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[Battlefield 3 servers see DDOS attack, EA says no user data breached]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/battlefield-3-servers-see-ddos-attack-no-user-data-breached/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/battlefield-3-servers-see-ddos-attack-no-user-data-breached/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/battlefield-3-servers-see-ddos-attack-no-user-data-breached/#commentsBattlefield 3 suffering ongoing DDOS attack, EA working on it The Battlefield 3 servers have been under a DDOS attack for the past several days, aimed at interfering with network communication and preventing access to multiplayer, EA says. The barrage has not breached any user data and EA is working to stop the attack, the publisher adds.

"The current Battlefield 3 outages are a result of activity that appears to be aimed at overwhelming our back-end infrastructure. We are working on a variety of solutions to address this problem and are focused on resolution as quickly as possible. We appreciate your patience and support," EA writes. "We are incredibly disappointed by these activities and the impact they are having on all of our ability to enjoy BF3, thank you for your patience as we work to resolve these issues."

EA held rolling restarts of the Battlefield 3 servers to apply updates, and any new information will be posted on BattleLog.

[Thanks, Josh!]

JoystiqBattlefield 3 servers see DDOS attack, EA says no user data breached originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 May 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3ddosEAnetworkoutagepcWed, 08 May 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3 Premium reached 3.5 million subscribers, generated $120 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/battlefield-3-premium-reached-3-5-million-subscribers-generated/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/battlefield-3-premium-reached-3-5-million-subscribers-generated/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/battlefield-3-premium-reached-3-5-million-subscribers-generated/#comments Battlefield 3's Premium service has garnered over 3.5 million subscriptions to date, according to EA's fiscal fourth quarter 2013 financial results. Additionally, the service has earned over $120 million for EA.

This compares to the financial results reported by EA for the last quarter, in which the Battlefield 3 Premium service generated $108 million and had 2.9 million subscribers.

JoystiqBattlefield 3 Premium reached 3.5 million subscribers, generated $120 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3DICEEAearningsElectronic-Artsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 07 May 2013 16:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Sniping in Battlefield 3: End Game using a helicopter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/sniping-in-battlefield-3-end-game-using-a-helicopter/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/sniping-in-battlefield-3-end-game-using-a-helicopter/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/sniping-in-battlefield-3-end-game-using-a-helicopter/#comments
We're not talking about long-distance dome-capping in Battlefield 3's final DLC, End Game, while using a helicopter - actually, that's exactly what we're talking about. It's just not accomplished here in the way you're thinking.

JoystiqSniping in Battlefield 3: End Game using a helicopter originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 04:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3diceeaend-gamemicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 25 Apr 2013 04:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live's April 1 DLC sale includes Fallout 3, AC3, BF3, Dishonored]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/31/xbox-lives-april-1-dlc-sale-includes-fallout-3-ac3-bf3-disho/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/31/xbox-lives-april-1-dlc-sale-includes-fallout-3-ac3-bf3-disho/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/31/xbox-lives-april-1-dlc-sale-includes-fallout-3-ac3-bf3-disho/#comments Xbox Live's April 1 DLC salesAlthough some may consider this a joke, Xbox Live will hold a downloadable content sale for April Fools' Day. The discounts on recent games include the Assassin's Creed 3 Season Pass for $20 (33 percent off). There's also the Battlefield 3 Aftermath DLC for $7.50 (50 percent off).

For those who never picked up any of the DLC for Fallout 3, each of the game's five pieces of additional content are 75 percent off for $2.50 apiece. If you must select only a couple, "Broken Steel" and "Point Lookout" are the way to go. We feel obligated to note that Fallout 3: Game of the Year Edition, which includes the full game plus all the DLC, retails for $20.

The sale does not start until tomorrow, April 1, but head on over to Major Nelson for details on some other discounts.

JoystiqXbox Live's April 1 DLC sale includes Fallout 3, AC3, BF3, Dishonored originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 31 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-3battlefield-3dishonoredfallout-3microsoftxboxxbox-liveSun, 31 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Editorial: SimCity, Diablo 3 and a review of customer service]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/editorial-simcity-diablo-3-and-a-review-of-customer-service/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/editorial-simcity-diablo-3-and-a-review-of-customer-service/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/editorial-simcity-diablo-3-and-a-review-of-customer-service/#comments Editorial SimCity, Diablo 3 and a review of customer service
I don't like writing game reviews. I'm a news guy, comfortable moving within and reporting on the binary conclusions of business in the video game industry. Reviews are emotional. Always have been. With SimCity and Diablo 3, I think the already tempestuous machine of game reviews in this industry has changed forever, and as a collective we haven't yet determined how to proceed. SimCity and Diablo 3 aren't just games, they are also services. The question: Should these games be reviewed separately from their service elements or should they be reviewed in combination?

Comparing this to the restaurant industry, the game is the food and the internet-required connection is the table service. Back of the house and front of the house. What we've seen following the launches of Diablo 3 and SimCity are people paying money to walk into the restaurant on opening day and not being served a meal. In a restaurant there would be immediate and dire consequences for such poor customer service. In the video game industry, there's no shortage of apologists justifying the outcome. Nobody genuflects to poor customer service excuses in a restaurant. Any restaurant review would treat the meal and service as one singular expression of the experience.

Continue reading Editorial: SimCity, Diablo 3 and a review of customer service

JoystiqEditorial: SimCity, Diablo 3 and a review of customer service originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activision-Blizzardbattlefield-3diablo-3eaeditorialelectronic-artssimcity-2013simcity-5Wed, 06 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One final look at Battlefield 3 'End Game' DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/one-final-look-at-battlefield-3-end-game-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/one-final-look-at-battlefield-3-end-game-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/one-final-look-at-battlefield-3-end-game-dlc/#comments Battlefield 3 'End Game' DLC screens, date reiterationWith "End Game" the announced conclusion of Battlefield 3's downloadable content schedule, we will hopefully never have to post another one of its cockamamie release schedules again. Here's some new screenshots from the DLC and its release schedule again for clarity.

Continue reading One final look at Battlefield 3 'End Game' DLC

JoystiqOne final look at Battlefield 3 'End Game' DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3diceeaElectronic-Artsend-gamemicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxMon, 04 Mar 2013 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3's 'End Game' DLC begins staggered deployment next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/battlefield-3s-end-game-dlc-begins-staggered-deployment-next/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/battlefield-3s-end-game-dlc-begins-staggered-deployment-next/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/battlefield-3s-end-game-dlc-begins-staggered-deployment-next/#comments

DICE has revealed its plan of attack, announcing on its Battlefield blog the release schedule for End Game, the final piece of downloadable content for Battlefield 3.

PlayStation 3 players with 'Battlefield Premium' accounts will see the content on Tuesday, March 5, as part of the subscription. For premium users on Xbox 360 and PC, End Game will arrive on Tuesday, March 12. PlayStation 3 users without Battlefield Premium accounts can purchase the content on March 19, while Xbox 360 and PC users will have to wait until March 26 to gain access to the DLC.

Pricing for non-Premium users has not yet been revealed, though previous Battlefield 3 content releases launched for $14.99 (1200 Microsoft Points).

JoystiqBattlefield 3's 'End Game' DLC begins staggered deployment next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Mar 2013 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3Battlefield-PremiumDICEDLCDownloadable-ContentEAElectronic-ArtsEnd-Gamemicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 01 Mar 2013 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Origin deploys sale on all things Battlefield]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/origin-deploys-sale-on-all-things-battlefield/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/origin-deploys-sale-on-all-things-battlefield/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/origin-deploys-sale-on-all-things-battlefield/#comments Soldiers, sweep your sectors - discounts are creeping in the brush. Select Battlefield games are up to 75% off until February 27 on EA's Origin online store, with discounts applying to both digital and physical products.

Highlights include Battlefield 3 for $10 as a download on PC or $20 for a physical copy on all platforms. A Battlefield 3 Premium subscription is also on sale for $30, a discount of $20 - Battlefield 3: Premium Edition physical copies are on sale for $40; $35 for a PC download. Bad Company 2 is also on sale for $5, with its Vietnam expansion's price tag a hot $5 compared to its usual $15 asking price.

JoystiqOrigin deploys sale on all things Battlefield originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3battlefield-3-premiumbattlefield-3-premium-editiondiceeamicrosoftoriginpcplaystationpremiumps3xboxTue, 19 Feb 2013 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[First Battlefield 3 End Game screenshots get dirty]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/08/first-battlefield-3-end-game-screenshots-get-dirty/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/08/first-battlefield-3-end-game-screenshots-get-dirty/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/08/first-battlefield-3-end-game-screenshots-get-dirty/#comments EA has released the first official screens of Battlefield 3's next piece of DLC, End Game. The screens highlight the dirt bike, one of End Game's new vehicles, riding off in dirty, explosion-filled glory. You can also glimpse one of the four new maps, Operation Riverside. End Game arrives in March.

Gallery: Battlefield 3 - End Game

JoystiqFirst Battlefield 3 End Game screenshots get dirty originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3diceeaelectronic-artsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 08 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3's 'End Game' captures the flag]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/battlefield-3s-end-game-captures-the-flag/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/battlefield-3s-end-game-captures-the-flag/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/battlefield-3s-end-game-captures-the-flag/#comments

Battlefield 3's downloadable content morphine drip is about to conclude with "End Game" sometime in March. This trailer for the final DLC pack shows off some exciting capture the flag gameplay, along with the all-new dirtbikes.

Near the end of the clip, there's also a quick glimpse at the air superiority mode. The all-airplane mode was a highlight of Battlefield 1943, now making its return in a modern context.

JoystiqBattlefield 3's 'End Game' captures the flag originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Jan 2013 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3diceeaElectronic-Artsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 31 Jan 2013 11:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3 Premium hits 2.9 million subscribers, earns $108 million for EA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/battlefield-3-premium-hits-2-9-million-subscribers-earns-108-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/battlefield-3-premium-hits-2-9-million-subscribers-earns-108-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/battlefield-3-premium-hits-2-9-million-subscribers-earns-108-m/#comments As part of its fiscal third quarter earnings release (PDF), EA has revealed that the Battlefield 3 Premium service has garnered a total of 2.9 million subscribers, nearly a million more than the publisher reported in October. Additionally, the service has netted Electronic Arts $108 million in sales.

Available either as an individual $50 purchase or as an included bonus with the Battlefield 3 Premium Edition, the Battlefield 3 Premium service offers in-game items, access to DLC and special Battlelog features like the ability to reset stats and gain server queue priority.

JoystiqBattlefield 3 Premium hits 2.9 million subscribers, earns $108 million for EA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jan 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3battlefield-3-premiumdiceeaElectronic-Artsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 30 Jan 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3 'End Game' DLC dubbed 'lethal high-speed warfare']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/battlefield-3-end-game-dlc-dubbed-lethal-high-speed-warfare/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/battlefield-3-end-game-dlc-dubbed-lethal-high-speed-warfare/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/battlefield-3-end-game-dlc-dubbed-lethal-high-speed-warfare/#comments Slightly more specific Battlefield 3 'End Game' DLC details emerge More information has been released regarding the contents of Battlefield 3's final DLC pack "End Game," which is still slated for March 2013. Specifically, End Game will include four new maps "designed for high speed combat and action," according to the announcement, as well as three new vehicles, a support dropship with the ability to deliver vehicles and the addition of Capture the Flag as a playable mode.

As always, End Game will be available for "free" to anyone with a Battlefield Premium membership/subscription/dark pact, though normal folk will need to pony up some cash for the right to ride a dirt bike into a hail of bullets, which doesn't really sound like the best idea if we're being honest.

JoystiqBattlefield 3 'End Game' DLC dubbed 'lethal high-speed warfare' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Dec 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3DICEDLCEAElectronic-Artsend-gamemicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 20 Dec 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA Christmas sale offers cheap Origin games every day in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/30/ea-christmas-sale-offers-cheap-origin-games-every-day-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/30/ea-christmas-sale-offers-cheap-origin-games-every-day-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/30/ea-christmas-sale-offers-cheap-origin-games-every-day-in-europe/#comments EA Christmas sale offers cheap Origin games every day in EuropeStarting on December 1 and running until December 25, European consumers can take advantage of exclusive daily deals on Origin, including "pre-order bonuses, discounts on top new titles and franchises, partner promotions and many more."

The sale will end on Christmas day with a 50% off deal on the entire Origin catalog. Other highlights include up to 50% off select Battlefield 3 items on December 5, £40 worth of voucher codes when you pre-order Crysis 3 on December 12 and a "buy one, get more" deal on December 22 - buy one game, get 20% off; buy two games, get 30% off; buy three or more and get half-off.

Continue reading EA Christmas sale offers cheap Origin games every day in Europe

JoystiqEA Christmas sale offers cheap Origin games every day in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Nov 2012 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3countdown-to-christmascrysis-3crytekeaeuropemacoriginpcFri, 30 Nov 2012 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Battlefield 3: Aftermath available today on PS3; Dec. 4 on Xbox 360, PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/27/psa-battlefield-3-aftermath-available-today-on-ps3-dec-4-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/27/psa-battlefield-3-aftermath-available-today-on-ps3-dec-4-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/27/psa-battlefield-3-aftermath-available-today-on-ps3-dec-4-on/#comments

Battlefield 3's "Aftermath" DLC pack will be available later today for those with a PlayStation 3. The DLC includes four earthquake ravaged maps and a crossbow. There's also a new game mode called "Scavenger," which tasks players armed only with pistols to search for more powerful weapons.

Continue reading PSA: Battlefield 3: Aftermath available today on PS3; Dec. 4 on Xbox 360, PC

JoystiqPSA: Battlefield 3: Aftermath available today on PS3; Dec. 4 on Xbox 360, PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Nov 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3diceeaElectronic-Artsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 27 Nov 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA: DICE doesn't want to be a 'Battlefield factory']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/ea-dice-doesnt-want-to-be-a-battlefield-factory/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/ea-dice-doesnt-want-to-be-a-battlefield-factory/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/ea-dice-doesnt-want-to-be-a-battlefield-factory/#comments DICE doesn't want to be Battlefield factory, working on other gamesDICE's Stockholm studio has 300 people and no, not all of them are working on Battlefield content, EA Games Vice President Patrick Soderlund tells OXM. DICE launched Mirror's Edge in 2008, but since then it's been all Battlefield, all the time, with Battlefield 4 scheduled for beta next fall.

Asked whether taking a risk on a Mirror's Edge-type game is worth it when Battlefield is so lucrative, Soderlund responds, "Well it depends, right? Maybe it is and maybe it isn't. It's also important for us - the DICE guys are roughly 300 people in the Stockholm studio; not all of them are working on Battlefield things, and that's intentional, because we don't want to become a Battlefield factory."

One way to circumvent the transition to "Battlefield factory" is to develop a sequel to Mirror's Edge - which is exactly what former Battlefield executive producer Ben Cousins says DICE is doing. "It is general knowledge in the Stockholm dev scene that Mirror's Edge 2 is in production at DICE," he tweets.

It's worth noting that Cousins isn't with EA anymore, but he is based in Sweden.

JoystiqEA: DICE doesn't want to be a 'Battlefield factory' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Nov 2012 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3battlefield-4DICEEAmicrosoftmirrors-edgemirrors-edge-2pcplaystationps3xboxWed, 21 Nov 2012 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinity Ward animator talks first-person flourishes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/08/infinity-ward-animator-talks-first-person-flourishes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/08/infinity-ward-animator-talks-first-person-flourishes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/08/infinity-ward-animator-talks-first-person-flourishes/#comments Infinity Ward animator on FPS design in a Reddit AMA pretty interestingChance Glasgo, a first-person animator at Infinity Ward, did a Reddit Ask Me Anything thread last weekend, taking on questions about the complicated weapon animations seen in games like Call of Duty and Battlefield. You should read through the whole thread if you're interested, but PC Gamer has kindly grabbed some of the most fascinating insights.

Glasgo says that "most serial numbers on guns in CoD have significance" of some kind, whether it's just a reference to his workout gym of choice, or a hint to something in the game's larger mythology.

He also explains that while gun aficionados will often tell him he's made some sort of technical mistake in rendering realistic weapons, the choice to do things differently is simply creative. For example, you're never supposed to point a real gun anywhere but forward even while reloading it, but following that rule would make some of these just so ... boring.

JoystiqInfinity Ward animator talks first-person flourishes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Nov 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animationsanimatorsbattlefield-3call-of-dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3chance-glasgochoicescreativegunsinfinity-wardmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3pcplaystationps3realismxboxThu, 08 Nov 2012 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 1942 free on Origin]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/05/battlefield-1942-free-on-origin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/05/battlefield-1942-free-on-origin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/05/battlefield-1942-free-on-origin/#comments Battlefield 1942 free on OriginBattlefield 1942 is currently free on Electronic Arts' Origin digital distribution system. The gratis download is in celebration of the Battlefield series' 10 year anniversary and Battlefield 3 Premium's 2 million members making bank for the publisher.

According to EA, Battlefield 3 has sold over 17 million copies so far. The game's latest expansion, Aftermath, begins its month-long release campaign at the end of the month.

Gallery: Battlefield 3: Aftermath

JoystiqBattlefield 1942 free on Origin originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Nov 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-1942battlefield-3diceeaElectronic-ArtspcMon, 05 Nov 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA posts $381 million loss in Q2, offset by 38.5% digital upswing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/ea-posts-381-million-loss-in-q2-offset-by-38-5-digital-upswin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/ea-posts-381-million-loss-in-q2-offset-by-38-5-digital-upswin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/ea-posts-381-million-loss-in-q2-offset-by-38-5-digital-upswin/#comments EA sees yearonyear revenue rise in Q2, digital upswing of 40%Electronic Arts posted a net loss of $381 million for the second fiscal quarter ending September 30, a year-on-year increase of 12.1 percent. Net revenue also suffered a slight decline, down to $711 million from $715 million for the same period last year.

The company did enjoy an upswing in digital sales this quarter, with a 38.5 percent rise in digital revenue from last year's Q2, and mobile digital revenue up 36.4 percent. EA's online boom was offset by a retail decline, with "Publishing Packaged Goods and Other Net Revenue" down year-on-year by 18.9 percent.

Software-wise, FIFA 13 scored 7.4 million sales (excluding mobile downloads) in its first four weeks, while Battlefield 3 Premium subscriptions are now over the 2 million mark. EA is, however, bracing itself for a "soft" Q3 following the the weak critical reception to Medal of Honor: Warfighter and the cancellation of NBA Live 13.

JoystiqEA posts $381 million loss in Q2, offset by 38.5% digital upswing originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3battlefield-3-premiumEAearningsfifa-13financialsmedal-of-honor-warfighterWed, 31 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3 Premium sells 2M subscriptions, FIFA 13 sells 7.4M units]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/30/battlefield-3-premium-sells-2m-subscriptions-fifa-13-sells-7-4m/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/30/battlefield-3-premium-sells-2m-subscriptions-fifa-13-sells-7-4m/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/30/battlefield-3-premium-sells-2m-subscriptions-fifa-13-sells-7-4m/#comments Electronic Arts announced massive sales for its Battlefield and FIFA franchises as part of its second quarter earnings today. Battlefield 3 Premium, which had over 1.3 million subscribers in late July, now has surpassed 2 million.

The publisher also announced that FIFA 13 has gone on to sell 7.4 million units (excluding mobile downloads) during its first four weeks on the retail field. This makes the latest installment in the footie franchise the "biggest sports launch of all time" for the company.

Oh, and don't you fret none about the legacy versions of those two franchises. Battlefield 3 and FIFA 12 together sold "nearly 4 million units" since April, the beginning of EA's current fiscal year.

JoystiqBattlefield 3 Premium sells 2M subscriptions, FIFA 13 sells 7.4M units originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Oct 2012 16:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3battlefield-3-premiumDICEEAElectronic-artsfifa-13microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 30 Oct 2012 16:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3: Aftermath starts rolling out November 27, details unearthed [update: correction]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/18/battlefield-3-aftermath-starts-rolling-out-november-27-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/18/battlefield-3-aftermath-starts-rolling-out-november-27-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/18/battlefield-3-aftermath-starts-rolling-out-november-27-details/#comments

It's been a while since we heard anything about Battlefield 3 post-earthquake expansion Aftermath, but today EA grounded out some more details to us, including a release date of November 27 for PS3 Premium members. We also have a debut trailer to enjoy along with new screenshots below.

The new mode is called Scavenger, a Conquest variation which ties into the expansion's setting of a devastated Tehran. You play as a lost soldier, armed only with a pistol and forced to search the rubble to find more powerful weaponry. If you're lucky, you might stumble across the scoped crossbow featured in the trailer.

The expansion adds four new maps, including the reasonably self-descriptive Epicenter and Markaz Market Monolith. There are also three new vehicles, ten new assignments, ten new dog tags, and five achievements/trophies. EA says Aftermath 'starts' releasing on November 27, first for PS3 Premium members, which translated means we can likely expect the same week-by-week roll-out as before. When it does find its way to you, it'll cost $14.99 on PS3 and PC, and 1200 MSP on Xbox 360.

Update: EA notes the Markaz Monolith map was incorrectly denoted in the information provided to us.

JoystiqBattlefield 3: Aftermath starts rolling out November 27, details unearthed [update: correction] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Oct 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3battlefield-3-aftermathDICEEAmicrosoftpcplaystationps3PSNrelease-datesteamXBLMxboxThu, 18 Oct 2012 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Armored Kill update inbound, rolls out tomorrow for PC, consoles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/10/armored-kill-update-inbound-rolls-out-tomorrow-for-pc-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/10/armored-kill-update-inbound-rolls-out-tomorrow-for-pc-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/10/armored-kill-update-inbound-rolls-out-tomorrow-for-pc-consoles/#comments Armored Kill update inboundBattlefield 3's 'Armored Kill' DLC is finally out across all platforms, meaning its finally ready to handle some updates. A server update will start taking effect tomorrow, October 11, at 4:30 a.m. ET, and should take roughly six hours to fully roll out worldwide. PC updates will hit within 24 hours. Battlefield 3 and Battlelog will be inaccessible on PC and consoles from 4 - 4:30 a.m. ET tomorrow for backend maintenance.

The update adds a balance tweak to the gunship, adds an option to remove the minimap in Hardcore mode, fixes a bug that allowed only one knife takedown on a server at a time, improves server stability and more, as listed here.

JoystiqArmored Kill update inbound, rolls out tomorrow for PC, consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Oct 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Armored-Killbalancebattlefield-3microsoftpcplaystationps3updatexboxWed, 10 Oct 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA buys Battlelog developer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/ea-buys-battlelog-developer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/ea-buys-battlelog-developer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/ea-buys-battlelog-developer/#comments EA snatches up Battlelog developerElectronic Arts has acquired Battlelog developer ESN. Battlelog is Battlefield 3's stat-tracking and social system behind the game on PC, while on consoles it... you know, still not entirely sure what the point was. Something extraneous to sign up for?

"We couldn't be more excited about this opportunity and the team is looking forward to focus all of its energy on DICE, Battlelog and the Battlefield series," ESN wrote in its announcement of the deal. "As we're teaming up with EA and DICE, we are looking for more talented developers and designers to join our studio and help create some of the best online game services out there."

EA's upcoming shooter Medal of Honor: Warfighter will also support Battlelog.

JoystiqEA buys Battlelog developer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Sep 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3battlelogeaelectronic-artsESNmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 26 Sep 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield series on sale today through Origin]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/20/battlefield-series-on-sale-today-through-origin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/20/battlefield-series-on-sale-today-through-origin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/20/battlefield-series-on-sale-today-through-origin/#comments

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Battlefield franchise, Electronic Arts has deployed a sale for the series on Origin, with each installment available at $10 apiece. That means Battlefield 2 through Battlefield 3 (standard edition), which sounds like it would only be two games, but is actually several, are all the same price.

The discount is only available today, so you better oscar mike to Origin if you're interested. Did we "oscar mike" that right? No?! We've learned nothing!

JoystiqBattlefield series on sale today through Origin originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Sep 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-1942Battlefield-2142battlefield-3battlefield-bad-company-2DICEeaelectronic-artspcThu, 20 Sep 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3 Premium Edition now $59.99, launches today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/11/battlefield-3-premium-edition-now-59-99-launches-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/11/battlefield-3-premium-edition-now-59-99-launches-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/11/battlefield-3-premium-edition-now-59-99-launches-today/#comments EA has knocked $10 off its Battlefield 3 re-release, the company announced today. Battlefield 3 Premium Edition was first announced back in August as a $69.99 package, but the publisher has reduced the price of admission to $59.99.

Battlefield 3 Premium Edition combines DICE's latest shooter with a Premium membership, necessary to access all of the game's expansions such as the previously released Back to Karkand and Close Quarters, this week's vehicle-based Armored Kill, and the next two packs set to drop later this year, Endgame and Aftermath. A "Multiplayer Head Start Kit" is also included in the package, unlocking "15 different weapons, gadgets and vehicle upgrades" in-game to fast-track newbies to the front lines.

Battlefield 3 Premium Edition is available today on the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC.

Continue reading Battlefield 3 Premium Edition now $59.99, launches today

JoystiqBattlefield 3 Premium Edition now $59.99, launches today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3battlefield-3-premiumbattlefield-3-premium-editiondiceeamicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 11 Sep 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield: Armored Kill rolls out launch trailer, wide release to take weeks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/battlefield-armored-kill-rolls-out-launch-trailer-actual-launc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/battlefield-armored-kill-rolls-out-launch-trailer-actual-launc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/battlefield-armored-kill-rolls-out-launch-trailer-actual-launc/#comments
The launch trailer for Battlefield 3's Armored Kill downloadable content hit today, although defining it as a "launch trailer" is being quite liberal with that word.

It's certainly launching day for Premium PS3 subscribers, but Xbox 360 and PC Premium subscribers will need to wait another week until September 11. The non-premium grunts will jump into the pack on September 18 for PS3 and September 25 for Xbox 360 and PC. We think that about covers it for the "launch."

JoystiqBattlefield: Armored Kill rolls out launch trailer, wide release to take weeks originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armored-killbattlefield-3diceeaelectronic-artsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 04 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3 'Armored Kill' dated, get in line for access September 4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/battlefield-3-armored-kill-september-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/battlefield-3-armored-kill-september-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/battlefield-3-armored-kill-september-4/#comments Battlefield 3 Armored Kill DLC dated, first access September 4Battlefield 3's Armored Kill downloadable content has one of many release dates, with Premium subscribers on PlayStation 3 obtaining first access on September 4. Xbox 360 and PC Premium subscribers have to wait another week until September 11. Premium subscribers receive a two week jump on everyone else, with regular releases of September 18 for PS3 and September 25 for Xbox 360 and PC.

Armored Kill is the third DLC pack for Battlefield 3 after Back to Karkand and Close Quarters. Apart from four new maps, including the biggest in the series' history, Armored Kill will offer a ton of new vehicles for players to drive, fly, and generally blow up. Also included is the new Tank Superiority mode, which is effectively a King of the Hill take on Battlefield 1943's Air Superiority but, you know, with tanks.

JoystiqBattlefield 3 'Armored Kill' dated, get in line for access September 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armored-killbattlefield-3diceeaelectronic-artsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3release-datexboxMon, 27 Aug 2012 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3 quadruples the official DICE server count on consoles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/24/battlefield-3-quadruples-the-official-dice-server-count-on-conso/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/24/battlefield-3-quadruples-the-official-dice-server-count-on-conso/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/24/battlefield-3-quadruples-the-official-dice-server-count-on-conso/#comments Looking for some more variety in game modes? DICE has upped the number of official servers for Battlefield 3 on consoles - four-fold. Quick matches will still drop you into the first available ranked server, rented or not, but if you input "DICE" when searching, it should list all the available DICE servers.

You'll find these newly-added DICE servers available on Xbox 360 and PS3 as of right now, the Battlefield Blog says. There's no word on whether DICE will be instituting a similar measure on the PC.

JoystiqBattlefield 3 quadruples the official DICE server count on consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3diceeamicrosoftplaystationps3xboxFri, 24 Aug 2012 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3 Premium Edition coming September for $70]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/14/battlefield-3-premium-edition-coming-september-for-70/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/14/battlefield-3-premium-edition-coming-september-for-70/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/14/battlefield-3-premium-edition-coming-september-for-70/#comments Battlefield 3 Premium Edition coming September for $70
A new version of Battlefield 3, the Battlefield 3 Premium Edition, will arrive this September, executive producer Patrick Bach announced during EA's Gamescom press conference. As the title implies, the Premium Edition includes a membership to the Battlefield Premium service which, in turn, grants access to new expansions, including Back to Karkand, Close Quarters, and the upcoming Armored Kill, End Game and Aftermath.

The Premium Edition also features the "Multiplayer Head Start Kit," which includes "15 different weapons, gadgets and vehicle upgrades." The Battlefield 3 Premium Edition will launch on PC, Xbox and PS3 this September for $70 in North America, €60 in Europe and £50 in the UK.

Continue reading Battlefield 3 Premium Edition coming September for $70

JoystiqBattlefield 3 Premium Edition coming September for $70 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Aug 2012 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3diceeagamescom-2012microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 14 Aug 2012 11:10:00 EST<![CDATA[How Mirror's Edge gave legs (and more) to Battlefield 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/13/how-mirrors-edge-gave-legs-and-more-to-battlefield-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/13/how-mirrors-edge-gave-legs-and-more-to-battlefield-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/13/how-mirrors-edge-gave-legs-and-more-to-battlefield-3/#comments How Mirror's Edge gave legs and more to Battlefield 3The dextrous legs of Mirror's Edge heroine Faith helped to shape the movement of characters in Battlefield 3, EA DICE general manager Karl Magnus Troedsson said in a speech today during GDC Europe. No, you don't spend too much time parkouring around the war torn arenas of Battlefield 3, but various animations - Faith vaulting over obstacles, for instance - directly shaped the way BF3's soldiers interacted with their environment.

"Not just the legs, but the actual movement," Troedsson told us in a followup. "So in BF3, when you jump over something, you can see the vaulting, etc. So the whole animation setup has actually changed quite a bit." Beyond just the animation, he said, it changed how first-person perspective was designed in Battlefield games. "Before in our games - before Mirror's Edge and before BF3 - the camera was actually just something that was floating. Now it actually sits on the animation rig that we have, which is a big difference."

When we pressed for more news on Mirror's Edge within DICE and the potential for a sequel, Troedsson was predictably coy. "How many people want it? We'll see. You have to wait and see," he said. "As I mentioned, we want to do other things in Battlefield, so of course making a sequel to a game like that could be an option moving forward." And hey, it if it helps DICE's "core franchise," it could be worthwhile even without the level of financial support Battlefield sees from fans. At least that's what we're hoping.

JoystiqHow Mirror's Edge gave legs (and more) to Battlefield 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Aug 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3eaea-diceelectronic-artsgdc-europe-2012gdce-2012karl-magnus-troedssonmicrosoftmirrors-edgepcplaystationps3xboxMon, 13 Aug 2012 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield series celebrates 10 year anniversary: over 50 million served]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/13/battlefield-series-celebrates-10-year-anniversary-over-50-milli/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/13/battlefield-series-celebrates-10-year-anniversary-over-50-milli/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/13/battlefield-series-celebrates-10-year-anniversary-over-50-milli/#comments Battlefield series celebrates 10 year anniversary over 50 million servedDICE general manager Karl Magnus Troedsson took to GDC Europe today to celebrate his company's 20-year anniversary and the 10-year anniversary of its "core franchise," Battlefield. He revealed that the series has "served" more than 50 million players, and added that DICE is "still in love."

Battlefield's latest franchise entry, Battlefield 3, shipped over 12 million copies as of last November. Battlefield 4 is up next, expected in holiday 2013.

JoystiqBattlefield series celebrates 10 year anniversary: over 50 million served originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Aug 2012 05:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3eaea-diceelectronic-artsgdc-europegdc-europe-2012gdce-2012karl-magnus-troedssonmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxMon, 13 Aug 2012 05:19:00 EST<![CDATA[EA @ Gamescom: Crysis 3, SimCity, Army of Two and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/10/ea-gamescom-crysis-3-simcity-army-of-two-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/10/ea-gamescom-crysis-3-simcity-army-of-two-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/10/ea-gamescom-crysis-3-simcity-army-of-two-and-more/#comments If you're lucky enough to find yourself at Gamescom next week in Germany, playable demos of Crysis 3 and SimCity will be headlining EA's lineup. Aside from those two, there will also be demo stations at EA's booth for Need for Speed: Most Wanted, FIFA 13, FIFA Manager 13, Medal of Honor: Warfighter and Star Wars: The Old Republic.

EA will also be conducting behind-closed-doors presentations. Notable titles for private showcase include the newly-announced Army of Two: The Devil's Cartel from Visceral Games, the Armored Kill expansion for Battlefield 3, Crysis 3, Dead Space 3, NHL 2013, Sims 3, SimCity and a bunch of mobile games from EA and Chillingo. We'll have previews of those games next week.

JoystiqEA @ Gamescom: Crysis 3, SimCity, Army of Two and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Aug 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>army-of-twoarmy-of-two-the-devils-cartelbattlefield-3crysis-3dead-space-3eafifa-13gamescom-2012microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3simcitysimcity-2013wiiwii-uxboxFri, 10 Aug 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Battlefield 3's Battlelog offline tomorrow for server update]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/08/psa-battlefield-3s-battlelog-offline-tomorrow-for-server-updat/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/08/psa-battlefield-3s-battlelog-offline-tomorrow-for-server-updat/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/08/psa-battlefield-3s-battlelog-offline-tomorrow-for-server-updat/#comments PSA Battlefield 3's Battlelog offline tomorrow for server updateBattlefield 3's Battlelog system will be offline tomorrow, August 9, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. CET for server maintenance. That's 4 a.m. to 5 a.m. EST, for those wondering what "CET" stands for. You can find your relevant time zone here.

The downtime will be spent enacting the following updates to the Battlefield 3 server and Battlelog, as provided by EA:

Continue reading PSA: Battlefield 3's Battlelog offline tomorrow for server update

JoystiqPSA: Battlefield 3's Battlelog offline tomorrow for server update originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3battlelogmicrosoftpcplaystationps3psaserverServer-MaintenancexboxWed, 08 Aug 2012 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3's End Game to include deadly motorcycles, vs. Armored Kill's tanks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/02/battlefield-3s-end-game-to-include-deadly-motorcycles-vs-armo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/02/battlefield-3s-end-game-to-include-deadly-motorcycles-vs-armo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/02/battlefield-3s-end-game-to-include-deadly-motorcycles-vs-armo/#comments Image
Battlefield 3's End Game DLC, due out March 2013, will have players take out enemies while looking studly on motorcycles, as demonstrated by the above image taken from EA's Summer Showcase. End Game is slated to contain new maps, vehicles and more, and is the final of three announced DLC packs for BF3, following Armored Kill in September and Aftermath in December.

First up, fans will get their hands on Armored Kill, which features manic vehicular manslaughter in the form of ATVs, mobile artillery and most lethally of all tanks, as shown in the following gallery.

Gallery: Battlefield 3 - Armored Kill (Tank Superiority)

JoystiqBattlefield 3's End Game to include deadly motorcycles, vs. Armored Kill's tanks originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Aug 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Armored-Killbattlefield-3EAea-summer-showcaseend-gamemicrosoftmotorcyclepcplaystationps3xboxThu, 02 Aug 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3 Premium has over 1.3 million subscribers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/31/battlefield-3-premium-has-over-1-3-million-subscribers/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/31/battlefield-3-premium-has-over-1-3-million-subscribers/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/31/battlefield-3-premium-has-over-1-3-million-subscribers/#comments The Battlefield 3 Premium service shows continued growth, with EA reporting "over 1.3 million subscriptions to date," a significant increase over the 800,000 reported in late June. During an investor conference call, EA revealed that it made $37 million in revenue from the service in June.

The $50 service provides early access to expansions and other DLC, along with other in-game items and the option to reset stats.

JoystiqBattlefield 3 Premium has over 1.3 million subscribers originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Jul 2012 16:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3battlefield-3-premiumeamicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 31 Jul 2012 16:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3 'Aftermath' DLC in December, 'End Game' in March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/battlefield-3-aftermath-dlc-in-december-end-game-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/battlefield-3-aftermath-dlc-in-december-end-game-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/battlefield-3-aftermath-dlc-in-december-end-game-in-march/#comments Battlefield 3's "Aftermath" DLC pack, leaked way back when and then finally confirmed but a day ago, will find itself in the hands of capable soldiers the world over come December, according to this Battlefield Premium hype page.

The site's calendar also officially acknowledges and dates BF3's "End Game" DLC pack for March of 2013. Both packs are said to contain four new maps, new unspecified weapons, equally new and equally unspecified vehicles, and "more." While Battlefield Premium subscribers gain access to DLC content two weeks earlier than regular folk, we expect the December and March launch windows to apply to both categories of people, provided the Premium launches aren't near the tail end of either month.

JoystiqBattlefield 3 'Aftermath' DLC in December, 'End Game' in March originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aftermathbattlefield-3battlefield-3-aftermathbattlefield-3-end-gameDICEDLCEAElectronic-Artsend-gamemicrosoftpcplaystationps3release-windowxboxFri, 27 Jul 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA's Battlefield 3 ad campaign on Facebook shows 440 percent return on investment]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/eas-battlefield-3-ad-campaign-on-facebook-shows-440-percent-ret/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/eas-battlefield-3-ad-campaign-on-facebook-shows-440-percent-ret/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/eas-battlefield-3-ad-campaign-on-facebook-shows-440-percent-ret/#comments EA's Battlefield 3 ad campaign on Facebook shows 440 percent return on investmentA major part of Facebook's business, in addition to keeping an accurate and exceedingly detailed log of the horrible web of lies you spin during your daily social activities, is as an advertising platform. As it turns out, advertising on Facebook can be pretty helpful, at least if the product you're shilling is something globally recognized like Battlefield 3.

"Electronic Arts recently spent $2.75 million promoting Battlefield 3 on Facebook," said Facebook COO Sheryl K. Sandberg during the company's first investor call since going public. "They attributed $12.1 million of their sales to these ads, translating to a 4.4x return on their Facebook marketing spend." Sandberg didn't elaborate on how EA extrapolated that figure.

An independent study performed on 60 different Facebook advertising campaigns showed that 70 percent of campaigns analyzed saw a 300 percent return on investment at minimum, according to Sandberg, while 49 percent of campaigns enjoyed 500 percent returns. It's difficult to determine how well that figure scales up, considering its small sample size, but we're sure that the simple act of typing "500 percent returns" has caused several dozen advertising executives to salivate uncontrollably.

JoystiqEA's Battlefield 3 ad campaign on Facebook shows 440 percent return on investment originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingbattlefield-3DICEEAElectronic-ArtsFacebookmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Sheryl-K-SandbergxboxFri, 27 Jul 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DICE 'committed' to Battlefield 3 even after Battlefield 4's launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/dice-committed-to-battlefield-3-even-after-battlefield-4s-lau/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/dice-committed-to-battlefield-3-even-after-battlefield-4s-lau/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/dice-committed-to-battlefield-3-even-after-battlefield-4s-lau/#comments Battlefield 4 is coming, with a beta scheduled to begin next fall, but DICE assures fans that doesn't mean a premature end to support for Battlefield 3.

Following up on earlier pledges to the same effect, the developer said on the official Battlefield blog that it intends to continue with BF3 support past the beta, continuing even after BF4 is released. "We are committed to providing an excellent Battlefield 3 experience well into the future , past the releases of Aftermath, End Game, and Battlefield 4," a representative said on the blog. "DICE is continuing its work on Battlefield 3 alongside Battlefield 4."

Of course, there's no way of telling what that "work" will entail following the release of Battlefield 4. It's certainly an impressive claim nonetheless, one that we hope isn't equivalent to pre-selling us some exclusive bridge DLC.

JoystiqDICE 'committed' to Battlefield 3 even after Battlefield 4's launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3battlefield-4diceeaea-diceelectronic-artsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 27 Jul 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3: Aftermath DLC adds four maps in post-earthquake Tehran]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/battlefield-3-aftermath-dlc-adds-four-maps-in-post-earthquake-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/battlefield-3-aftermath-dlc-adds-four-maps-in-post-earthquake-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/battlefield-3-aftermath-dlc-adds-four-maps-in-post-earthquake-t/#comments Battlefield 3 'Aftermath' DLC detailsThe Battlefield 3 "Aftermath" DLC is finally official. After getting leaked a few months ago, and being mentioned again last month, the add-on has now been described in more detail by EA. There will be four new maps that take place in "a post-earthquake Tehran," along with new vehicles, a new game mode, and new assignments, achievements and dog tags to earn.

This promo page also hints at new weapons for Battlefield 3: Aftermath. There's no indication of what the new game mode is just yet, or when the content will drop. Currently, the release date is listed as "TBA" for both premium and standard BF3 players, but given that EA's shared this information with us, the DLC probably isn't too far off.

JoystiqBattlefield 3: Aftermath DLC adds four maps in post-earthquake Tehran originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jul 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aftermathbattlefield-3battlefield-3-aftermathbattlefield-3-premiumdlceamicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 26 Jul 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3's 'Armored Kill' is all about shooting dudes from vehicles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/19/battlefield-3-armored-kill-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/19/battlefield-3-armored-kill-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/19/battlefield-3-armored-kill-trailer/#comments
Battlefield 3's "Armored Kill" expansion, coming this September, finally gives fans of the franchise the expansion they've been waiting for, featuring vehicular mayhem like that shown in today's trailer.

Armored Kill has five new vehicles, "including mobile artillery, tanks, ATVs," along with 20 vehicle-specific unlocks and the ability to spawn in the all-new gunship. The premiere trailer above features the "Alborz Mountain" map and "Bandar Desert, the largest map in Battlefield history."

The 800,000+ BF3:Premium members will have two weeks early access to Armored Kill before the rest of the grunts come in. The next two Battlefield 3 expansions "Aftermath" and "End Game" are expected in December and March 2013, respectively.

Gallery: Battlefield 3 - Armored Kill (E3 2012)

JoystiqBattlefield 3's 'Armored Kill' is all about shooting dudes from vehicles originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jul 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3DICEEAElectronic-Artsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 19 Jul 2012 09:30:00 EST