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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Rumor: EA to reveal COD Elite-like service for Battlefield 3 at E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rumor-ea-to-reveal-cod-elite-like-service-for-battlefield-3-at/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rumor-ea-to-reveal-cod-elite-like-service-for-battlefield-3-at/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rumor-ea-to-reveal-cod-elite-like-service-for-battlefield-3-at/#comments Electronic Arts is prepping its own subscription-based companion service for its flagship military-centric first person shooter, according to a "very reliable source" belonging to Battlefieldo. The service (dubbed Battlefield[TM] Premium) would be to Battlefield 3 what Activision's Call of Duty Elite program is to Modern Warfare 3, granting access to "a number of content drops with unique in-game items not available anywhere else," so sayeth the allegedly leaked press release.

"First out is the one-of-a-kind Premium knife and black dog tag," the missive continues, "plus a set of soldier camos, weapon camos, dog tags and Assignments that will make sure you stand out and get more personalization options." Should this all pan out, Battlefield Premium will be officially announced during E3, specifically on June 4. We've reached out to EA for comment and will update if/when we hear back.

JoystiqRumor: EA to reveal COD Elite-like service for Battlefield 3 at E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbattlefield-3Battlefield-Premiumcall-of-duty-elitecall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3DICEEAElectronic-Artsmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3pcplaystationps3xboxMon, 14 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA: lack of official Battlefield 3 servers due to rentals]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/ea-lack-of-official-battlefield-3-servers-due-to-rentals/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/ea-lack-of-official-battlefield-3-servers-due-to-rentals/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/ea-lack-of-official-battlefield-3-servers-due-to-rentals/#comments ImageBattlefield 3 players recently noticed that all of DICE's official servers for the game appeared to be unavailable, and they wondered: What's up with that? What's up with that, EA says, is that the game was too popular. DICE runs a number of official servers, but those servers can also be rented by players, and if too many players rent official servers, they can appear to be unavailable. But EA and DICE say they want what's best for players, so DICE will keep an eye on the policy, and "will reserve a percentage of servers for players who prefer to connect through DICE-hosted servers."

The publisher hopes that will answer player concerns. And if not ... free XP? Starting tomorrow through Sunday, Battlefield 3 is hosting another double XP weekend for all ranked servers and matches, with players earning twice as much experience as usual. This special weekend isn't a direct response to the server concerns, but hey, free points are free points.

JoystiqEA: lack of official Battlefield 3 servers due to rentals originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3dedicated-serverdiceeapcprivatepublicrentalserver-rentalsserversFri, 11 May 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3's next DLC gets up close and personal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/battlefield-3s-next-dlc-gets-up-close-and-personal/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/battlefield-3s-next-dlc-gets-up-close-and-personal/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/battlefield-3s-next-dlc-gets-up-close-and-personal/#comments Image
As advertised, Battlefield 3's "Close Quarters" DLC takes the scope of the game's multiplayer and shrinks it to roughly the size of a few hallways. That kind of shrinkage can lead to some ... embarrassing situations.

Continue reading Battlefield 3's next DLC gets up close and personal

JoystiqBattlefield 3's next DLC gets up close and personal originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3close-quartersdicedlcdownloadable-contentea-diceelectronic-artsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 26 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3, Darkstalkers 3 and some other stuff hits PSN April 24]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/battlefield-3-darkstalkers-3-and-some-other-stuff-hits-psn-apri/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/battlefield-3-darkstalkers-3-and-some-other-stuff-hits-psn-apri/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/battlefield-3-darkstalkers-3-and-some-other-stuff-hits-psn-apri/#comments Tuesday will be a big day for PS3-owning FPS fans who have forsaken the corporeal confines of physical media, as well as classic fighting game kids and the eighteen people that still remember Future Cop: LAPD.

Battlefield 3, Darkstalkers 3, Bejeweled 3, The Cursed Crusade, Grease Dance and Future Cop: LAPD will all be available on the PlayStation Network this Tuesday, April 24, according to the latest episode of the PlayStation Blogcast. This also means we still live in a world where Grease Dance is a perfectly acceptable name for a video game, which means we've haven't been tampering with the past nearly hard enough.

JoystiqBattlefield 3, Darkstalkers 3 and some other stuff hits PSN April 24 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Battlefield-3CapcomDarkstalkers-3DICEfuture-cop-LAPDgrease-danceplaystationps3PSNrelease-dateSonythe-cursed-crusadeFri, 20 Apr 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3 update today on PS3, 'soon' for Xbox and PC; server rental details]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/battlefield-3-update-today-on-ps3-soon-for-xbox-and-pc-serve/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/battlefield-3-update-today-on-ps3-soon-for-xbox-and-pc-serve/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/battlefield-3-update-today-on-ps3-soon-for-xbox-and-pc-serve/#comments Battlefield 3 received a one gigabyte mega update today on PlayStation 3, with the option to rent servers also now available on the console. The patch will arrive "soon" to PC and Xbox 360.

The short version of executive producer Patrick Bach's explanation for the delay on PC: The PC version is held until the console versions are certified, which helps prevent the patching of patches.

Those interested in renting a server can access that through the conveniently named "RENT A SERVER" menu in the game. Servers can be rented in increments of 1 day ($1.49), 7 days ($6.99), 30 days ($24.99) and 90 days ($64.99). DICE is ramping up this service, so if the option is grayed out, it means rentals are currently at capacity.

JoystiqBattlefield 3 update today on PS3, 'soon' for Xbox and PC; server rental details originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3DICEEAElectronic-Artsmicrosoftpatchpcplaystationps3updatexboxTue, 27 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BF3: Close Quarters devoid of Rush mode, introduces Conquest Domination]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/18/bf3-close-quarters-devoid-of-rush-mode-introduces-conquest-dom/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/18/bf3-close-quarters-devoid-of-rush-mode-introduces-conquest-dom/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/18/bf3-close-quarters-devoid-of-rush-mode-introduces-conquest-dom/#comments Battlefield 3's upcoming Close Quarters map pack, which focuses on indoor combat and is due out this June, won't support the game's "Rush" multiplayer mode, according to a post by lead designer Niklas Fegraeus on The Battlefield Blog: "We understood quickly that Rush, being a large and progressive mode that takes you on a journey from M-COM to M-COM, simply wouldn't fit physically. So instead, we turned our attention to Conquest. How could we tailor this essential Battlefield game mode to fit our new type of environment?"

The result of said tailoring is "Conquest Domination," a new mode inspired by Fegraeus and game designer Gustav Halling's shared nostalgia for Unreal Tournament's Domination mode. "The Domination type gameplay usually takes place on smaller maps, much like the ones we were creating. Inspired by these memories, we used the spawning systems from Battlefield 3 Team Deathmatch and came up with a Conquest mode adapted for smaller spaces."

Fegraeus also stressed flag protection is much more important in Conquest Domination, and that while the differences in the new mode are "subtle," they provide "different tactical layers" when used in conjunction with the new maps.

JoystiqBF3: Close Quarters devoid of Rush mode, introduces Conquest Domination originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3close-quartersConquestConquest-DominationDICEDLCEAElectronic-Artsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3RushxboxSun, 18 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DICE's future plans go beyond the Battlefield franchise]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/dices-future-plans-go-beyond-the-battlefield-franchise/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/dices-future-plans-go-beyond-the-battlefield-franchise/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/dices-future-plans-go-beyond-the-battlefield-franchise/#comments It's been awhile since the last non-Battlefield game from DICE. Sure, the Swedish dev studio assisted with Medal of Honor's 2010 reboot (multiplayer) and provided some tech backup for Need for Speed: The Run (DICE's Frostbite 2.0 game engine powered the title), but otherwise it hasn't made a separate, original property of its own since 2008's critically acclaimed Mirror's Edge. That may be about to change.

"We also have an ongoing plan that those products should not only be Battlefield," DICE general manager Karl-Magnus Troedsson told us in an interview last week during GDC 2012, referring to the future of his studio. He punctuated his sentence with a quick, "though I cannot say more than that," unfortunately, but it's good to hear that DICE is moving back to development outside of the Battlefield franchise. It'd be nicer to hear that the studio was steadfast in making a sequel to Mirror's Edge, of course, but we'll take what we can for now.

JoystiqDICE's future plans go beyond the Battlefield franchise originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>developmentdiceeaea-diceelectronic-artsgdcgdc-2012karl-magnus-troedssonTue, 13 Mar 2012 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3's lack of DLC: DICE general manager explains]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/battlefield-3s-lack-of-dlc-dice-general-manager-explains/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/battlefield-3s-lack-of-dlc-dice-general-manager-explains/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/battlefield-3s-lack-of-dlc-dice-general-manager-explains/#comments Battlefield 3 launched on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC in late October of 2011. Approximately a month and a half later, the game's first expansion arrived: "Back to Karkand." Aside from a handful of tweaks since, EA's DICE studio has kept relative radio silence. So much so, in fact, that one prominent Battlefield fan site publicly declared its own silence until DICE spoke up (the developer released a missive the following day).

It is with this recent history -- now four months since Battlefield 3's last content drop, and another three months before "Close Quarters" is set to launch -- that we approached a recent interview with DICE general manager Karl-Magnus Troedsson. In short, what in the world is taking so damn long?

"The reason that we haven't followed up with even more content more quickly, there's a couple of practical reasons," Troedsson told us. "Part of that is that we just need to spend a lot of focus getting the game out. The ambition was to get more packs out earlier, but sometimes you have to prioritize between the base product and what you're doing afterwards." Troedsson also argued that DICE's approach was thematic, not "piecemeal" (Call of Duty's approach), which was a deliberate choice on his studio's part.

"If you prefer to have smaller piecemeal packs every now and then, you can go with that. We prefer to do something bigger that has a specific theme, that has maps, weapons, assignments, persistent upgrades, all this kinda stuff," Troedsson said. Could his studio have gotten out this content earlier? "Probably," he said, but DICE ran into its own limitations. "Sometimes we have limitations to what we can and can't do."

But without any other announced projects, and EA's Danger Close taking responsibility for its own multiplayer section in the coming Medal of Honor game (DICE handled the previous game's multi), it's unclear what other responsibilities are keeping DICE from pushing out Battlefield 3 support content more quickly. We'll just have to assume the majority of the studio is head down on a super secret sequel to Mirror's Edge.

Beyond "Close Quarters," DICE has two more content packs announced for Battlefield 3, including "Armored Kill" in fall and "End Game" in winter. And yes, Call of Duty's Elite DLC drops continue monthly.

Gallery: Battlefield 3 (Close Quarters - Ziba Tower)

JoystiqBattlefield 3's lack of DLC: DICE general manager explains originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3close-quartersdicedlcdownloadable-contenteaea-diceelectronic-artsexpansiongdcgdc-2012karl-magnus-troedssonmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 13 Mar 2012 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3 gets intimate with 'Close Quarters' screens, trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/battlefield-3-gets-intimate-with-close-quarters-screens-trail/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/battlefield-3-gets-intimate-with-close-quarters-screens-trail/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/battlefield-3-gets-intimate-with-close-quarters-screens-trail/#comments
Battlefield 3 gets an overdue expansion with the "Close Quarters" map pack, available this June.

As previously announced, it'll be followed by a more traditional outing this autumn with the "Armored Kill" pack. The fall pack will feature "all-out vehicle warfare on huge maps," the biggest map in Battlefield history, and new vehicles, tanks and artillery.

Finally, "End Game" is still under wraps, but should hit this winter. In an interview with DICE execs last week, we learned that the aim is to get it out in 2012, but "winter" leaves some breathing room into next year.

Gallery: Battlefield 3 (Close Quarters - Ziba Tower)

JoystiqBattlefield 3 gets intimate with 'Close Quarters' screens, trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3close-quartersDICEEAElectronic-Artsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 13 Mar 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3's rendering architect details his dream specs for the next generation of consoles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/battlefield-3s-rendering-architect-details-his-dream-specs-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/battlefield-3s-rendering-architect-details-his-dream-specs-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/battlefield-3s-rendering-architect-details-his-dream-specs-for/#comments During the Game Developer's Choice awards, DICE took home the prize of "Best Technology" for its Frostbite 2 engine. After accepting the award on behalf of his team, we asked DICE rendering architect Johan Andersson what the next generation of consoles would need to include for Frostbite 2 to work 'perfectly and as intended on high-end PCs.' To Andersson, the answer is "pretty easy to answer."

"There's two things: memory and processing power," he said. "We need lots and lots of processing power. The more you can cram into a machine, we'll take advantage of that." While 'more power' is the obvious answer -- both on the CPU and GPU side -- we wondered what wouldn't be 'enough' to work with.

"Two gigabytes would not be enough when it comes to RAM [random access memory]" Andersson said. "Four gigabytes would work. Eight gigabytes? Yeah. I think that would be perfect when it comes to memory." Recommended system specifications for Battlefield 3 call for 4GB of RAM.

Continue reading Battlefield 3's rendering architect details his dream specs for the next generation of consoles

JoystiqBattlefield 3's rendering architect details his dream specs for the next generation of consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3dicefrostbite-2gdc-2012hardwareJohan-Anderssonnext-genFri, 09 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3: Close Quarters announced for June, two more packs incoming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/battlefield-3-close-quarters-announced-for-june-two-more-packs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/battlefield-3-close-quarters-announced-for-june-two-more-packs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/battlefield-3-close-quarters-announced-for-june-two-more-packs/#comments Battlefield 3: Close Quarters, the first major paid piece of DLC for the game since last December's "Back to Karkand," is coming this June. The expansion includes four maps, 10 weapons and no vehicles -- it's about close quarters, after all.

There will be two more expansions for the game following the June expansion. "Armored Kill" will focus on additional weapons, larger maps, and new drivable vehicles. The second pack, called "End Game," features cover art depicting a lunatic holding a knife. That's the extent of what we know about that one so far.

The news of this expansion comes at a critical time. Frustrations in the Battlefield 3 community has been bubbling into potential action, and EA has maintained radio silence until now.

JoystiqBattlefield 3: Close Quarters announced for June, two more packs incoming originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3battlefield-3-armored-killbattlefield-3-close-quartersbattlefield-3-end-gameDICEdlcdownloadable-contentEAea-diceElectronic-Artsexpansionmicrosoftpcplaystationps3q3-2012release-datexboxWed, 07 Mar 2012 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3 customizable servers coming to consoles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/battlefield-3-customizable-servers-coming-to-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/battlefield-3-customizable-servers-coming-to-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/battlefield-3-customizable-servers-coming-to-consoles/#comments Karl-Magnus Troedsson, CEO of Battlefield developer DICE, announced at an Electronic Arts event last night that customizable servers would be available for consoles in the future.

"All active players out there playing on consoles today will now have the opportunity to customize their servers and set them up exactly how they want them to play," said Troedsson. "Now this is a feature that in Battlefield on PC we've had for some time, but it's an absolute first on console. So, we're pretty excited about this."

The developer did not share details on pricing or a release timetable. In the meantime, start saying your prayers, Operation Metro.

JoystiqBattlefield 3 customizable servers coming to consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3DICEEAelectonic-artsmicrosoftplaystationps3serversxboxWed, 07 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA opens 'EA Gothenburg' studio focused on Frostbite 2 projects]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/ea-opens-ea-gothenburg-studio-focused-on-frostbite-2-projects/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/ea-opens-ea-gothenburg-studio-focused-on-frostbite-2-projects/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/ea-opens-ea-gothenburg-studio-focused-on-frostbite-2-projects/#comments A brand new EA studio has been opened, according to a very brief announcement from Electronic Arts. Known as EA Gothenburg, the studio is "focused on making a new generation of games using the Frostbite 2 engine," the same engine that powers the recent Battlefield 3, as well as last year's Need for Speed: The Run. The studio itself is located in Gothenburg, Sweden, only five hours away from Stockholm, home of Frostbite 2 creator and Battlefield developer, DICE.

The studio is currently hiring, apparently from the ground up. There are numerous positions available, ranging from creative director to UI artist, gameplay designer, audio designer and more. No other details are given. The franchise and genre of the current project will only be revealed to job candidates after they agree to a non-disclosure agreement. Hopefully we'll learn more during GDC this week.

JoystiqEA opens 'EA Gothenburg' studio focused on Frostbite 2 projects originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diceeaea-gothenburggdcgdc-2011microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxMon, 05 Mar 2012 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Medal of Honor: Warfighter is Danger Close's next game, hits in October [updated]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/report-medal-of-honor-warfighter-is-danger-closes-next-moh-h/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/report-medal-of-honor-warfighter-is-danger-closes-next-moh-h/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/report-medal-of-honor-warfighter-is-danger-closes-next-moh-h/#comments EA's been teasing the next Medal of Honor for some time now, so it's not a huge surprise to hear more about it on Twitter. Game Informer's Jim Reilly spent the past half hour sharing some info, saying the game is called "Medal of Honor: Warfighter," is arriving this coming October, and runs in DICE's Frostbite 2.0 engine.

The info is apparently coming from a copy of OXM, which arrived a bit ahead of EA's intended marketing push, it would seem. Reilly also says the game's multiplayer will be handled in-house by EA Danger Close now, rather than DICE as was the case with 2010's Medal of Honor reboot.

Update: The Medal of Honor blog offered a teaser image of the game, confirmed the title, and teased more details in the coming weeks. Boom! See the full image on the other side of the break.

Continue reading Report: Medal of Honor: Warfighter is Danger Close's next game, hits in October [updated]

JoystiqReport: Medal of Honor: Warfighter is Danger Close's next game, hits in October [updated] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>danger-closediceea-danger-closeea-diceelectronic-artsfrostbite-2medal-of-honormedal-of-honor-warfighterq4-2012release-dateThu, 23 Feb 2012 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[DICE details next big Battlefield 3 fix list]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/dice-details-next-big-battlefield-3-fix-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/dice-details-next-big-battlefield-3-fix-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/dice-details-next-big-battlefield-3-fix-list/#comments
With frustrations in the Battlefield 3 community bubbling into possible action, DICE has released a Homeric list of "confirmed fixes and tweaks" that the developer has been working on. The released list of planned changes, which does not currently have an estimated time of arrival, covers Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.

The fixes cover long-standing complaints like fall damage from short distances and an increase to spawn protection. The list is pretty massive, so check it out after the break.

Updates and further details about Battlefield 3 have been lacking ever since the Back to Karkand maps launched in mid-December. New Battlefield 3 content plans are expected to be announced at GDC in a couple weeks.

Gallery: Battlefield 3 (Back to Karkand)

Continue reading DICE details next big Battlefield 3 fix list

JoystiqDICE details next big Battlefield 3 fix list originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3DICEEAElectronic-Artsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 23 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard has 4,700 employees across 11 cities]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/blizzard-has-4-700-employees-across-11-cities/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/blizzard-has-4-700-employees-across-11-cities/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/blizzard-has-4-700-employees-across-11-cities/#comments Blizzard Entertainment is kind of a big deal -- you already knew that. But did you know that the studio is such a big deal that it spans "4,700 employees across 11 cities?" That's a lot of people! And while many of said employees are saddled with customer support roles, a whopping 750 are assigned to product development, which spans WoW, StarCraft, Diablo, and the still-unannounced "Project Titan" MMO (not to mention anything else Blizzard has cooking behind-the-scenes).

Blizzard co-founder Frank Pearce discussed the astounding statistic during a panel at DICE last week, using the numbers to put context behind his company's lack of preparedness when launching World of Warcraft way back in aught four. "I don't think we had any idea what we were getting ourselves into," Pearce admitted, as reported by industry trade site Gamasutra. "We had to stop shipping boxes to stores." Resultantly, the company now makes "more aggressive" predictions for its various launches, and has its many hundreds of support employees at the ready for said launches.

JoystiqBlizzard has 4,700 employees across 11 cities originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzard-entertainmentdicedice-2012frank-pearceMon, 13 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Unreal Engine 4 to be seen 'later this year,' says Mark Rein]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/unreal-engine-4-to-be-seen-later-this-year-says-mark-rein/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/unreal-engine-4-to-be-seen-later-this-year-says-mark-rein/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/unreal-engine-4-to-be-seen-later-this-year-says-mark-rein/#comments 0Epic's Mark Rein did some hit-and-run teasing at DICE last week, telling G4 that "people are going to be shocked later this year when they see Unreal Engine 4 and how much more profound an effect it will have." We've heard before that Epic is working hard on Unreal Engine 4, and while Epic doesn't expect to see games running on the engine until 2014, it makes a lot of sense that Rein would want to show it off, especially if we also see some next-gen console reveals later on this year.

As for what it'll look like, we can only say (and sorry for all of the technical jargon on this one) that it will probably look "very good." How do we know? Because 4 is higher than 3, silly. You probably wouldn't understand.

JoystiqUnreal Engine 4 to be seen 'later this year,' says Mark Rein originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consolesdiceepicepic-gamesmark-reinmicrosoftnext-genpcsonyunreal-engineSat, 11 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyrim snags another best of show gong at 15th annual AIAS awards]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/skyrim-snags-another-best-of-show-award-at-15th-annual-aias-awar/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/skyrim-snags-another-best-of-show-award-at-15th-annual-aias-awar/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/skyrim-snags-another-best-of-show-award-at-15th-annual-aias-awar/#comments Like the sun rising in the East or our daily tribute to the almighty caffeine deity, we've come to expect writing a post at least once a week announcing yet another award for Skyrim. This week is no different, with Skyrim taking top honors at the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences 15th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards in Las Vegas last evening.

The studio took home five awards in total for the dragon-infested, open-world RPG, alongside fellow multiple award winners Uncharted 3 and Portal 2. We've dropped a full list of winners after the break, but before you head there allow us to be outraged for you that Skyward Sword didn't win any awards. Outrage! How could they? Etc.

Continue reading Skyrim snags another best of show gong at 15th annual AIAS awards

JoystiqSkyrim snags another best of show gong at 15th annual AIAS awards originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aiasaias-awardsawardsawards-showdicedice-2012elder-scrolls-5interactive-achievement-awardsskyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimFri, 10 Feb 2012 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Jaffe outlines plans post-Eat Sleep Play; no Twisted Metal DLC or sequel planned]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/jaffe-outlines-plans-post-eat-sleep-play-no-twisted-metal-dlc-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/jaffe-outlines-plans-post-eat-sleep-play-no-twisted-metal-dlc-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/jaffe-outlines-plans-post-eat-sleep-play-no-twisted-metal-dlc-o/#comments As we learned earlier this week, Twisted Metal creator David Jaffe will be leaving Eat Sleep Play sometime after the series relaunch of Twisted Metal hits store shelves. Jaffe sat down with our own Alexander Sliwinski during this week's DICE summit for a segment on The Joystiq Show, during which he elaborated on his waning presence at Eat Sleep Play and his plans for creating a new studio based out of San Diego.

"I will be with Eat Sleep Play until we finish what's called the 'maintenance contract' we have and have been working on with Sony. That will allow us, post-launch, to stay and address issues that there's no way we can know of. Cleaning things up in terms of balance, bugs, tuning, tweaks." This maintenance contract expires at the end of March, at which point Jaffe plans on cultivating new ideas, as well as a new team, for his fledgling studio.

"There's no corporate filings, there's no official company name yet; 99 percent of my day is Twisted Metal right now. There's four games I would love to do, the one I do really depends on the team I can put together and the money that I can find to make it." His ideas for new titles include both console and browser-based offerings, with a "guerilla-style" survival-horror thrown in for good measure: "There's a survival-horror genre in there, a real low-budget survival horror, kinda guerilla film making style. Not in terms of the look, but in terms of that kind of financing and that kind of production."

Jaffe recently told Game Informer that there are no sequel or DLC plans for Twisted Metal, although that doesn't mean he's left the series for good. "You never know what the future holds, I'd love to make another Twisted down the road with these guys one day, if that opportunity presents itself." For now, though, Jaffe's focus is on building new experiences with new IPs.

JoystiqJaffe outlines plans post-Eat Sleep Play; no Twisted Metal DLC or sequel planned originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david-jaffedicedice-2012eat-sleep-playinterviewnew-studiotwisted-metaltwisted-metal-2011twisted-metal-2012Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Bethesda's 'Skyrim Game Jam' sizzle reel right here]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/watch-bethesdas-skyrim-game-jam-sizzle-reel-right-here/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/watch-bethesdas-skyrim-game-jam-sizzle-reel-right-here/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/watch-bethesdas-skyrim-game-jam-sizzle-reel-right-here/#comments
Skeleton butlers? Seasonal foliage? Skyrim knows not these things, but it maybe perhaps we sure hope could according to a seriously noncommittal Todd Howard speaking at the beginning of the video above, shot at his DICE 2012 keynote last evening in Las Vegas.

JoystiqWatch Bethesda's 'Skyrim Game Jam' sizzle reel right here originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworksdicedice-2012elder-scrolls-5microsoftpcplaystationps3skyrimskyrim-game-jamthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimtodd-howardxboxThu, 09 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Squad up: Battlefield 3 voice chat issues patched on PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/squad-up-battlefield-3-voice-chat-issues-patched-on-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/squad-up-battlefield-3-voice-chat-issues-patched-on-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/squad-up-battlefield-3-voice-chat-issues-patched-on-ps3/#comments Finally, your indecipherable ramblings can be heard by your comrades. A recent patch for Battlefield 3 on the PS3 has corrected a known issue involving inexplicably mute teammates. In reality, teammates talk a bunch.

EA recently revealed sales of over 10 million for Battlefield 3, so this should come as good news to what we'd classify as "plenty" of PS3 players. And now that this adjustment is out of the way, DICE can get back to dealing with those pesky cheaters. If the developer could do something about those jerks who always steal the jet, only to crash it in ten seconds, we'd be all set.

JoystiqSquad up: Battlefield 3 voice chat issues patched on PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3diceeapatchplaystationps3updatevoipWed, 08 Feb 2012 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3 dev hiring 'anti-cheat administrator' to stop the evildoers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/battlefield-3-dev-hiring-anti-cheat-administrator-to-stop-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/battlefield-3-dev-hiring-anti-cheat-administrator-to-stop-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/battlefield-3-dev-hiring-anti-cheat-administrator-to-stop-the/#comments Are you one of those guys in a helicopter hovering near spawn points in Battlefield 3 (say, an aircraft carrier), wantonly exploiting the game and infuriating players? You may not actually be cheating, but we still think you're the worst.

That aside, Battlefield 3 developer DICE is apparently looking to address all cheaters, and not just that guy who ruins the game for everyone with his stupid, stupid helicopter, as the company has posted an ad for an "anti-cheat administrator." The move follows a recent redoubling of DICE's efforts to combat cheating in its latest game release.

Said administrator will be tasked with a variety of responsibilities, many of which you'd expect a community liaison to handle, though the list is oddly missing "put up with staggering levels of infantile behavior from legal adults." Can you tell we don't like cheaters?

JoystiqBattlefield 3 dev hiring 'anti-cheat administrator' to stop the evildoers originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-cheat-administratorbattlefield-3cheaterscheatingcheating-cheatersonsdiceeaea-diceelectronic-artsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3the-worst-peoplexboxMon, 30 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DICE promises vigilance against Battlefield 3 cheaters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/dice-promises-vigilance-against-battlefield-3-cheaters/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/dice-promises-vigilance-against-battlefield-3-cheaters/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/dice-promises-vigilance-against-battlefield-3-cheaters/#comments Finding out that cheating has apparently become rampant in Battlefield 3's online multiplayer is somewhat of a travesty, considering how much some members of our staff play it. Neither of our main combatants have ever actually spotted a cheater (at least not in any verifiable way) while playing on Xbox 360, but the game's developer is nonetheless tracking down these nefarious rogues, issuing stat resets and outright bans to offending players across 360, PS3, and PC. The Stockholm, Sweden-based devs at EA DICE "recently banned another batch of several hundred confirmed cheaters," and are only stepping up their efforts all the more as time goes on.

The first measure in this initiative will be an addition to Battlelog, one which allows players to report offenders via their online profiles, regardless of what platform they're playing on. With any luck, between the community and DICE, the contingent trying to ruin everyone's online experience will be stomped out quickly.

JoystiqDICE promises vigilance against Battlefield 3 cheaters originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3battlelogcheaterscheatingdiceeaea-diceelectronic-artshackersjerksmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 13 Jan 2012 10:25:00 EST<![CDATA[More DICE employees jump ship to Ngmoco's Swedish studio]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/more-dice-employees-jump-ship-to-ngmocos-swedish-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/more-dice-employees-jump-ship-to-ngmocos-swedish-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/more-dice-employees-jump-ship-to-ngmocos-swedish-studio/#comments After former DICE / EA Easy dev Benjamin Cousins left his former role, we were pretty sure he was on his way to a world bicycling championship. As it turns out, he's keeping his bicycling hobby on the side and running the Swedish branch of Ngmoco instead -- and he's bringing along some friends from his former employer.

Senior artist Wille Wintertidh and senior programmers Torbjørn Lædre and Malte Hildigsson, all from DICE, have joined the team, and we don't expect they'll be the last. Cousins announced the hires via Twitter, where he characterized the trio as "fabulous new employees." We're hoping he also threw confetti in the air as he remarked as much.

JoystiqMore DICE employees jump ship to Ngmoco's Swedish studio originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-cousinsbenjamin-cousinsdiceeaea-diceea-easyelectronic-artsMalte-Hildigssonngmocongmoco-swedenswedenTorbjørn-Lædretorbjorn-laedreWille-WintertidhFri, 06 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3 soliciting feedback for gun attachment tweaks via Reddit thread]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/battlefield-3-soliciting-feedback-for-gun-attachment-tweaks-via/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/battlefield-3-soliciting-feedback-for-gun-attachment-tweaks-via/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/battlefield-3-soliciting-feedback-for-gun-attachment-tweaks-via/#comments For most Battlefield 3 players, the huge number of weapon-mounted accessories are little more than filler between the obvious handful of choices that offer the best, effective results. The game's core gameplay designer, Alan Kertz, has picked up on that state and taken to Reddit to solicit advice for tweaking BF3's various gun augmentations.

"I'm not promising this will go live, and I'm not promising there will be an update, I'm looking for feedback and a discussion," Kurtz writes, carefully requesting feedback while trying not to overpromise. He says that the goal in said request is to "focus on improving the under performing and under used attachments," but also to identify how to nerf the most powerful attachments. Interested in sounding off? Head over to the Reddit thread and get passionate.

JoystiqBattlefield 3 soliciting feedback for gun attachment tweaks via Reddit thread originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan-kertzbattlefield-3demize99diceeaea-diceelectronic-artsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3tweaksupdatexboxWed, 04 Jan 2012 11:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Arthur's picks of 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/best-of-the-rest-arthurs-picks-of-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/best-of-the-rest-arthurs-picks-of-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/best-of-the-rest-arthurs-picks-of-2011/#comments Battlefield 3
I love Battlefield 3. I love it almost as much as it seems to hate its players.

At least, that's the way it feels sometimes, trying to get into a game, trying to get correctly squaded up, trying to find a server with room, having to use a server browser on consoles in 2011, downloading 2 GIGABYTE patches ... y u no luv me, BF3?

But when it does love me, it loves me so well ... and there I go, into that cycle of abuse again.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Arthur's picks of 2011

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Arthur's picks of 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionassassins-creed-revelationsbattlefield-3BF3bulletstormcall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3DICEEAforza-4forza-motorsport-4infinity-wardMGSmicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-Studiosmodern-warfare-3pcpeople-can-flyplaystationps3rayman-originsRelic-Entertainmentsledgehammer-gamesTHQtoy-soldiers-cold-warTreyarchubisoftUbisoft-MontpellierUbisoft-Montrealwarhammer-40k-space-marinexboxTue, 03 Jan 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Ben's picks for 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/best-of-the-rest-bens-picks-for-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/best-of-the-rest-bens-picks-for-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/best-of-the-rest-bens-picks-for-2011/#comments Battlefield 3
The time I've spent with Battlefield 3 this year is only bested by the many, many hours I've spent stalking dragons in Skyrim. The hours with BF3, however, were distinctly more dense, while I shouted at teammates to provide cover fire, slowly inching towards a heavily-guarded objective, or lead the charge on an enemy base from the driver's seat of a large, mobile, metal death box.

It's a crime that Battlefield 3 isn't on our top 10 list, because it's by far the best multiplayer shooter experience available, and it's certainly this year's best (in yet another year with several genre entries, including an Infinity Ward-developed CoD title). The main campaign isn't very good, sure, and the co-op is even less impressive, but the "Battlefield Moments[TM]" you'll experience in multiplayer more than make up for the package's shortcomings. Worried you've been waiting too long and won't be able to compete? BF3 mitigates that with support classes, allowing players of all types to participate. Squad up on Team [JOY]!

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Ben's picks for 2011

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Ben's picks for 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3best-of-the-restbest-of-the-rest-2011dicedseaea-diceelectronic-artsforza-motorsport-4iosipadiphonejetpack-joyridekinectlittlebigplanet-2microsoftmobilenintendopcplaystationps3wiixboxyou-dont-know-jackTue, 03 Jan 2012 12:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Crysis 2 for $10 today, Battlefield 3 for $30 tomorrow through Amazon for PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/31/crysis-2-for-10-today-battlefield-3-for-30-tomorrow-through-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/31/crysis-2-for-10-today-battlefield-3-for-30-tomorrow-through-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/31/crysis-2-for-10-today-battlefield-3-for-30-tomorrow-through-a/#comments $10 will buy a lot of missiles In addition to Amazon's EA sale going on now through its PC digital distribution network, there are a couple noteworthy additions to the roster today and tomorrow. Today, Crysis 2 is available for $10, a 75 percent discount off the regular price.

Starting 2012 with a flashbang, Amazon will have Battlefield 3 for $30 on the first of the year. Also relevant here is customers who have purchased anything from Amazon's "best-selling games of 2011" should have a $5 coupon that can be applied in the new year, bringing it down to $25. That's a great price for a game that's been beta-tested since launch to the point of playability.

JoystiqCrysis 2 for $10 today, Battlefield 3 for $30 tomorrow through Amazon for PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AmazonBattlefield-3Crysis-2CrytekDICEEAElectronic-ArtspcSat, 31 Dec 2011 14:00:00 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[Win a trip to meet DICE in Sweden by being the best Battlefield 3-er]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/18/win-a-trip-to-meet-dice-in-sweden-by-being-the-best-battlefield/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/18/win-a-trip-to-meet-dice-in-sweden-by-being-the-best-battlefield/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/18/win-a-trip-to-meet-dice-in-sweden-by-being-the-best-battlefield/#comments

DICE and EA are offering a trip to Stockholm, Sweden, to meet the Battlefield 3 team at DICE studios and stay in a five-star hotel for three days -- all you have to do is prove how awesome you are at Battlefield 3. The "Only in Battlefield 3" competition asks players to upload videos of their coolest unscripted Battlefield 3 moments, or as EA describes them, anything that makes you go, "Holy sh#t!"

Videos can use the Battlefield 3 asset pack provided by EA, including the Battlefield 3 theme song, and can't use any possible-copyright-infringing material. For a full list of requirements, check out the Only in Battlefield 3 competition page, and maybe watch this video for inspiration.

Continue reading Win a trip to meet DICE in Sweden by being the best Battlefield 3-er

JoystiqWin a trip to meet DICE in Sweden by being the best Battlefield 3-er originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3contestDICEEAmicrosoftOnly-in-Battlefield-3pcplaystationps3xboxSun, 18 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[12 Days of Joyswag: Battlefield 3 superkit - the game, controller, vault, wall graphics]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/12-days-of-joyswag-battlefield-3-superkit-the-game-controlle/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/12-days-of-joyswag-battlefield-3-superkit-the-game-controlle/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/12-days-of-joyswag-battlefield-3-superkit-the-game-controlle/#comments Another year, another 12 days of holiday giveaways! Between now and Christmas Day, we're doing the one thing that makes us feel truly alive: giving. Specifically, we're giving you fine folks some of the swag we've managed to collect in our cluttered home offices. And the good will and merriment doesn't stop here! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook for even more chances to win!

So you're pumped about Battlefield 3 ... but you don't actually have it yet. We understand there may not be many of you out there, but if you fit that description, we've got the giveaway for you.

One lucky winner will get Battlefield 3 on either Xbox 360, PS3 or PC, along with a BF3-themed Razer Onza gamepad for Xbox 360 and a Calibur 11 "vault" for your Xbox 360 Slim. Oh, and some Battlefield 3 wall graphics from Walls360.com. It's enough Battlefield 3 stuff to let your friends know you're serious about the game, and to warn members of the opposite sex that you're not ready for committal. Find rules on entry, and pictures of the swag, after the break.

Continue reading 12 Days of Joyswag: Battlefield 3 superkit - the game, controller, vault, wall graphics

Joystiq12 Days of Joyswag: Battlefield 3 superkit - the game, controller, vault, wall graphics originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12-days-of-joyswag-2011battlefield-3diceea-dicemicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 16 Dec 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Battlefield 3's 'Back to Karkand' now on PC, Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/psa-battlefield-3s-back-to-karkand-now-on-pc-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/psa-battlefield-3s-back-to-karkand-now-on-pc-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/psa-battlefield-3s-back-to-karkand-now-on-pc-xbox-360/#comments
Battlefield 3's "Back to Karkand" has been deployed on PC and Xbox 360. The maps for the expansion were buried in a recent PC update, so the mouse and keyboard crew should be good to go. Xbox 360 users have a 2.07 gigglebyte update ahead of them, so that's something to get going on ASAP. The PS3 version was updated last week.

"Back to Karkand" is free for those who picked up the "Limited Edition" version of BF3 at launch -- otherwise it's $15 (the standard for FPS map packs).

The mega Xbox 360 download doesn't just add Karkand maps, however, as there's also a ginormous list of changes made to single player, multiplayer and Battlefield 3's general balance. Check it out after the break.

Continue reading PSA: Battlefield 3's 'Back to Karkand' now on PC, Xbox 360

JoystiqPSA: Battlefield 3's 'Back to Karkand' now on PC, Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>back-to-karkandbattlefield-3DICEdlcEAElectronic-ArtsmicrosoftpatchpcxboxTue, 13 Dec 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tactical light, other fixes in Dec. 6 Battlefield 3 PC patch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/tactical-light-other-fixes-in-dec-6-battlefield-3-pc-patch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/tactical-light-other-fixes-in-dec-6-battlefield-3-pc-patch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/tactical-light-other-fixes-in-dec-6-battlefield-3-pc-patch/#comments The PC version of Battlefield 3 will receive a 2GB patch tomorrow, December 6, which includes several fixes and "most of the content for Back to Karkand." DICE notes the inflated size of the patch being due to Karkand is not ideal and it will aim to make DLC content an optional download in the future.

The bug fixes and balance tweaks are plentiful in the patch, but the one that matters to many has been addressed: "Tweaked Tactical Light so it is not as blinding over longer ranges." And, to think, after being blinded so many times we were getting really good at navigating through echolocation.

There's no mention of whether these fixes are also buried in the console download for Karkand. The "Back to Karkand" DLC will be playable tomorrow for PS3 and December 13 for Xbox 360 and PC.

Gallery: Battlefield 3 (Back to Karkand)

Continue reading Tactical light, other fixes in Dec. 6 Battlefield 3 PC patch

JoystiqTactical light, other fixes in Dec. 6 Battlefield 3 PC patch originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3DICEEAElectronic-Artsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxMon, 05 Dec 2011 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3's 'Back to Karkand' expansion arrives on PS3 Dec. 6, 360 and PC on Dec. 13]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/battlefield-3s-back-to-karkand-expansion-arrives-on-ps3-dec/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/battlefield-3s-back-to-karkand-expansion-arrives-on-ps3-dec/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/battlefield-3s-back-to-karkand-expansion-arrives-on-ps3-dec/#comments As promised, EA and DICE are delivering Battlefield 3's first expansion, "Back to Karkand," in December, though today we learned from the Battlefield blog that there's a specific date: December 6. Given that all of Battlefield 3's expansions will arrive one week early on PlayStation 3, the Xbox 360 and PC versions of said DLC won't arrive until December 13.

If you've missed the variety of videos showcasing Back to Karkand, the pack is composed of four maps from previous Battlefield games, all remade in Battlefield 3's "Frostbite 2.0" game engine. Put more simply: there will be a few more places to murder folks online, as well as a variety of new vehicles with which to do so.

The pack will be free for folks who picked up the "Limited Edition" version of BF3 at launch, and will cost $15 for the have-nots.

JoystiqBattlefield 3's 'Back to Karkand' expansion arrives on PS3 Dec. 6, 360 and PC on Dec. 13 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>back-to-karkandbattlefield-3dicedlcdownloadable-contenteaea-diceelectronic-artsmicrosoftpcplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnq4-2011release-datexblxboxxbox-liveThu, 01 Dec 2011 15:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3 sells through 8 million of 12 million total shipped]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/battlefield-3-sells-through-8-million-of-12-million-total-shippe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/battlefield-3-sells-through-8-million-of-12-million-total-shippe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/battlefield-3-sells-through-8-million-of-12-million-total-shippe/#comments In the month of November, EA moved another 3 million copies of Battlefield 3. At least, that's according to numbers revealed yesterday by EA CFO Eric Brown at the Baird Technology Conference in San Francisco (as reported by Game Informer), which has the game selling 8 million units in total across all its platforms out of 12 million shipped.

As with most major game launches, both the shipped and sold amounts of the game have dropped significantly since launch, with two million being pushed to retail from EA in the month of November versus 10 million during the first week. The game's first big expansion -- "Back to Karkand" -- is set to be released some time in December, with PS3 owners getting a crack at it one week early.

JoystiqBattlefield 3 sells through 8 million of 12 million total shipped originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baird-technology-conferencebaird-technology-conference-2011battlefield-3diceeaea-diceelectronic-artseric-brownmicrosoftpcplaystationps3salesxboxWed, 30 Nov 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3 'client update' deploying on PS3 tomorrow, 360 'will follow shortly']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/battlefield-3-client-update-deploying-on-ps3-tomorrow-360-wi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/battlefield-3-client-update-deploying-on-ps3-tomorrow-360-wi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/battlefield-3-client-update-deploying-on-ps3-tomorrow-360-wi/#comments The official Battlefield 3 Twitter account this morning announced plans to launch the PlayStation 3 iteration of its latest title update (dubbed a "client update") for BF3 tomorrow. Additionally, it seems that the Xbox 360 will be getting the same update in the near future, as the post on Battlelog states it'll "follow shortly" after tomorrow's PS3 update. PC players already got the update last week, which improves a variety of issues with the game across campaign and multiplayer.

Like with the PC update, the patch notes don't indicate that the the tactical light has been altered, but plenty of other major issues have. For instance, now, if you're holding a SOFLAM (which is, of course, so fly), and an enemy tries running you over, you'll totally live. After the patch? No more! We've listed the menagerie of fixes and tweaks after the break, wherein you can preemptively decide whether or not the patch will "totally break the game."

Continue reading Battlefield 3 'client update' deploying on PS3 tomorrow, 360 'will follow shortly'

JoystiqBattlefield 3 'client update' deploying on PS3 tomorrow, 360 'will follow shortly' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3client-updatediceeaea-diceelectronic-artsgame-updatemicrosoftpatchplaystationps3updatexboxTue, 29 Nov 2011 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3 effectively banned in Iran]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/battlefield-3-banned-in-iran/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/battlefield-3-banned-in-iran/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/battlefield-3-banned-in-iran/#comments A new report picked up by the Associated Press suggests Battlefield 3, which partially takes place in Tehran, has been prohibited from stores, even though EA has no official resellers in the region and many stores didn't bother hunting for stock in the first place. However, local police have apparently already raided a few shops for selling pirated copies of the game.

"We understand that the story of a videogame is hypothetical," an online petition filed by an Iranian youth group read. "We believe the game is purposely released at a time when the US is pushing the international community into fearing Iran." If there's a silver lining in this, it's that a lot of Iranians won't be subjected to Battlefield 3's lackluster single-player campaign.

JoystiqBattlefield 3 effectively banned in Iran originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banbattlefield-3diceeairanmicrosoftpcplaystationps3tehranxboxTue, 29 Nov 2011 09:08:00 EST<![CDATA[You're gonna need an extra blowtorch for all the vehicles in Battlefield 3's 'Gulf of Oman' map]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/28/youre-gonna-need-an-extra-blowtorch-for-all-the-vehicles-in-bat/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/28/youre-gonna-need-an-extra-blowtorch-for-all-the-vehicles-in-bat/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/28/youre-gonna-need-an-extra-blowtorch-for-all-the-vehicles-in-bat/#comments
With the massive quantity of land and air vehicles being added to Battlefield 3's multiplayer in the "Gulf of Oman" map -- part of this December's "Back to Karkand" DLC pack -- we'd suggest packing two oversized engineer pockets full of blowtorches for all that repairing you'll be doing. Points!

JoystiqYou're gonna need an extra blowtorch for all the vehicles in Battlefield 3's 'Gulf of Oman' map originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Nov 2011 21:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>back-to-karkandbattlefield-3diceeaea-diceelectronic-artsgameplaygulf-of-omanmicrosoftpcplaystationps3vehiclesxboxMon, 28 Nov 2011 21:10:00 EST<![CDATA[EA giving Battlefield 1943 vouchers to PS3 Battlefield 3 owners]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/25/ea-giving-battlefield-1943-vouchers-to-ps3-battlefield-3-owners/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/25/ea-giving-battlefield-1943-vouchers-to-ps3-battlefield-3-owners/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/25/ea-giving-battlefield-1943-vouchers-to-ps3-battlefield-3-owners/#comments "There have been some misunderstandings around Battlefield 1943 and Battlefield 3." That's according to a rather diplomatic missive posted on EA's support website. If it was your understanding, shall we say, that PlayStation 3 copies of Battlefield 3 would include a free download of DICE's downloadable skirmish, you may have been disappointed to find that freebie ... slightly amiss.

After deflecting the deal with a lame DLC consolation -- and hearing about a class-action lawsuit -- EA has decided to dole out vouchers for the MIA Battlefield 1943. The process requires you to log in to EA's redemption portal, 1943redemption.battlefield.com, with your Origin ID and request a download code for your region. Codes will be available for European customers as of November 26th, and for Americans on December 10th.

With all that done, you'd better find some time to play it!

JoystiqEA giving Battlefield 1943 vouchers to PS3 Battlefield 3 owners originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Nov 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-1943battlefield-3diceeaplaystationps3psnFri, 25 Nov 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3 patched for PC, server-side; consoles waiting on certification]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/battlefield-3-patched-for-pc-server-side-consoles-waiting-on-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/battlefield-3-patched-for-pc-server-side-consoles-waiting-on-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/battlefield-3-patched-for-pc-server-side-consoles-waiting-on-c/#comments Battlefield 3's first, er, second major patch is now live server-side and for PC, with console updates coming as soon as the patch finishes the certification process. There's no mention of the tactical flashlight fix, but patch notes confirm that squad selection has received a significant upgrade.

Changes to squad functionality, detailed on the Battlefield blog, include the removal of "find me a squad" and other streamlining enhancements. Squads that are empty will now show up in white and occupied squads in blue, so it'll be easier for friends to quickly select a room to join together.

We've placed the full patch notes after the break, since EA decided you need a Battlelog account to view it otherwise (and we know plenty of people who still can't get that mess to work).

Continue reading Battlefield 3 patched for PC, server-side; consoles waiting on certification

JoystiqBattlefield 3 patched for PC, server-side; consoles waiting on certification originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3DICEEAElectronic-Artsmicrosoftpatchpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 22 Nov 2011 17:05:00 EST