig. I mention this not to brag about how great my life is (Twitter's the only appropriate place for that), but so you have some perspective when I tell you that almost every moment of Battlefield: Bad Company 2's single-player campaign felt like real, actual work.

The campaign isn't terrible, in fact, it's largely competent. But because of a lack of inspiration and a pretty crummy checkpoint system, Bad Company 2's single-player game is just plain not fun.

Gallery: Battlefield: Bad Company 2

Continue reading Review: Battlefield: Bad Company 2 (single player)

JoystiqReview: Battlefield: Bad Company 2 (single player) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bad-company-2battlefieldbattlefield-bad-company-2diceeaElectronic-ArtsMicrosoftXbox-360Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Battlefield: Bad Company 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/02/metareview-battlefield-bad-company-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/02/metareview-battlefield-bad-company-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/02/metareview-battlefield-bad-company-2/#comments While not quite the 94 review average that Modern Warfare 2 eventually ended up with, Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is off to a generous start on Metacritic, averaging a 90 as of this writing. The developers at DICE have certainly kicked up some dust in challenging the monolithic multiplayer of MW2, but it remains to be seen what will eventually shake out online. For now, we've got the single-player reviews for you, just below:
  • GamePro (5/5 Stars): "Bad Company 2's unexpected emphasis on survival skills caught me completely off guard ... The radical change in pace forced me to think and react differently to the situation than I normally would, and it made for an incredible experience. Bad Company 2 definitely has the necessary chops to give the current king of, well, modern warfare, a run for its money.."
  • GameDaily (9/10): "Combat is both intense and exhilarating. Nothing beats unloading a few grenades at a house and watching the ammo tear chunks from it while dead bodies sail through the air. Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is an immensely entertaining shooter that demands your attention"
  • Official Xbox Magazine UK (8.0/10): "While the likes of Call of Duty and Gears of War lead you into bottlenecks where they can dazzle you with explosions and special effects, Bad Company 2 feels more like a diluted sprawl of ideas across a large canvas. This variety ensures things stay interesting but it makes it a solid rather than spectacular effort. You'll enjoy it, but will find that you struggle to recall any standout moments once the credits finally roll."
  • Totally Video Games: (7/10): "While Battlefield 2: Modern Combat (on previous-gen machines) and the original Bad Company both featured standalone single-player campaigns, both fell well short of the kind of gameplay we've come to expect of the Master Chief or Sergeant 'Soap' MacTavish. Unfortunately, DICE still hasn't turned the corner with its single-player design in Bad Company 2."

Gallery: Battlefield: Bad Company 2

JoystiqMetareview: Battlefield: Bad Company 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bad-companybad-company-2battlefieldbattlefield-bad-company-2diceeaElectronic-ArtsfpsmetareviewMicrosoftmodern-warfare-2Xbox-360Tue, 02 Mar 2010 21:30:00 EST