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Battlefield 3 Premium live 'this very second' on PS3, next week on PC and Xbox
You could be watching news about Battlefield 3, or you could be playing it. Peter Moore and Patrick Bach just revealed the launch date for Battlefield 3 Premium, and, for PS3, it's ... "this very second." The $49.99 service, which offers early access to expansions and other content, is live on PS3 now, and will come to PC and Xbox sometime next week.It offers access to five expansions ... one of which has motorcycles.We also now have a clearer timeline for launches of future expansions: Battlefield 3: Close Quarters – Today. Battlefield 3: Armored Kill – September 2012. Battlefield 3: Aftermath – December 2012. Battlefield 3: End Game – March 2013.
Battlefield 3 Premium announced, extends PlayStation 3 DLC exclusivity to two weeks
Battlefield 3's "Premium" membership got officially revealed this morning by EA (via an exclusive Reuters piece), and it confirmed many of the details we already knew about the soon-to-be-launched service. "Premium" costs $50 one time, not to mention a variety of other in-game weapons and dog tags, as well as a handful of "enhanced" Battlelog features (such as resetting stats). The piece doesn't mention getting access to the game's five announced map packs, but that seems like an odd omission considering the $50 asking price. It does note, via EA vp Patrick Soderlund, that Premium offers, "savings since access to content included in the membership package would cost $25 more if it was purchased separately."Additionally, the membership gives users two weeks of advanced access to the variety of unreleased DLC packs – except this perk only applies if you're a PlayStation 3 customer. Much like Call of Duty's adherence to an exclusivity window on DLC for Xbox 360, Battlefield 3 is locked to a similar tryst with Sony's PlayStation 3. This means that users who pay for the Premium service on either Xbox 360 or PC won't get that same level of early access, which is ... pretty bizarre to us.The piece doesn't make clear when the service launches, but the perviously leaked memo and yesterday's leaked trailer indicated it would launch as soon as today. The piece also notes that Battlefield 3 has thus far moved 15 million units. Not too shabby! We expect to hear even more about Premium during EA's press conference this afternoon.Update: Further details of Battlefield 3 Premium have since been officially revealed by EA during today's press conference. Check out all the news right here.
Battlefield 3 Premium trailer leaks, 'Aftermath' expansion officially acknowledged [update: removed]
Before it gets disavowed, here's Battlefield 3 Premium. Everything you see above had previously been confirmed in the leaked spec sheet.Also worth noting is that the previously announced pack of three expansions is now four. Close Quarters and Armored Kill are now joined by "Aftermath" before End Game hits this winter.Update: As expected, the video has been removed since going live. We're gonna take a wild guess that you'll see the full video tomorrow.[Thanks, Freddie]
Battlefield 3: Armored Kill expansion rolls out this September
Battlefield 3's Armored Kill expansion will bring "all-out vehicle warfare on huge maps" to the game in September, Electronic Arts announced this afternoon. The pack is the second of three expansions announced earlier this year.The first, Close Quarters, is officially expected in June, with some hints that it'll drop next week. The final pack, End Game, won't strike until winter. We should also learn more about the $50 Battlefield 3 Premium next Monday.
Battlefield 3 'FAMAS bug' stops stats dead in their tracks
Sure, you're lethal with a FAMAS in Battlefield 3, but you've gotta stop – at least, until EA fixes a problem associated with it. There's a glitch lurking out there, preventing Battlelog from recognizing progression and stats. It's like you never even played that last match.According to the Battlefield 3 Facebook account, if anybody is using a FAMAS in any given match it's possible that no stats will be recognized – for any players. Best to table that firearm until this bug's number is up.
Battlefield 3 receives major update next week, no mention of 'Premium'
Battlefield 3's next major update will occur across platforms on June 4 (June 5 in Japan for PS3). The update includes reduced suppression, support for colorblind players and an extensive list of other changes.Not mentioned at all in the update notes: the effect of the Battlefield 3 Premium package, which EA will officially detail on June 4. June 4 is also the reported launch date of the game's "Close Quarters" expansion.%Gallery-150552%%Gallery-154186%
Report: Battlefield 3 'Premium' service costs $50 one time, includes 'all five themed expansion packs'
Reports of Battlefield 3's "Premium" service just got a lot more official looking, with a fact sheet leaking out of Germany containing lots of details. The service apparently costs $50 one time and includes a variety of content, including access to the five released and upcoming Battlefield 3 expansion packs, two weeks of early access to said packs, and "a host of unique in-game items not available anywhere else."That, however, is where the "interesting" part of this ends, and the "pretty gross" part begins. Beyond the DLC access, Premium members are said to get "access to powerful new features." What features might those be? "The ability to reset stats" is listed, but so is "queue priority into servers," which means exactly what it sounds like. As in, "pay for this service and get into servers faster than the rabble."The fact sheet reconfirms what we saw leak out of the EU PlayStation Blog earlier today – Battlefield 3 "Premium" is expected to launch alongside the "Close Quarters" DLC on June 4 across Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC. Head past the break to see the full sheet.Update: EA tells Joystiq, "Looks like the excitement for Battlefield Premium cannot be contained. For details, please visit Battlefield.com on June 4." We'd suggest you check out Joystiq.com on June 4 as well. Just a guess.
Battlefield 3 'Premium' service dated for June 4, alongside 'Close Quarters' DLC pack
Our European friends at the PlayStation Blog made a bit of a mistake this morning, it seems, having accidentally outed an upcoming "Premium" service for Battlefield 3, as well as a date (June 4) and pricing across European/Australian regions (£39.99/€49.99/AU$79.99). The game's upcoming DLC pack "Close Quarters" also got a date and price: June 4, £11.99/€14.99/AU$23.95.As you might imagine, someone at Sony quickly realized the issue and pulled the info ... but not before Google Cache caught it in its icy, permanent grip. We've reached out to EA and Sony for more info, but it sounds like the rumored Call of Duty Elite-esque service for Battlefield 3 is more than just a rumor.
Razer outs Battlefield 3 aviator headsets
Can't satisfy your appetite for video game tie-in peripherals? Razer's new military aviator-inspired, Battlefield 3-branded BlackShark headsets might do the trick. Each memory foam, leatherette-lined ear cup packs 40mm drivers paired with ambient noise cancellation and enhanced bass. You can also use the detachable, unidirectional boom microphone to yell at teammates to take cover. The whole package rings up at $129.99 -- or €129.99 for those across the pond -- and will be ready for duty in July. Check out the gallery and full PR below.
Rumor: EA to reveal COD Elite-like service for Battlefield 3 at E3
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™ 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.
EA: lack of official Battlefield 3 servers due to rentals
Battlefield 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.
Battlefield 3's next DLC gets up close and personal
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.
Battlefield 3, Darkstalkers 3 and some other stuff hits PSN April 24
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.
PSA: Battlelog app for iOS finally available
Electronic Arts has launched the official Battlefield 3 Battlelog app for iOS nearly ... one, plus two, plus two, plus one ... six months after the game's launch. There is no mention of an official Android app.The app is similar to that of the Battlelog browser stat-tracking experience, allowing players to keep up to date on what their Battlefield friends were doing, when they were still playing the game three months ago.The app will be more timely when it's used to satiate crippling Battlefield data addiction after Close Quarters -- the first major addition to Battlefield 3 since December -- launches in June.
Fan-made Battlefield 5 on Google Glasses concept video turns life into a warzone
Ever since we saw that ad for the PS9, we've been dreaming of a really cool augmented reality gaming future. The video Google produced for its Project Glass got us excited for what could be, but what video production troupe There is a Canal did with the idea is basically read our diary and create a video of what we want: Battlefield 5 played on a pair of AR goggles.It's a future we mostly want right now – well, not now now. We should probably get in shape before running around an abandoned lot, pretending to shoot imaginary people.
Battlefield 3 mega patch hitting Xbox 360 tomorrow
The massive Battlefield 3 patch that hit PS3 last week will officially launch on Xbox 360 tomorrow, April 3. The patch provides a wide range of fixes to almost every aspect of gameplay and introduces the "rent a server" function to 360 players. Renting a server runs from $1.50 for one day to $65 for 90 days, and is accessible via the title's main menu.The full list of patch fixes can be found on the Battlefield blog; just be sure to get your scrolling fingers ready.
Battlefield 3 update today on PS3, 'soon' for Xbox and PC; server rental details
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.
BF3: Close Quarters devoid of Rush mode, introduces Conquest Domination
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.
Portal 2, Arkham City and BF3 clean up at 2012 BAFTA game awards
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts had its annual awards ceremony for excellence in gaming last night (or earlier today, depending on your proximity to England), with Portal 2 winning the BAFTA for Best Game. Also in contention for that prize were Batman: Arkham City, which ended up winning the BAFTA for Action, and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, which didn't win anything.Battlefield 3 took home top honors in Audio Achievement, Online Multiplayer, and the publicly voted-upon GAME Award of 2011, edging out its bitter rival Modern Warfare 3 in all three categories. Jump past the break for a full list of the evening's winners and nominees.
Battlefield 3's lack of DLC: DICE general manager explains
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-150552%
