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Splash Damage plants a Dirty Bomb exclusively on Steam
Publisher Nexon has announced an agreement with Valve Software to release team-based free-to-play shooter Dirty Bomb (formerly known as Extraction) exclusively through the Steam digital distribution platform. The addition of yet another free-to-play shooter to Steam wouldn't normally be news, but Dirty Bomb is being developed by Splash Damage, a UK studio that got its start developing mods for games like Quake 3, but earned real accolades with the launch of Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory. That too was a team-based shooter (and one of the first of its kind offered to players at no charge), and despite being over a decade old, still commands a loyal following of players to this day. Before you click through to Steam to try Dirty Bomb for yourself, keep in mind that the game is currently only available as a closed beta test. It won't officially launch until "summer 2015." If you'd like to join the test, you'll need to register your pertinent information at the game's website. [Image: Nexon]
Splash Damage's Extraction reverts title to Dirty Bomb
Naming things you love is hard. We face a fresh dose of indecisiveness at the sight of every in-game character naming screen, and there are plenty of deleted, re-entered and deleted-again ideas that eventually get scrapped in favor of the default suggestion. Brink developer Splash Damage must be dealing with a similar style of indecision, because this week it switched the name of its shooter, Extraction, back to Dirty Bomb, the title it was originally revealed under. The related press release explains that switching the name back to Dirty Bomb was done to "better fit the game's unique personality." That's sort of fair if you consider that its firefights take place in a post-disaster London, rife with Private Military Companies fighting over the radioactive area's abandoned goods. Dirty Bomb is currently in closed beta on PC, but you can apply to get in on that if your interest is piqued. A release window for the public version has yet to be offered, but when Dirty Bomb does invite everyone to battle over territory and riches, it will offer dedicated servers in North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. [Image: Splash Damage]
Report: Multiplayer-less Batman: Arkham Origins to cost $50 on Wii U
The Wii U version of Batman: Arkham Origins will be missing $10 from its price tag in addition to the absent multiplayer content planned for the 360, PS3 and PC versions of the game, Kotaku reports. Amazon's listing for the Wii U version is currently priced at $49.96. Publisher Warner Bros. explained in July that the decision to skip multiplayer for the Wii U version was made to focus "on platforms with the largest MP audience." Arkham Origins' multiplayer mode is being handled by Brink developer Splash Damage and will consist of a three-team fight for territory between the Joker's henchmen, Bane's thugs and Batman and Robin. The Joker and Bane gangs will be a three-piece effort, although a henchman can be swapped for a super villain if a player earns their way into Joker or Bane's shoes. Batman & Robin, however, will fight on as a gadget-wielding duo of justice.
Extraction, formerly Dirty Bomb, starts closed beta in October
Splash Damage's Extraction, which you may know better as Dirty Bomb, is set to launch a closed beta on October 1, publisher Nexon America has announced. All interested parties looking to get in on the free-to-play PC shooter's closed sampler session can sign up over on the official site right now. Extraction was first announced as Dirty Bomb, an Unreal Engine-based competitive shooter set in a London shaken by attack. Extraction has been in development since 2010 at Splash Damage, best known for creating Brink and Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory.
No multiplayer for Wii U's Batman: Arkham Origins
Batman: Arkham Origins won't have a multiplayer component on Wii U, a Warner Bros. spokesperson has confirmed to Eurogamer. The decision reflects a desire to focus "on platforms with the largest MP audience." The competitive multiplayer mode, revealed today, features a three-way stand-off between Joker's thugs, Bane's boys, and Batman and Robin. The asymmetrical battle (more details here) is developed by Brink creator Splash Damage. Batman: Arkham Origins launches on Wii U, Xbox 360, PS3 and PC on October 25. A spin-off game for PS Vita and 3DS, called Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate, is currently in development at Armature Studio.
Be or beat Batman in Arkham Origins multiplayer mode
Despite holding a career-defining grudge against them, Batman has just gained a few bullets for the back of his game's box. Batman: Arkham Origins will ship with a competitive online multiplayer mode developed by Splash Damage, the studio behind Enemy Territory: Quake Wars and Brink. [Update: The multiplayer mode will not be coming to the Wii U.] As entertaining as it would be to see 20 grimace-wielding Batmen swooping around, kicking each other and becoming hopelessly entangled in a flurry of overlong capes, Splash Damage has delivered a more structured and elaborate affair in Arkham Origins with a mode called "Invisible Predator Online." It's an asymmetrical turf war between eight players divided into three groups: three ruffians in Joker's gang, which shoot at three members of Bane's gang, while Batman and Robin stalk and incapacitate criminals on either side. Yes, this means you can kill the bat and watch him respawn moments later, but at least the game is true to the comics in how they treat death.
Dirty Bomb closed alpha under way today, sign-ups still open
Splash Damage's closed alpha for Dirty Bomb, the developer's first self-funded and self-published PC game, kicked off today. The company will begin sending invites out to its "founder's club" today and anybody interested in participating can head on over to dirtybombgame.com to sign up.In a trailer (above) released today for Dirty Bomb, the company also covers its Echo tech. The short version is Echo visually presents game stats to make game balance more efficient. Oh yeah, the video also shows off a bunch of gameplay.
Dirty Bomb debut gameplay video sees London Bridge fall down
Brink developer Splash Damage has released the first gameplay footage of upcoming free-to-play online multiplayer shooter Dirty Bomb. The video depicts a very authentic-looking London Bridge, except for all the large scale warfare which isn't typical.
Brink dev reveals new PC multiplayer shooter Dirty Bomb
Brink and Enemy Territory: Quake Wars developer Splash Damage announced Dirty Bomb this morning, a new PC multiplayer shooter from the broadened developer. The teaser video showcases what looks like modern day London, except torn up by lots of people shooting and exploding the hell out of each other. The vid also reveals Dirty Bomb uses a version of Unreal Engine.The only other Dirty Bomb info comes via Splash Damage's publishing partner Warchest, whom players will likely need to register with to play the game given the "reserve player name" link on the teaser website.The London-based developer will be hoping its newest major project is better received than its last one, although the underwhelming critical reception Brink endured wasn't matched by its last estimated sales figure of 2.5 million. The studio has since undergone a re-organization, including the launch of new publishing arm Warchest.
RAD Soldiers have a recipe for destruction in latest trailer
Originally supposed to launch back in June, Splash Damage's turn-based/asynchronous iOS strategy game, RAD Soldiers, should be launched "soon." This latest trailer, however, is available right this second to show you how combining London, a bomb and some Russians can result in handheld funtimes.
Splash Damage: Brink sales estimated at 2.5 million
Despite a rocky launch and underwhelming critical reception, Brink went on to do "all right" on the PC thanks to multitudes of patches, free DLC and a sprinkle of magical sales dust from the Steam Discount Fairy.As it turns out, all right actually means pretty damn good: "It's estimated to have sold more than 2.5 million units worldwide, which at retail would mean that it's generated around $120-140 million in revenue," said Splash Damage CEO Paul Wedgwood during an interview with Gamasutra. Not too shabby for a game we gave two stars last year."But of course, as an independent video game developer, we don't earn that kind of revenue, as we're not the publisher of the title," Wedgwood said. Splash Damage plans on changing that by opening WarCrest, its own publishing house. WarCrest will handle Splash Damage's future products, while Fireteam (another Splash Damage-founded company) handles said games' associated online services.
RAD Soldiers from Splash Damage coming to iOS in June
Brink developer Splash Damage is starting a publishing arm and launching its first game, RAD Soldiers, this June for iOS. The turn-based strategy game can be played against AI or asynchronously against pals across the internet."You'll also earn coins while you play and use them to unlock brand new soldiers, customization options and equipment in the ever expanding in-game store," said Paul Wedgwood, CEO of WarChest, developer Splash Damage's new publishing arm.The title will launch for free, with "a constant stream of updates, including new maps, soldiers, weapons, and abilities is already in development."A representative for the developer also mentioned that Splash Damage hasn't completely switched over to mobile, with PC and console game plans still in the works.
Brink on Steam playable for free this weekend, on sale 50% off
If you've been debating about playing Brink, this deal could push you over the edge. Splash Damage's team-based FPS is free on Steam until Sunday at 1PM Pacific. The game is also 50 percent off, so if you have a good time, it'll only set you back $25. But wait, there's another option: Brink is also included in the Steam QuakeCon pack, a $495 value available for $70. It includes Brink, along with what appears to be every game available on Steam from publishers Bethesda Softworks and id Software. Give Brink a spin and see if it's right for you -- we weren't too keen. [Thanks, Ethan Lewis]
Brink's 'Agents of Change' DLC arrives on Aug. 3, still free for first two weeks
Bethesda and Splash Damage may have promised an "early July" launch window for its Brink downloadable content pack, "Agents of Change," but it won't actually be out until August 3. Despite its late arrival, the content will still be totally free for its first two weeks of availability -- but after that, it'll run $10 (800 MS Points). Arriving alongside the DLC is a massive list of updates to each version of the game, which we invite you to pore over at your convenience right here. Interested in taking a peek at the new digs you'll be parkouring around come August 3? Our gallery below has got you covered.%Gallery-129508%
Brink down to $20 on Amazon today, other Lightning Deals strike
Splash Damage's class-based shooter Brink has been marked down to a crisp $20 today on Amazon. There's also a handful of other offers on the Lightning Deals round-up, the hints for which are posted after the jump.
Brink stat page, update now live on PC
Stat tracking is now available for PC players in Brink. The mouse-and-keyboard set should head on over to the FAQ for the basics and then register in the game's stat section. The PC version of Brink also received an update today, with highlights listed after the break. No word yet on updates for the Xbox 360 or PS3 versions, nor a release date for the Agents of Change DLC.
Brink's 'Agents of Change' DLC expected in early July, will be free for first two weeks
Splash Damage has announced on its blog that Brink's "Agents of Change" DLC pack, which includes two maps, five new player abilities, two outfits and two weapon attachments, is expected to arrive in early July. In addition to the launch window, Splash Damage also revealed the DLC will be free for its first two weeks of availability -- be sure to check out our previous post highlighting what's on offer. Following the DLC is a new title update, which Splash Damage says will be "highlighted by online optimizations, AI enhancements, and weapon balance tweaks" based on player feedback. No other details were provided, though we did nab some screenshots of Agents of Change in action. %Gallery-127113%
Brink's first free DLC detailed, stats site going live tomorrow
After announcing earlier this month that a free content pack would arrive for Ark dwellers at some point in June, Bethesda has detailed the "Agents of Change" DLC that's coming to Brink in the near future. Two new maps, five new abilities, and a handful of weapon attachments and character outfits comprise the pack, which has yet to be given a solid release date. If that weren't enough to get you parkour-shooting once again, the game's statistics site will go live tomorrow for Xbox 360 and PS3 players, while the PC version will arrive "very soon." And hey, a title update went live late last week that supposedly helps with the crippling lag people have encountered when taking the game online, so there's that! Head past the break for the entire list of free stuff coming in the "Agents of Change" DLC.
Brink patch scheduled for next week, addresses lag
If you're still having trouble keeping a smooth connection to Brink's class-based skirmishes, you may have better luck after an update launches for all three of the game's platforms next week. Bethesda's blog outlines the changes included in each version, including a few graphical glitches in the PC version of the game, and a bizarre freezing issue reported only by German players. The blog post says Bethesda expects to launch all three patches sometime next week, so keep an eye out for the automatic update over the next few days. The post also has some helpful tips for avoiding lag until the patches go live. Let's see: "Sacrifice a small animal on your console of choice, as if said console were some kind of pagan altar." Whoa! That's ... no. Don't do that.
Brink getting free DLC in June; 360 matchmaking update now live
After launching Brink to mixed reviews, Splash Damage and Bethesda are refining the class-based multiplayer shooter with updates and add-ons. Writing on the Bethesda blog yesterday, a rep from the two companies revealed that the game's first downloadable add-on -- comprising additional maps and other "new content" -- will be available for free at an unspecified date in June. Additionally, a Brink configuration update has gone live on Xbox 360 (no download required). It will cap the number of human players when matchmaking in "Campaign" and "Freeplay" modes, allowing for a maximum of eight online players. Splash Damage believes this will lead to better connections between players and reduce instances of lag. By default, this will eliminate 8v8 matches, but "for players who haven't been [experiencing] lag, we'll still support 8v8 on all maps via a new 'Big Teams' configuration in Freeplay, and through custom settings in Private matches." Meanwhile, the PC version of Brink has gotten a full patch containing several fixes, many of which were already included on the day-one patch sent out to consoles. The matchmaking update will be available on PS3 as soon as Sony's online network is restored. [Thanks, Ryan]
