DICE
Latest
EA calls off paid weapons in Bad Company
A few weeks ago Electronic Arts released news that the exclusive weapons found in the special edition (the Gold Edition as it's called) of Battlefield: Bad Company would be made available on the Xbox Live Marketplace for a fee. After sending the internet into an expected uproar over the decision that resulted in angry comments from X3F readers, an internet boycott campaign and an analysis of the situation on our own X3F TV, it seems EA has changed their mind. Earlier today in an interview with IGN, Senior Producer at DICE Karl-Magnus Troedsson spoke the words throngs of FPS fanboys have been waiting to hear. "No, there's no charge for any of the guns in the game. All of the guns in the game can be achieved without purchasing them." But the story doesn't end there. Jump in to find out what you'll need to do to claim your weapons from EA when Battlefield: Bad Company hits this summer.
Battlefield: Bad Company's DLC guns are 'free,' but there's a catch
The developers of Battlefield: Bad Company have heard the outcry regarding the premium weaponry, both from Sarcastic Gamer and other outlets. Speaking to IGN, DICE Senior Producer Karl-Magnus Troedsson said there would be no charge for the five guns. Here's how you can get the guns: Pay $10 for the Gold Edition of the game, have the guns on the disc Buy the Standard Edition, hit the max rank level of 25 In both cases, "You have to do the marketing programs that we're going to announce further ahead" (huh?) before you can get the guns. The last bullet point up there confuses us. What are the marketing programs? Troedsson told IGN there would be five marketing programs from EA that are free and will reportedly be "as easy as signing up for a newsletter." In other words, don't expect the Gold Edition guns on launch day, but know that you can be at rank level 4 and still get access to them at some point.[Via X3F]
'Boycott' of Battlefield: Bad Company spreads through internet
Many gamers have called e-mailed in about Sarcastic Gamer's "boycott" of the upcoming FPS game, Battlefield: Bad Company. Many are furious about the game's questionable DLC practices. Gamers will need to pay extra money to unlock five additional weapons, which can be used in online games. Although EA promises that it will not unbalance the game, it is a distressing misuse of DLC. We always thought that DLC extended the life of a product after it releases. For example, EA's own Rock Band serves terrific DLC long after the original's release. Unreal Tournament III adds tons of maps and does so at a terrific price: free. Heck, even Kane & Lynch is offering free post-release DLC. So, undoubtedly it's angering to a lot of gamers when they know that certain features are simply being locked out for gamers who don't want to pay an extra premium. Considering the game already costs $60 for the consumer, shouldn't they get everything the developers have made, instead of being forced to receive an intentionally-gimped product? You decide. [Via Joystiq]
Weapon purchases result in Bad Company boycott
We're a bit late on the call to arms, but the movement is still alive and in full force. Sarcastic Gamer has spear-headed a Battlefield: Bad Company boycott that has gathered a bunch of followers who are united in a retail boycott of EA and DICE's upcoming shooter. Why the need for a boycott? Well, it's those oh so controversial weapons that EA confirmed would have to be purchased separately off the XBLM when the game hits retail. If you agree with and refuse to purchase Bad Company unless EA gets rid of their weapon purchase business plan then join Sarcastic Gamer's boycott by signing their petition, plastering web banners across the internets and watching their resistance video on loop at twelve hour intervals. The call to arms has already started, are you signing up? [Thanks, Saccia]
Battlefield Heroes launching with two maps
Buried somewhere in Gamasutra's interview with EA DICE producer Ben Cousins is the acknowledgment that Battlefield Heroes will only have two maps when the free MMO shooter launches. Cousins states that the studio is used to making 50 maps for other Battlefield games and finding out months later that people are only playing on two of them -- so, they just cut to the chase for this free game.Considering this is an EA product, the automatic impulse is to call microtransaction shenanigans. The only problem is that Battlefield Heroes is designed to have a business model like an Asian MMO where players join free and pay for content later. Cousins previously stated that players will only be charged for accessorizing their avatar and not for weapons, which could break balance in the game (a concept not shared by other Battlefield titles). At this point, we don't even know if players will be charged for new Battlefield Heroes maps when they become available.Update: Cousins left a little note in our comments saying, "We have no plans to charge for maps."[Via EvilAvatar] Gallery: Battlefield Heroes
Video: Bad Company's hopping med kits
As quirky as it sounds, we believe to have just discovered our new comedic weak spot ... hopping med kits. That's correct, bunny hopping med kits of jumping extravagance. The Project Mod Gaming crew captured med kit hopping enjoyment this week while playing the newly released Battlefield: Bad Company beta. And as much as we want to say it isn't a glitch, we have to believe it is. Though, just think of how cool it would be to play the retail build of Bad Company and be able to spring a med kit mid-game, having it bounce around as if a coked up bunny were inside. If that were the case, we'd have no problem being a medic every game.
Major Nelson offers up 100 Bad Company beta codes
Having problems getting into the Battlefield: Bad Company beta? We mean legitimately of course. Well, Xbox Live's Major Nelson has you covered! For the next 10 days the Major will award 10 fresh beta codes per day, equaling the 100 codes he was able to snag for EA's Battlefield: Bad Company beta test.The controversial beta of the upcoming first-person shooter went live on March 25 and is set to run until April 25. For details on the giveaway, including how you can be entered to win, visit Major Nelson's blog.
Battlefield Bad Company beta leaked, playable? [Update]
Update: Some of our loyal commenters are telling us that a modified Xbox 360 console is not required for the Battlefield: Bad Company beta leak. However, considering the online nature of this "demo" we'd recommend you'd be wary of attempting this process -- lest the ban hammer be used to knock your console offline for good. Tipsters are telling us that the Battlefield: Bad Company beta has not only leaked to online download sites but that it may also be playable via a burnt DVD-R, much like the demo for Guitar Hero III. The ability to clone the download of the beta and release it to other consoles also reminds us of the Call of Duty 4 beta glitch which allowed gamers to use the account recovery feature to circumvent the barriers in place of people who hadn't been selected to participate in the closed test. This situation appears to be more serious as download sites are claiming users will have to modify their console in particular ways in order to run the download from a DVD-R. Of course we remind you that any modification of your Xbox 360 console will void your warranty and can lead to an outright ban of all Xbox online services, including playing games over Xbox Live. Don't do it. Stay in school. This is your brain on drugs. You get the idea. [Thanks, BadMon1906]
EA confirms Bad Company weapon purchases
It's true. Today, EA confirmed that Battlefield: Bad Company will feature micro-transactions surrounding a few of the game's weapons. Crap.Discovered via the Bad Company beta menus, a few of the game's weapons mentioned the fact that they could only be unlocked via an XBLM purchase. In an effort to clarify the rumors, EA confirmed with IGN that Bad Company will feature five unlockable weapons which will be a part of a promotional period prior to the game's launch and will eventually end up being free downloads after the retail launch. But the game will also sport five other weapons which will be exclusively included in Bad Company's Gold Edition or as a purchase off the XBLM for a "small individualized price". EA wanted to make it clear that the purchasable weapons do not give players any significant edge, rather they'll give players more variety. And that's supposed to make us okay with it? Pssht, micro-transactions suck.
Hurry! More Bad Company beta keys available [update]
Update: Wow. Never underestimate how quickly gamers can consume free beta keys. Once again, all the public keys have been exhausted with only Insider and Founder members keys left.Big news for those of you who missed out on the free Battlefield: Bad Company beta key codes that were released to the general public last Thursday. EA and DICE just replenished their stock and put up a new batch of public keys that are available on a first come first serve basis. And you'll be happy to know that they are available right now! W00t!If you recall, when they first became available, all of the Bad Company public beta keys were claimed within' a few hours time leaving many wannabe participants empty handed. So quickly, most fanboys didn't even know how to obtain one before it was too late. So, this time we advise pointing your browser to IGN's FilePlanet, answering a few questions, signing up and grabbing your free beta key before they disappear. Remember, EA will be flipping the switch within' twenty-four hours time when the Bad Company beta officially kicks off tomorrow the 25th.
Bad Company to include a 'take screenshot' feature
After obtaining a Battlefield: Bad Company beta code through some questionable means, we proceeded to redeem our code and download the beta off the Marketplace. After firing it up and realizing the servers aren't yet live, we decided to troll through the game's menus to learn a little more about what we were in for all while listening to the calming piano music being played. Then, almost as if were were slapped in the face with a trout, we spotted the chart you see above. It's a default controller chart that confirms that Bad Company will include a Halo 3'esque "take screenshot" feature in multiplayer with the simple press of up on the d-pad. We're not sure how easy it'll be to take a screenshot while in the heat of battle or if there will be any other screenshot taking options, but at least we know there will be one. Gimped or not, adding the ability to take screenshots in any game is a big plus in our book. Now about paying for weapons ...
EA charging for weapons in Bad Company Beta
Well with the rise of the microtransaction age we were bound to see some exploitation, and it seems that the horse armor syndrome is rising again, this time over at EA. We've heard about it via several sources already, including a reader, and it appears that the Battlefield: Bad Company Beta lists individual weapons for sale via the XBLM. A total of ten weapons are locked that have text reading "Available for purchase on Xbox Live Marketplace" next to them. The details of this are a bit shaky as of now however, as of those ten weapons, five weapons are listed as simply available for purchase, and five are listed as available in gold edition or for purchase. The gold edition likely refers to the game's collector's edition which sports a faux gold finish and which will apparently have extra content. Now, whether or not collector's editions having in-game items is a good idea isn't the issue, the issue is the microtransactions in regard to in game items. It isn't really an issue with single player games, as the content purchases of other players cannot effect your experience. But in the case of a multiplayer shooter having more weapons available to those with larger pocket-books just doesn't feel right. With EA experimenting with microtransactions in their new Battlefield Heroes PC game, it would seem only logical that they would continue the experiment in the console realm. But with the PC version's microtransactions based around things other than in-game items that effect balance (EXP, Skins, etc) we're hoping the console side of the experiment fails, and the PC one is widely adopted. [Thanks vince]
Bad Company beta preview, details and sign up [update]
Update: Hopefully you got in, because all of the public beta codes have been exhausted. Though, you can still grab one if you're a part of IGN's Insider or Founder's club. But a few hours ago, the Battlefield: Bad Company beta was officially revealed and specifics were a bit light. But now IGN just posted more information regarding the beta including multiplayer details and official links for you to grab your beta code today. First off, we're sure you want to know how you can confirm your beta seat right now, so let's talk about that. To grab a beta download key, head over to File Planet, answer a few screener questions and login / create an IGN account. Once that's complete, you'll be redirected to a confirmation page where, if they're still available, you'll be treated to an Xbox Live redemption code to gain access into the beta which kicks off on March 25th. Easy as pie! Next up, Bad Company beta multiplayer specifics. IGN posted a introductory video (embedded above) showing off the new Gold Rush gametype, how it's played and the strategies involved. If you're hungry for more deets, IGN also posted weapon, vehicle and gadget information so you'll be prepared for battle come Monday. Make the jump, get your read on and be sure to sign up for the beta key ASAP. We're not sure how long those keys will last. [Thanks, Chris]
Battlefield: Bad Company beta to start next week
We (much like yourself, we'd imagine) heard word of a Battlefield: Bad Company beta in the works. But we held off on passing it along until some of the details could be hammered out. Basically, you're either going to need to be a member of IGN's Founders Club or Insider service or pre-order the game at your local Gamestop. Oh, and you're going to need to be playing on the 360, as the offer isn't extended to PS3 players.If you're in the first group, your life is pretty easy. Just hit up this link and you're in, provided you meet the requirements. If you're going through Gamestop, you'll want to act fast: Only the first 5,000 to preorder are going to be in on the month of action, which will include one mode ("Gold Rush") and two maps. There's more info about the Gamestop keys here. No matter which way you get in, the beta starts March 25 and continues until April 25. So what's the word? Will you be taking advantage of the beta?
Battlefield: Bad Company beta announced (again)
Even though we already received information about its existence last week, this time it's official with both EA and DICE announcing that a Battlefield: Bad Company multiplayer beta will be kicking off next Tuesday, March 25th on Xbox Live. Beta access is open to North American and UK residents with access keys being handed out via IGN's Founder's Club, Club IGN, File Planet and other IGN owned websites including TeamXbox. Also, North Americans can obtain a Bad Company beta code by being one of the first 5,000 to head to GameStop and plop down a Bad Company pre-order. As far as multiplayer specifics go, the Bad Company beta will feature two multiplayer maps (Ascension and Oasis) and the multiplayer mode "Gold Rush". And just like betas before it, DICE will use all the data they mine from their Bad Company beta to further tweak and improve upon the game before its release. Remember, the multiplayer fun kicks off on March 25th and will run through April 25th with access being made available through various IGN websites as well as Gamestop pre-orders. Now go, run forth and obtain a beta code soldier!
DICE announces Battlefield: Bad Company beta to prepare for June release [update]
Update: We've been informed that details surrounding the Battlefield: Bad Company beta have yet to be hammered out, but that the beta is still on track. As soon as we hear specifics regarding the beta we'll be sure to pass along the news. In other words ... stay tuned. In a move that comes from far, far left field, EA and DICE just announced that they'll be holding an open (yet limited) Battlefield: Bad Company multiplayer beta starting next Monday, March 17th. Access into the beta is open to North American and UK residents and keys can be obtained through IGN and its sister sites including TeamXbox. What we are sure of is that U.S. residents will have a second way to gain beta access by heading to GameStop and plopping down a Bad Company pre-order to obtain one of the 5,000 beta keys being offered. As far as multiplayer specifics go, the Bad Company beta will feature two multiplayer maps and the multiplayer mode "Gold Rush". And just like betas previous, DICE will use all the data they mine from their Bad Company beta to further tweak and improve upon the game before its release. Speaking of a release date, DICE confirmed that Battlefield: Bad Company will in fact make a June 2008 release ... pending any more setbacks.
Mirror's Edge Interview & Concept Art
MTV'S Multiplayer blog recently had the opportunity to ask Owen O'Brien, Senior Producer on Mirror's Edge, a few questions regarding the game development and ideas. The interview offers a good view on the philosophy of the game's development and includes some interesting items, such as the origin of the name, the all-to-real possibility of "simulation sickness" as well as the art direction, including the apparent absence of the color green from all released images. Now, in the interview O'Brien's response to that last bit is particularly telling, as he doesn't confirm that the game has no green ....And as the released concept art seems to suggest, the color green is limited only to certain areas, confirming the very specific art direction mentioned in the interview. There are five newly posted pieces of concept art, and three new screenshots. Look upon them and marvel (but don't forget to read the interview.)%Gallery-17292%[Read, MTV Multiplayer][Read, ene3]
Mirror's Edge Screenshots, Impressions
Described as an action-adventure in first-person, Mirror's Edge is the latest game from the developers of the acclaimed Battlefield series that has seen much success on the PC. The devs seem to be moving in a new direction with this latest project, as the focus of the game isn't on the shooting, but rather on the movement, a la Assassin's Creed with . The folks over at 1up got a preview with the game, and it appears well on the way to something different (and hopefully) special. The game's plot is a fairly typical futuristic affair and is in place mainly to have a good reason for the gameplay. The gameplay itself does sound good though, as it's meshes freerunning/parkour with melee style attacks and limited shooting. For now the control scheme is simple, but contextual, the sticks are typical FPS fair, but two of the face buttons control "up" and "down" motions to climb/duck or jump/slide. There is talk of a limited amount of slow-time powers, as well as wall-running, but they were in their early phases. All in all, this looks like a title to watch, and it's well worth reading the 1up impressions and checking out the gallery. %Gallery-17292%[Via 1up]
GDC also ponders invite-only model
At the close of the 2008 Game Developers Conference (GDC) this year we heard rumblings that change was in store for the industry event. After achieving a record setting 18,000 attendees, about 1,000 of which were press, event coordinators are contemplating an invite only stance to the media.Speaking with Kotaku, GDC event director Jamil Moledina expressed his fear for the industry learning event, "I am concerned that if we don't focus on what makes GDC work we will face some complications down the road." To alleviate those fears, GDC is considering changes to who will be allowed to cover the 2009 event from the show floor.While other industry professionals lineup to question the validity of press presence, we're reminded of the invite changes made to the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) and Design, Innovate, Communicate, Entertain (DICE) to streamline the event coverage.
Bad Company screens show off campaign and multiplayer mayhem
We didn't think we'd ever utter the words again, since the perfection that was Battlefield 2 PC, but we're giddy for the newest Battlefield title hitting shelves later this year. Sure, Battlefield: Bad Company might be using a known franchise title to gain notoriety, considering the direction the game is going in, but jaw-dropping videos of the game's destructible environments keep us hopeful. What we hope is that Battlefield: Bad Company plays as well as it looks and doesn't turn into a one-trick pony. Looking for more to whet your appetite? EA DICE released these eight new screens from the single-player campaign and multiplayer mode over the weekend for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy! %Gallery-17355%
