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The first look at 'Star Wars Battlefront,' a familiar multiplayer feast
With a new film on the horizon, there's a wave of excitement attached to the Star Wars franchise that hasn't been felt since the months leading up to the release of Episode I. Part of Disney's new plan for the $4 billion series includes a slate of new video game experiences over the course of a 10-year partnership with Electronic Arts.
Explore Hoth, Endor's moon in this Star Wars: Battlefront E3 trailer
Love for Star Wars towers over affection for the specific Battlefront series, but mucking up either almost certainly leads to a death more painful than Jabba the Hut's. This trailer shows the Star Wars: Battlefront team doing their best to carry both legacies in the upcoming team-based shooter.
50 EA games going offline due to GameSpy shutdown
EA's efforts to transition its GameSpy-based games have been in vain, after the publisher revealed 50 of its titles are going offline once the matchmaking service shuts down. Not only is it a big list of games, but it includes casualties like Battlefield 2142 for PC and Mac, and Star Wars: Battlefront on PC and PS2. Other games on the list include Battlefield 2 (PC), Command and Conquer 3 (PC and Mac), C&C Generals (PC and Mac), Red Alert 3 (PC and Mac), Crysis (PC), Crysis: Wars (PC), Crysis 2 (PC), Medal of Honor: Allied Assault (PC and Mac), Neverwinter Nights (PC, Mac and Linux) Neverwinter Nights 2 (PC and Mac), and Star Wars Battlefront 2 (PC and PS2). EA's service site has the full list of affected games, all of which lose their online services on June 30. "Unfortunately, due to technical challenges and concerns about the player experience, we do not have a solution at this time," EA said on its service page. The company noted some of the games retain sizable audiences, and it's "investigating community-supported options" in a bid to retain online functionality. However: "Significant technical hurdles remain, and at this time we don't have anything to announce." If EA doesn't come through, users may turn to services like GameRanger, which provides server support for some of the games in question. However, for many games it'll likely be so long and thanks for all the online fun soon after GameSpy's services go dark on May 31. [Image: EA]
EA working on new IPs to avoid 'life support' scenario
EA is working on an indeterminate number of new intellectual properties, EA Games executive VP Patrick Söderlund told MVCUK. "We have six to eight completely new IPs in the works," Söderlund said. "The day we stop making new IP is when we go onto life support." EA's definition of a "new IP," however, may be a bit more liberal than what that term implies at first blush. "We are working on a new Mirror's Edge game, and although that's not a new IP, it is a revival done in a new way," Söderlund said. "We are developing Star Wars: Battlefront, which to us is a new IP, even though it isn't technically." So by "new," EA doesn't necessarily mean new new, but rather new-ish, or new enough, perhaps. In any case, it does make us wonder what that other handful of fresh IPs are all about. The sky is practically the limit! In fact, there are so many incalculable variables to consider when predicting that sort of thing that we're just going to stop thinking about it. Ah, that's better.
DICE's Star Wars: Battlefront 'most likely' in summer 2015
EA expects to "most likely" release its new Star Wars: Battlefront game alongside Star Wars 7 coming to cinemas, scheduled for mid-2015. Speaking in an investors conference call, EA Chief Financial Officer Blake Jorgensen said the game "will most likely come out around the same time the Star Wars movies start to come out, probably in the summer of '15." Given how EA's multi-year deal with Disney on Star Wars games was only signed in May, it's no surprise the new Battlefront is not coming next year, but mid-2015 doesn't seem too far, far away. Details on the DICE-developed entry in the multiplayer shooter series are also unsurprisingly sparse, but the Battlefield studio has been profuse in sharing its excitement to take on the franchise. EA Games VP Patrick Söderlund said DICE "begged" to make the game, and EA, knowing the force was strong with DICE, obliged.
EA's Söderlund discusses Star Wars: Battlefront, Mirror's Edge reboot
EA Games Label vice president Patrick Söderlund revealed new details and insight regarding DICE's upcoming Star Wars: Battlefront and Mirror's Edge games in a recent interview with CVG. Describing DICE and Star Wars: Battlefront as "a match made in heaven," Söderlund explains that the next Battlefront game was approved at DICE's insistence. "It was almost not happening," Söderlund recalls. "It was just something as boring as resources and availability. The DICE guys Karl Magnus Troedsson and Patrick Bach were talking and I told them we were in dialogues with Disney over this deal and they just looked at me and said, 'Why haven't you spoken to us? What are you doing? We want to make Battlefront.'" "I didn't anticipate them wanting to work on a license – they've always been new IP or their own IP," Söderlund continued. "But they were just like, 'we would kill to make this game' and the whole studio started talking about it like, 'please give us this game'. That's when I called Frank [Gibeau, EA Labels boss] and I realised we had something here. [...] They begged to do it, the opportunity was there and that's exactly why you'll see a game that will be what it needs to be."
New GameSpy owners Glu Mobile shut down multiplayer servers without notice
Players of quite a few old PC games, including Neverwinter Nights, Microsoft Flight Simulator X, SWAT 4, Hidden and Dangerous 2, and Star Wars: Battlefront, are reporting that the GameSpy-powered multiplayer servers behind those titles and more have been shut off without notice. The GameSpy service was sold to publisher Glu Mobile from IGN a little while ago, so it's that company that's apparently responsible for shutting down these servers.Another one of the games affected was Sniper Elite, and developer Rebellion says its hands are tied: Glu wants to charge a lot of money to turn the servers back on, and Rebellion doesn't have the resources to transfer the multiplayer on this old title to another service. Rebellion points out that fans of the game did get seven years of service for free. And while GameSpy's matchmaking is down, players of some of these games can still connect up online manually by IP.Angry players have taken to GameSpy's old Facebook page to register their wrath, but there's no official response just yet.
Rumor: Star Wars Battlefront: Online in the works
The development of Star Wars Battlefront III has been rocky, to say the least. Work began at Free Radical before Crytek snapped up the company, then the game was rumored to be in Rebellion's care before it eventually dropped from the face of the earth. Meanwhile Pandemic, the recently shuttered studio behind the first two games, apparently had nothing to do with the title at all. The latest rumor, courtesy of Kotaku, puts development of a brand new Battlefront project, entitled Star Wars Battlefront: Online, in the hands of Slant Six Games and LucasArts. Slant Six is the studio behind several games in the SOCOM tactical-shooter series, making it a reasonable candidate for a Battlefront developer. The game will reportedly arrive in 2011 on PS3 and Xbox 360. It will focus on online play and, presumably, Star Wars. According to Kotaku, Star Wars Battlefront: Online is also the source of the Star Wars Battlefront III casting rumors that popped up last December.
LucasArts shows off Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron
With features like "16 player online multiplayer" and "simultaneous space and ground combat," Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron sounds like it should be on one of the current-gen consoles. But no, LucasArts is adamant about keeping the franchise on the handhelds, even going so far as to creating a DS version. We know what to expect from the PSP version, considering it's simply an upgraded version of the previous PSP-exclusive Battlefront. But what about the DS version? This video reveals some gameplay footage, and it looks drastically different from other incarnations of the franchise.The camera has been changed to a more top-down view, providing a much more fast-paced and arcade-like experience. The game is limited to just four players on the DS version, but a LucasArts producer insists that "the soul of Battlefront has been brought to Nintendo DS in a brand new way." We're wondering if, after watching the footage above, you agree.%Gallery-64185%%Gallery-64186%
Surprise: LucasArts announces Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron for DS/PSP
The ESRB may have totally
Star Wars Battlefront 3 renders revealed by former Free Radical artist
3D artist Richard Smith – one of 140 employees of Time Splitters (and ... Haze) developer, Free Radical, laid off as the company went belly-up-for-sale – posted images from some of his modeling work on Star Wars Battlefront III on his personal blog. Or, shall we say, what could have been Star Wars Battlefront III.The renders have since been pulled; lucky thing the internet is faster than the Millennium Falcon making the Kessel Run. Apparently, Smith was working on concepts for Han Solo (above) and a bounty hunter named Shara. Two of the images carry a game logo and are dated 2007, indicating that Battlefront III had been in development for some time prior to Free Radical's demise. Development on the game is now rumored to continue at UK-based Rebellion, which just so happens to have created Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron for PSP. [Via X3F]Source – Richard Smith (blog)Source – Rebellion Battlefront III reports aren't wrong (Videogamer.com)
'Significant interest' shown in purchasing Free Radical
Though we heard a number of reports on Thursday stating otherwise, it seems that TimeSplitters and Haze developer Free Radical has yet to shuffle off this mortal coil. Things are apparently not as grim as the initial reports suggested -- well, okay, they were recently refused entry into their office, and have officially gone into "administration", which many would consider quite grim indeed. However, if the most recent report on the matter is to be believed, all hope is not lost for the once-Rad developer.According to an employee at ReSolve, the administrator for Free Radical, there's already been a great deal of interest shown from publishers who want to purchase the developer, acquiring their assets and (remaining) employees. This interest largely stems from two undisclosed projects the developer had under their wing during their collapse, which many believe to be new entries into the Timesplitters and Star Wars Battlefront franchises. The rumored involvement of Battlefront is enough for us to hold out hope for an old-fashioned Christmas miracle.
Star Wars Battlefront III appears on Amazon
And, naturally, it was taken down. Thankfully, the internet is always there to catch the truth. However briefly, a listing for Star Wars Battlefront III was up on Amazon announcing that the game was coming to every platform under the sun including our beloved Xbox 360. Amazon was offering the game for pre-order with a release date of March 15, 2009. Something tells us that date is probably a placeholder.With Battlefront series creators Pandemic currently hard at work on Lord of the Rings: Conquest for their new bosses at EA, the question remains as to who will develop the third installment of the series. Joystiq surmises that it will be UK studio Rebellion, which was responsible for Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron for the PSP. Assuming the 2009 release date is even close to accurate, it looks like we'll have quite a while to find out.[Via Joystq]
Star Wars Battlefront III could be heading to PSP
LucasArts has always been good about supporting Sony's handheld. In fact, they even graced the PSP with an exclusive Battlefront game, Renegade Squadron. In spite of the handheld's diminutive capabilities, the wizards at LucasArts managed to get 16-player infrastructure gameplay onto the system. The upcoming Force Unleashed reaffirms the commitment Lucas has towards the PSP.A new listing on amazon.com shows Star Wars Battlefront III arriving on PSP, in addition to every other platform out there. With the last PSP Battlefront game being such a success, we can only hope that this listing turns out to be real. Guess we'll have to wait until E3.[Via Joystiq]
Star Wars Battlefront III surfaces on Amazon
Not too long from now, at a Media and Business Summit not all that far away, LucasArts may be announcing a new game in the Star Wars Battlefront series. Online shopping megalith Amazon.com has added listings for Star Wars Battlefront III ... for no less than six platforms. The game is available for pre-order and has what we can only imagine is a tentative March 15, 2009 release date.A new game in the series is hardly surprising; after all, Battlefront is the best selling Star Wars video game franchise of all time. Reports of it being in development also popped up following LucasArts' recent layoffs, though the company would not comment on it or any other unannounced titles at the time. Amazon has Battlefront III slated for availability on PS3, 360, Wii, PS2, PSP, and DS. If this holds true, it would certainly debunk an old rumor that the game might only hit Xbox 360. Now there's the matter of a developer. With Pandemic – the studio responsible for the first two games – now owned by EA, and internal development slowing down at LucasArts, a new hope must arise. Our best guess at the moment is the rebel forces at Rebellion, the UK-based studio responsible for the generally well received Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron on PSP.[Via GoNintendo]
Lord of the Rings: Conquest debut trailer depicts battles, oliphant violence
Pandemic just released the first trailer for their Star Wars: Battlefront-esque take on Tolkien's beloved fantasy world, Lord of the Rings: Conquest, and despite a few framerate issues, we're as pleased as Miruvor-flavored punch. Though past titles have tried to capture the grand scale of Middle Earth's climactic battles through various methods of interactivity, we've never really felt the exhilaration associated with cutting through swathes of Orcborn adversaries with our trusty Andúril. The familiar Battlefront gameplay formula looks to be just what the doctor ordered -- though PETA might have a few unkind words to say about the Proboscidean homocide apparently featured in the title.
PSP Fanboy review: Star Wars Battlefront Renegade Squadron
We're providing a shortened review for Renegade Squadron because ... well, you've read most of our impressions. In fact, you've read impressions from Andrew, Colin, Nick and Jem. Here's a final thought on the game with the now-requisite PSP Fanboy score.Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron is an impressive technical accomplishment for the PSP. It's certainly has its flaws, but bringing massive online battles such as these exclusively to the handheld certainly deserves some applause. Without a doubt, Renegade Squadron is the Warhawk or Halo of the PSP: the definitive online game for our system.The included single player mode is brief, easy, but nonetheless well executed. When viewed as a primer for the game's primary mode, the online multiplayer, the single player campaign more than delivers. Instead of being destroyed by the competitive online field, this gives a chance for players to learn the nuances of the control, giving each player a fair chance of mastering the game before heading online. The Conquest Mode was a stand-up hit for many on the PSP Fanboy team -- and for good reason. The addition of "Instant Action" against bots is also a huge plus -- something that's missing in many modern console shooters.
Joyswag: Win a brand-new Darth Vader PSP-2000 (Day 2)
Click for high-resolution image. Day 1 is over (we're busy picking our first winner) and Day 2 of our Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron PSP-2000 bundle is ready to kick off. Along with our friends at PSP Fanboy and PS3 Fanboy, we're giving away the second of five brand-new limited-edition Darth Vader PSP-2000 systems this week. These Ceramic White systems feature Darth Vader's menacing profile on the back, and are a must-have for the dedicated Star Wars nerdcore. Not only that, the package includes the brand new PSP-exclusive Star Wars Battlefront game.So, how do you enter? First, find out what the PSP Fanboy team thinks about Star Wars Battlefront (Andrew, Jem, Nick, and Colin) and then leave a comment answering one. simple. question ... did Greedo shoot first? Be sure to leave a comment on the corresponding giveaway posts at PSP Fanboy and PS3 Fanboy, for a total of three entries today. We'll select one comment from all three sites at random tomorrow morning before we give away another PSP-2000. Of course, there are rules. You must be a US resident, 18 years or older. Limit 1 entry per person per site ... or else (that means three entries spread out, no more)! This entry period ends at 11:59am ET tomorrow, so get your entries in before then. For complete rules you can shared with your loved ones, click here. And much thanks to the fine people at LucasArts for the great prizes.
Joyswag: Win a brand-new Darth Vader PSP-2000 (Day 1)
Click for high-resolution image. Don't be afraid to admit it: you want the new PSP-2000. With its slimmer figure, lighter weight, TV-Out functionality, and faster load times, it's a remarkable improvement over the PSP Phat. But, haven't been able to snatch a system for yourself? Don't worry -- we got you covered. Along with our friends at PSP Fanboy and PS3 Fanboy, we're giving away one of five brand-new limited-edition Darth Vader PSP-2000 systems each day this week. These Ceramic White systems feature Darth Vader's menacing profile on the back, and are a must-have for the dedicated Star Wars nerdcore. Not only that, the package includes the brand new PSP-exclusive Star Wars Battlefront game.So, how do you enter? First, find out what the PSP Fanboy team thinks about Star Wars Battlefront (Andrew, Jem, Nick, and Colin) and then write down one thing you learned from their previews and leave it in our comments section, as well as on the corresponding giveaway posts at PSP Fanboy and PS3 Fanboy. We'll select one comment from all three sites at random tomorrow morning before we giveaway another PSP-2000 Of course, there are rules. You must be a US resident, 18 years or older. Limit 1 entry per person per site ... or else (that means three entries spread out, no more)! This entry period ends at 11:59am ET tomorrow, so get your entries in before then. For complete rules you can shared with your loved ones, click here. And much thanks to the fine people at LucasArts for the great prizes.
Star Wars Battlefront launch party in SF next week
If you're in the San Francisco metro area, you may want to head to the Sony Metreon for the Star Wars Battlefront launch party. The festivities start next Tuesday at 6PM. LucasArts is promising tons of prizes, such as the Han Solo carbonite case -- free for the first 200 people that purchase the new PSP bundle. If you come in costume, you'll get a chance at winning a Darth Vader lightsaber replica. Of course, with tons of people expected to show up, there'll undoubtedly be tons of opportunities for some local wi-fi multiplayer as well.For the complete details, check out the game's IGN blog.
