GOW patches rough spots, host name removed [update 1]

Update: The patch is now available. Details here.

The revelation of new maps and a patch for Gears of War is great news indeed, and now we bring you a precise list of the upcoming changes to GOW multiplayer. Our maniacal commanders at Joystiq discovered the list, and we have unceremoniously ripped it from their digital pages. Notable changes include fixes for the voice bug, a grenade tag distance reduction, a VGA fix, and removing the host name from ranked matches.

• Fixed aspect ratio distortion when using VGA cable with 4:3 displays at resolutions higher than 640x480

• Fixed voice issue with new players joining Player Match games in progress

• Players can now get the Achievement for "Dish Best Served Cold" when using Troika turret to kill RAAM

• Fixed rare situation where host could loop countdown and never start match

• Fixed rare situation where players could get stuck after chainsawing in multiplayer

• Reduced Grenade Tag melee distance

• Enabled "Strict" NAT check on host to prevent possible connection issues

• Optimized server browser queries to return results more quickly and prevent scroll bars from hiding quality of service icons

• Reduced number of possible revives in Execution to match Warzone

• Removed host name from Ranked match server browser

• Disabled security cameras in Ranked matches

• Ranked matches now require balanced teams (3v3 or 4v4)

• Increased penalty for quitting a Ranked match to -50 points

• Added additional cheat detection code

• Additional housekeeping updates

The most controversial of the changes is no doubt the removal of the host's name from ranked matches. While the host name can be used to locate friends in a ranked match, it is also used for team stacking and other nefarious activities.

[Via Joystiq]