Armory Staff

DICE has always wanted to widen the available experiences to players of Battlefield. Never has the game modes on offer been so diverse than with Battlefield 4. If you’ve followed our live stream from gamescom, you know already that one of our all-new game modes is the explosive Obliteration, and we wanted to let you know more about this great addition to the game. Obliterate the opposition Obliteration is one of the most frantic and high-paced modes available in Battlefield 4. Two teams face off on medium-sized battlegrounds where one bomb spawns in a random central location. The mission: To pick up the bomb and arm it at one of the enemy’s three military installations and blow it up. When the bomb has detonated, a new bomb spawns in a random location, and the race is on again! The first team to destroy all three objectives wins. The single available bomb creates a strong focal point of action, with both teams risking it all to be able to bring the bomb to the enemy base. It’s a game mode all about staying on the offensive and all about being a mobile team player. The daily BF4 live streams from gamescom will be back with more Obliteration gameplay in the upcoming days. In the meantime, you can check out jackfrags’ video capture from his gamescom session playing Obliteration to get a taste of what’s in store. We also have a second all-new game mode in Battlefield 4 called Defuse – where players don’t have any respawns at all for an even tighter and quicker infantry-only game mode. More on Defuse later. So there you have it. From infantry-only tight mode Defused to frantic mobile warfare in Obliteration and the Battlefield classic Conquest on vast open maps. No matter your style of pay or preference, you will find the mode in Battlefield 4. Let us know what you think in the poll below! Battlefield 4 releases October 29 with seven game modes: Team Deathmatch, Squad Deathmatch, Rush, Domination, Conquest, Defuse, and Obliteration. All seven game modes will be playable across the 10 multiplayer maps launched with the game. You can pre-order Battlefield 4 to get the China Rising expansion pack at no additional cost. Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll. View the full article

Fans and press have given us great feedback for Battlefield 4 at gamescom this week, and we are happy to have received several awards already! Battlefield 4 has won six awards so far, including Most Wanted PC Game (Computec Games), Best Graphics, and Best FPS (World Game Navigator) – as well as several Editor’s Choice Awards. http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/awsards-bakgrund-640x320.jpg Battlefield 4 has won six awards at gamescom 2013 so far: Most Wanted PC | Computec Games Editor’s Choice PS3/PS4 Award | Play3 Editor’s Choice X360/Xbox One award | XBG 360 Games Editor’s Choice PC award | PC Games Best Graphics Gamescom 2013 | World Game Navigator Best FPS Gamescom 2013 | World Game Navigator Battlefield 4 also received an additional 16 nominations including Game of the Show (Gameswelt) and Best Action Game (Gamescom). http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Bach-pris-mindre-croppad-WEB.jpg Bam! Executive producer Patrick Bach with the Computec Games “Best PC” Award. http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/tre-awards.jpg A sampling of the awards we’ve posted on our booth wall here at gamescom 2013. We’re both happy, proud, and humbled that Battlefield 4 entertains as much as we’ve always hoped it would. Special thanks to all of our fans. We wouldn’t be here without you. See you on the Battlefield! Want to hit the Battlefield on day one? Pre-order Battlefield 4 to get the China Rising expansion pack at no additional cost. View the full article

It’s been a big day at gamescom 2013. Read on for a brief summary of the day’s events and tune in tomorrow for another exciting day of Battlefield 4. First, we’re happy to show off our new trailer. Levolution is a unique concept encompassing the idea that your actions should matter. Levolution means changing how an entire match is played in big and small ways. It means bringing down a skyscraper, flooding the streets, crashing a destroyer, and so much more. Pre-order Battlefield 4 New Game Mode Revealed – Obliteration Today players tried out the new game mode Obliteration on Paracel Storm. Watch this short clip to get a sense of how Obliteration works. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYIV5erokbw Pre-order Battlefield 4 New Live Stream Highlight You can catch the latest gameplay and interviews on the Live Stream every day from 14:15 – 16:15 CEST, and you can watch replays all day. Take a look at this Live Stream Highlight, recorded live from gamescom. Watch the Live Stream now You can also read an interview with Shoutcaster Corey Dunn, one of the voices behind the daily Battlefield 4 Live Stream. Read it here View the full article

In the third post in the “Road to Battlefield 4†blog series, we tackle Levolution, a natural extension of Battlefield and the freedom to play how you want to play. We’re taking unique multiplayer experiences, map evolution, and destruction to a new level. If you followed our E3 live stream, you saw us bring down the Siege of Shanghai skyscraper a dozen times in multiplayer. But Levolution is much bigger and broader than simply destroying something. It’s a wide-ranging concept, a collection of ideas and experiences that make Battlefield truly great. In this blog post, learn how Levolution changes the water from calm to raging storm, how visibility goes from clear skies to dark overcast, and how every move on the Battlefield creates ripple effects that make every match unique. Here to give you the latest details on Levolution in Battlefield 4 is Lead Multiplayer Designer Thomas Andersson. He’ll take you from its initial conception to how it unfolds in-game, and everything in between. Creating Levolution Ending up with the game-changing concept that is Levolution was a long and iterative design process for us. Going into Battlefield 4 two years or so ago, we first explored a concept that we internally dubbed “Timelineâ€. The thought back then was that a background timer would alter the multiplayer levels and take it into different stages automatically. Basically, map-changing events would trigger automatically no matter what the players did in the match. But we soon realized that players much prefer manual control to as great an extent as possible – so we steered down the path of maximizing player interaction with our dynamic content instead. The clearest feedback came from all of the players who tried to blow up the tower in Caspian Border that we talked about in the first blog post. The name was then changed to Levolution. This is a good opportunity for me to assume full responsibility for the name. Although people think it’s a marketing buzz word, it was created as an internal communication tool during development to – in a very simple way – explain the vision of changing the level as you played. It’s served us well. Unique Experiences MatterBringing Levolution to multiplayer has been key for us. Personally, I think it’s fantastic how our fans have spent more than one billion hours in Battlefield 3. We’re hoping to top that with Battlefield 4 multiplayer. We especially hope that you’ll find something to enjoy every time you play, whether it’s a small change or a large change you make to a map. If you’ve been playing Battlefield, you know we pride ourselves on the dynamic “Only in Battlefield†moments that happen in multiplayer games. With Levolution, we wanted to give players maps that are highly thematic and have impressive “wow†moments in and of themselves. People play these maps countless times over the years, and we want you to be able to enjoy them for a long time. If you’ve seen our multiplayer trailer or followed our E3 and gamescom livestreams, you’ve had a taste of what you can do with our dynamic content. There’s much more to discover. Changing the GameThe big events like the skyscraper in Siege of Shanghai are something we refer to as a set-piece. Characteristically, Levolution set-pieces bring those awe-inspiring single-player events into multiplayer. The design philosophy for the Levolution set-pieces is to not just be happy with the spectacle of it, but make it matter in terms of gameplay as well. There should be pros and cons with a skyscraper coming down so that you have to carefully weigh the consequences of your actions and how it will affect your team. We’ve also tried to make sure the drawbacks to such an event don’t always affect the same type of player (i.e. always affecting pilots, or infantry, etc.). The triggers for these big events can almost be treated like sub-objectives that some players will want to protect from attacks while others will want to divert some resources to make sure that it happens. Because we love destruction, that’s a very common trigger for the set-pieces – but, for example, you will also be fighting over starting and stopping a countdown to a warhead. http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/BF4_GC_Screen_02_WM_1920-640x360.jpg First I’d like to take a look at the Paracel Storm map shown at gamescom. Here we have the weather shift from clear skies and smooth sailing to something quite different. As the weather escalates into a raging storm, lightning strikes a wind turbine, weakening it and giving players the option of taking it down in order to free the immobilized destroyer. If you manage set the destroyer adrift, it will crash onto the island, changing the layout of the map. With a giant ship rammed up on the beach, line of sight is completely broken and you’ll never know what’s coming from the other side – unless your team takes control of the deck. From up there, the team has a dominating position over the area. As an added bonus, they also control the anti-air weapons on the ship and thus control the air space nearby. The changing weather in this map gives an entirely different feel to the match as it shifts, but it also introduces new gameplay possibilities on the open seas. As the storm rolls in, the map becomes darker and the violent weather creates big waves that are much more difficult to navigate. Suddenly you can have RHIB dogfights at sea where the outcome completely depends on your skill at surfing the waves and negotiating them for cover and speed. http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Battlefield-4-Paracel-Storm-4-WM.jpg-640x360.jpg Another map (which we won’t name just yet) allows you to change an entire urban level from land-based to water-based. At the start teams will have access to various land vehicles that fit an urban environment. But if someone successfully destroys a levee and lets the water pour out, the streets will flood and boats will spawn as reinforcements in place of the land vehicles. The flooded streets also shake things up for infantry. The raised water level offers some interesting options for positioning on the map, opening up some areas you couldn’t get to before and simultaneously closing off other paths. While the boats control the streets, infantry will have to take to the rooftops for protection. You can also dive underwater, as well as use one-handed gadgets and one-handed weapons while in the water. This kind of Levolution shows just how important your play-style is. For example, if your team dominates in infantry combat, you’ll want to defend the levee. However, if you’re an expert with the attack boat and deadly in the water, you’re going to give everything you have to take that levee down. To relate to what I said before, the levee turns into a sub-objective for your squad or team based on how you want the game to play out. It’s the Little ThingsHowever, Levolution isn’t just about bringing down towering skyscrapers, flooding the streets, or crashing a ship into an island. We think the little things matter too, even if they aren’t as flashy. For example, on the small side of the Levolution scale we have the bollards that could be seen on our E3 live stream from the show floor. These bollards can be used to deny vehicles entry into an area. On our daily play tests here at DICE, we’ve seen players act as gate keepers to let their own vehicles through but hindering enemy progress by raising the bollards again when opponent vehicles approach. In this case, it creates a dynamic zone of infantry combat where the combat means something concrete in gameplay terms – the victorious side will have power over which vehicles can enter the highly sought area of the map where armored support can mean the difference between holding the base and quickly losing it. Battlefield 4 also features little moments like metal detectors going off when a player passes through them, giving the opposing team a heads-up that danger is coming their way. Or moments like turning off the power for a building, plunging it into darkness. With skillful communication, a prepared player can use the darkness to their advantage, flipping on night vision goggles and taking out an unprepared opponent. These are just a few examples of the many ways Levolution can play out on a small scale. As an individual and as a team, you have the ability to change how a match is played at any given moment. We can’t wait until everyone can experience Levolution for themselves. Let us know what you think or what questions you have in the comments. -Thomas Andersson Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.Stay tuned to “The Road to Battlefield 4â€, where we’ll continue the journey towards launch by diving deeper and deeper into every nuance of the biggest Battlefield game ever developed at DICE. Next episode: Commander Mode is back, and we’ll take a look at both its history and its future. Until then, let us know what you think about this blog post, and what questions you want us to answer in the upcoming posts. Thanks for reading! View the full article

A decade of virtual battle commentary behind him, Corey Dunn is one of the most popular shoutcasters in existence. We grabbed hold of this Texas-born commentator at gamescom after one of his daily BF4 live stream events to discuss Battlefield 4 multiplayer, the art of shoutcasting, and how to keep track of 64 players immersed in all-out war. Welcome to Cologne, Corey! Last time we saw you was at the massive BF4 E3 live stream. What’s new in the live stream here at gamescom? - Good to be here. At gamescom, we’re going to look at the new game mode Obliteration, we’re going back to Conquest and from there we’ll dive down deep in all the changes that have happened, like Spectator Mode. The thing I’m personally looking forward to is to see the jets in action. I want to see some great dog fights! http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Corey-and-Lars-BF4.jpg Corey interviews DICE Creative Director Lars Gustavsson in the gamescom 2013 live stream. Can you explain shoutcasting for those who don’t know what it is? - It’s interesting where the term “shoutcaster” comes from. People keep wondering “why don’t they just call them broadcasters?” The term actually came from a Winamp plugin called Shoutcast in the early 2000′s. In the beginning, shoutcasters just used to do internet radio, and that’s how things kind of formulated. When did you realise you could earn a living being a shoutcaster? - I went to a competitive gaming event called CBO 2003; one of the first big events I experienced. When I got there I started hearing these announcers doing play-by-play and I thought “what the hell was that?” I searched and searched for the source of the voices, and finally found this small, 10 by 10 booth, where some older guys were doing live commentary for internet radio. I found out the name of the station and really thought the whole thing was awesome. Later I saw saw a commercial where someone was looking for shoutcasters, so I sent in an audio demo. Their answer was “well, you’ve got a voice to work with.” And yes, I really just had a voice at that time, but I’ve grown since then. So how did you improve from having “a voice to work with” to being a great shoutcaster? - When I started out, there was no video to go with the audio. Therefore, I had to paint a picture of what happened in the game for the listener and that allowed me to build my skill set. If you go back to some of my earlier demos, I was nowhere near where I am today. I had a squeakier voice, I didn’t know my cadence, my speed, or my pacing. Usually, in the beginning, some shoutcasters are really fast and don’t know when to stop. I’ve learned to pace myself, to tell a story and have a climax in it. http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/BF4_GC_Screen_02_WM_small.jpg Welcome to Paracel Storm, the water-based map that’s playable in both Conquest and Obliteration mode at gamescom. What separates your line of work from that of a regular sports commentator? - Speed is one of the interesting things here. I’ve done college sports for basketball and soccer, but video games are faster. It’s all about pacing. Games allow you to be intense, to be this voice-over or movie announcer, to build up the hype for the audience. It’s about over-analyzing the situation so the viewers at home really can understand the intricacies of what’s going on. How does a huge live venue like gamescom affect the overall experience? - The great thing about something like this is the actual vibe around you. People often ask me “does a shoutcaster really have to be at an event?” I truly believe so. It’s about being there with the players and with the audience; you feed off of all that around you. You’ll talk about what’s happening in the game, but also what’s happening outside of it. You’ve spent over a decade on the Battlefield, both shoutcasting and playing. In terms of competitive gaming, what element in Battlefield 4 excites you the most? - It has to be the spectator mode, and all the different features in it. Daniel Matros [producer] has worked really hard to provide what competitive gamers really need: an overview to see all parts of the map, and knowing exactly where the battles are happening. That’s the hardest part of spectating a game like Battlefield: there are simply so many different kinds of players out there. Both me and the fans want to see those cinematic highlights in different angles – the helicopters, the naval battles, and so on. There are moments when I get completely lost in what happens on the screen. That’s how you know you’ve had a Battlefield Moment. - (Laughs) Right, exactly! What game modes in Battlefield 4 work best for commentating? - One of the things with shoutcasting – and even in sports – is that you need players with personality. That means you have to narrow down the number of players that are there. So close quarters combat and a mode like Defuse in BF4 is good for that. I’m also interested in what’s possible with Obliteration; the idea to have a bomb and take it to different places, that kind of tug of war between two teams, it’s kind of a meta game that goes into that. It will be cool to see how it will evolve over time. “It’s important to keep the passion … Forget about the fame, forget about the money” 64 players running and gunning, driving vehicles and triggering epic Levolution moments… How do you cover all that chaos in a live stream? - Those things certainly make shoutcasting a lot more dynamic. The main thing that happens in 32 vs 32 is that it becomes more about the squad as a whole, not individual soldiers. Overall, you’re going to capture the battle as opposed to the individual gunfights. That’s one of the reasons Battlefield has been one of the best games for team play for ten years. I remember playing it when I was 15 years old, and how well I communicated with my team mates. Do you have any tips for aspiring shoutcasters out there? - It’s important to keep the passion. That’s why people get into it: because they love it and want to share something with others. Forget about the fame, forget about the money – when you start focusing about things like that you’re becoming a mundane shoutcaster. One final question before we leave you to shoutcast Paracel Storm in Conquest and Obliteration mode here at gamescom: are you Prepared 4 Battle? - I’m not only prepared for battle, I’m ready for all-out war! Corey Dunn and fellow shoutcaster Alex Mendez will be live streaming Battlefield 4 every day of gamescom. Catch their commentary, in-depth analyses, and developer interviews starting daily at 5:15AM PDT / 2:15PM CEST. Pre-order Battlefield 4 Digital Deluxe Edition from Origin to get into the exclusive Battlefield 4 Beta starting early October. View the full article

Grab your wallpaper-sized screenshots from the Battlefield 4 gamescom map “Paracel Storm” here on the Battlefield Blog. Click for full HD size — perfect for your desktop. http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/BF4_GC_Vista_01_WM_Small.jpg http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/BF4_GC_Screen_03_WM_small.jpg http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/BF4_GC_Screen_02_WM_small.jpg http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/BF4_GC_Screen_01_WM_small.jpg http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Battlefield-4-Paracel-Storm-4-WM_small.jpg View the full article

Battlefield 4 Premium was announced at the EA press conference at gamescom 2013. Learn more in the offical video below, or head to http://www.battlefield.com/battlefield-4/premium. View the full article

Every day of gamescom, follow the live stream from the show floor where you will see the unedited gameplay from the new map Paracel Storm — hosted by shoutcasters Alex Mendez and Corey Dunn. The second day of live streaming starts August 22 around 2:15PM CEST / 5:15AM PDT. After each day, you’ll find the entire program running in re-stream so you can catch up on all of the action. Stay tuned to the Battlefield Blog for all things gamescom. Watch live video from BATTLEFIELD on www.twitch.tv View the full article

Wow. Tons of exciting Battlefield 4 news have been flooding in from the EA press conference at gamescom and we’re still catching our breath. Read on for all the Battlefield 4 updates from Cologne. First off, we’re proud to show you the Battlefield 4 Paracel Storm multiplayer trailer, which demonstrates the intense naval battles Battlefield 4 has to offer. Experience how Levolution works at sea and witness how Frostbite 3 creates dynamic waves that offers new challenges and tactical opportunites in multiplayer. Pre-order Battlefield 4 to make sure you are prepared to enter the Battlefield on day one. Battlefield 4 Open Beta in October DICE GM Karl-Magnus Troedsson also revealed the Battlefield 4 open beta. Available for all gamers on PC, X360, and PS3, the beta will feature the Siege of Shanghai map in the classic Battlefield Conquest mode. Battlefield 3 Premium members, those who pre-order Battlefield 4 Digital Deluxe Edition and owners of Medal of Honor: Warfighter (Limited or Digital Deluxe Edition) will have access to the exclusive beta early October for three days. Following that, the open beta will kick off. This will be the perfect opportunity for everyone to Prepare 4 Battle before the October 29 launch. http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/BF4_Screen_01_small.jpg Pre-order Battlefield 4 Digital Deluxe Edition to get access to the exclusive beta. During the conference we also announced Battlefield 4 Premium. Designed with our fans in mind, this membership will give players two weeks early access to five future Battlefield 4 expansion packs. Premium users are also prioritized in server queues and will enjoy unique camos, emblems, dogtags and more. Watch the Battlefield 4 Premium trailer below for the very first details of the upcoming expansion packs. Learn more about Battlefield 4 Premium. So there you have it: the EA press conference brought three major announcments for Battlefield 4 fans, and we’ve only just begun. Gamescom is soon in full swing, so stay tuned on the Battlefield Blog for daily updates from the show floor all week. Remember to make your voice heard in our poll. What announcement from this day of gamescom excited you the most? Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll. View the full article

Watch the official Battlefield 4 multiplayer trailer that was first aired on the EA press conference at gamescom in Cologne. View the full article

http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/cologneblogg.jpg Battlefield 4 is going to gamescom, providing our fans the chance to go hands-on with the game on an all-new multiplayer map. If you can’t make it to the show, the Battlefield Blog is the second best place to be, as we’ll bring the show experience directly to you. You can learn about some of the highlights in the upcoming days below. Battlefield 4 at the EA press conferenceStarting August 20, EA and DICE will make one its biggest gamescom appearances in history. First, on August 20, tune into EA’s 2013 gamescom press conference at 4PM CEST for the scoop on an all-new Battlefield 4 multiplayer mode and map. We’ll also give you the first look at our upcoming Battlefield 4 Premium content. Battlefield 4 will be playable on the show floor with an all-new explosive game mode on a map that we have kept under wraps for the show. Starting August 21, you will be able to follow our live stream from the show floor for unedited gameplay footage, hosted by Corey Dunn that you might recognize from our hugely successful E3 live stream earlier this year. Follow our live stream with an all-new map and modehttp://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/shout2.jpg Corey Dunn and Alex Mendez from the BF4 live stream at E3 2013 are back — and they’ll have a new map and explosive new game mode to take you through. You’ll be able to follow the Battlefield 4 live stream from gamescom 2013 at http://www.battlefield.com/livestream/ — and when you log in you’ll be awarded the “I WAS THERE†dog tag for use in Battlefield 3 and Battlefield 4. RSVP to the live stream event to show your support for Battlefield 4. Celebrate gamescom week with 2XP in BF3To celebrate the show, we’re turning gamescom week into double XP week for all Battlefield 3 players! Join our gamescom updates here on the blog, then hop onto the Battlefield for a total of 120 hours’ worth of double XP. The double XP event starts August 21 at 2AM PST / 11 AM CEST (click link for a handy time zone table) and ends on August 26, 120 hours later. Battlefield 4 gamescom 2013 highlightsAugust 20 @4PM CEST / EA press conference, featuring the latest on Battlefield 4 August 21-25 / Live stream from the show floor featuring all-new map and game mode Daily / Updates on the blog with new game details, photos from the show floor, videos, and more http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/gc2013logo.jpg Gamescom 2013 runs August 20-25 and is one of the biggest consumer game shows in the world. Stay tuned here on the Battlefield Blog for all things Battlefield 4 during the entire week. We’ll bring you the latest videos, gameplay details, and live footage directly from the show floor. View the full article

We are very happy to see the amount of engagement our blog post â€The Road to Battlefield 4: Tweaked to the Core†created. As you may already have seen, there’s much chatter around the Internet, and we’ve seen fans wanting to hear more about how especially some of the Field Upgrades work. So, we asked Alan Kertz, our Core Gameplay Designer, to explain the Armor, Reduced Fall, Stealth and Quick Unspot Field Upgrades in more detail. You can find his answers below. Armor Unlike previous versions of Body Armor in Bad Company, this Field Upgrade in Battlefield 4 is more similar to the more limited setups in BF2 and BF2142. It does not increase your overall health, instead it makes the small upper chest hit box more resilient to damage, equal to the rest of the body. In practice, this means that snipers can’t 1HK your upper chest at point blank ranges. It also provides some small protection from shotgun burst damage, though your head, legs, arms, and stomach remain unprotected. At medium and longer ranges, the armor has no effect on how many bullets it takes to kill a player. Essentially, Body Armor is for countering CQB sniper rifles, and not much else. Reduced Fall Small falls will not cause damage, however, the lethal fall distance remains the same. For example, without Reduced Fall jumping from the 2nd story of a building would cause 25 damage, and jumping from the 3rd story might cause 50 damage. With Reduced Fall the damage from the 2nd floor jump is eliminated, but jumping from the 3rd story will still cause 50 damage. Stealth and Quick Unspot These are both minor adjustments to the spotting system. Players are spotted for about 7 seconds by default, the Quick Unspot reduces this to 5 seconds. It’s important to note it doesn’t otherwise change any spotting behavior, for example if you track a spotted player he will stay spotted even with Quick Unspot equipped. Stealth simply adjusts the speed threshold for detection in Motion Sensors. A basic player can avoid being spotted by a Motion Sensor if they crouch or prone while moving. Stealth allows you to move at normal speed, however all players will be spotted by Motion Sensors at Sprint speed. Stealth is only available to the Recon kit, and must be earned through squad play. Both of these are good tools to play in a stealthier manner, but they hardly make a player invisible. Stay tuned for more in-depth gameplay details as we walk The Road to Battlefield 4. View the full article

We’ve been seeing questions pouring in from fans who are excited for the launch of Battlefield 4 – now just months away! In the spirit of keeping our fans informed and Prepared 4 Battle we’re continuing a new series called “Ask DICE,†featuring questions that we’ve received from Battlefield players with answers straight from the development team at DICE. Check back here at the Battlefield blog every other Friday for answers, exclusive info, and more. Battlefield 4 Multiplayer Q&A This week we’ll be answering your questions on Multiplayer. From the beginning, victory in Battlefield means working as a team to take down the enemy. Battlefield 4 continues this proud tradition with renewed focus on teamwork and squads. So without further ado… Manu_lanza97 asked, “Are there going to be jets in Battlefield 4? What types of jets?†Battlefield 4 will definitely have jets! We’ll be giving you more information about jets soon, so stay tuned. For now, we’re happy to reveal the Chinese J-20 Stealth Jet – a totally new addition to jets in Battlefield. http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/BF4_Levolution_Siege_of_Shanghai_WM-640x360.jpg R3NAI55ANCEMAN asked, “Is the tower in Siege of Shanghai destroyed by the players themselves or is it set off by the score of the match, like the red-and-white tower in Caspian Border, in BF3?†Battlefield 4 will feature game-changing destruction on a whole new scale with a concept we call Levolution – this is what you’re seeing when the skyscraper in Siege of Shanghai is destroyed. The skyscraper in Siege of Shanghai is brought down when players destroy the four main pillars of the building. This means that it can happen at any time in the match. Levolution happens on all levels from the big like the skyscraper moment to the small like shooting fire extinguishers to distract your enemies so you can easily take them out or cutting the power of a building to blind your opponents so you have the advantage on the battlefield. These game changing events not only affect the player’s tactics but also the visual identity of the map. And what’s most important, it’s you triggering these things to happen. R3NAI55ANCEMAN also asked, “How many players can one match have on the Xbox 360 and the PS3?†Battlefield 4 will support 24 players on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, with two additional commanders depending on the game mode. We will support 64 players on PC as well as Xbox One and PlayStation 4, a first for the Battlefield series on console. Battlefield 4 on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 will also run at 60fps, another first for the series on console. The Xbox One, Playstation 4, and PC, with also support 2 additional players taking on the role of Commanders, depending on the game mode. Additionally, squads now consist of five teammates. http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/MP_Character_Profiles_RU_large_wm-640x360.jpg Reconer asked, “Can we play as the Russian forces in multiplayer?†The playable factions in multiplayer are Russia, China, and the U.S. Gary D asked, “Will there be mortars in BF4?†Yes, there will definitely be mortars in Battlefield 4! A redesigned, remote-controlled Mortar will allow Support players to give indirect fire support while staying with the squad. PatchRowcester asked, “What changes are being made to BF4 to encourage teamplay over individual stats?†One of the ways Battlefield 4 will encourage teamplay is Field Upgrades. The idea behind Field Upgrades is to give individual rewards for squad based team play performance. You earn them through squad scoring such as squad healing, completing objectives with your squad members, squad resupplies, squad repairs, and other squad actions. Instead of one single specialization in Battlefield 3, you can now pick from different upgrades paths, each containing four specializations. Keep the squad alive, and you will move through the accumulative upgrade path. However, if your entire squad is eliminated, you will lose some of your progress. We’ve also seen some questions floating around about suppression, so we’ve decided to shed some light on it. Suppression has been refined in Battlefield 4. There will be no more suppression in close-quarters combat, and LMGs will have beefed-up suppressive fire abilities allowing you to pin down your enemies. Suppression also causes visual impairment, while being suppressed no longer impacts the accuracy of your weapon. Instead, a sway effect makes aiming more difficult, but with some skill you will find it possible to counteract. http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/BF4_Screen_01-640x360.png Until next time… Check back here at the Battlefield blog every other Friday for answers, gameplay previews, and more. Next time we’ll be answering questions about Levolution and Commander Mode. What questions do you have? Let us know in the comments below. Battlefield 4 begins its release on October 29, 2013 and will be available for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3. Pre-order now and get the China Rising expansion at no additional cost. Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll. View the full article

In this second post in “The Road to Battlefield 4†blog series, we dive deeper into the Field Upgrade system and how we are tweaking the core gameplay to allow for more diversity in combat roles. Also: Vote for your favorite upgrade path and we’ll build it and submit it so it makes it into Battlefield 4 at launch! Last week, we discussed how nearly all elements In Battlefield 4’s multiplayer work to bring out the best team player in you. This week, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Field Upgrades and discuss how we’re tweaking Battlefield 4 based on the massive amounts of feedback and data that 1 billion hours of Battlefield 3 play time has given us. Here to take you through the nitty-gritty of these mechanics is Core Gameplay Designer Alan Kertz. Meet the crewAllow us to proudly present the first group shot of Battlefield 4’s multiplayer kits, showing the Assault, Recon, Engineer, and Support kits from the Russian, U.S. and Chinese armies. Based on the multiplayer map in question, you’ll be able to choose from two of these three factions (and if you run your own server, we’ll let you pick and choose the opposing teams at your leisure.) http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/MP_Character_Profiles_CH_small_wm.jpgMeet the Chinese squad from Battlefield 4 with a sample setup of weapons and gear. Going into Battlefield 4, we knew we wanted to take the four playable classes from Battlefield 3 as a starting point. We’ve tweaked them to be more versatile and more highly specialized within their fields. Now more than ever, you can explore a wide range of combat roles and sub-roles when picking your load out and kit. http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/MP_Character_Profiles_RU_small_wm.jpgThe Russian Support, Engineer, Recon, and Assault Kit are waiting for you in Battlefield 4 For example, this time around the Engineer has a lot more variation in anti-vehicle weapons. We’ve also revamped the way we do vehicle disables and guided weapon systems to give the Engineer a broader set of tactics at his disposal. This includes everything from high damage weapons that may be more challenging to use (like RPG-7V2) to fire-and-forget smart weapons with low damage (like the MBT LAW), and the fan favorite Wire Guided Engineer Missile (the FGM-172 SRAW) that you might recognize from Battlefield 2. http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/MP_Character_Profiles_US_small_wm.jpgMeet the U.S. playable kits from Battlefield 4, showcasing a sample of gear and weapons The Support kit has a few more offensive options,  and thanks to community feedback will retain his C4 and Claymores from Battlefield 3. The XM25 gives him some nice indirect suppressive fire, a redesigned remote mortar allows him to use indirect fire from a distance, and the ability to equip carbines and DMRs gives him an added versatility in combat roles. Recon has gotten a much needed boost to mobility, as well as the return of the Spec Ops play style from Battlefield 2. Pack a carbine, C4 (or Claymores), and Motion Sensors and you’re good to go behind enemy lines. Fans of more traditional sniping roles will enjoy our revamped sniping mechanics with rebalanced Sniper Rifles, the ability to zero your sights (set an aiming distance), and additional optics and accessories. Finally, the Recon players can still utilize the MAV, T-UGS, and Radio Beacon to help out their team. Assault is still the frontline run-and-gun kit that also serves the role of combat medic. This was one of the major changes in Battlefield 3 compared to Battlefield 2, and one that players have really appreciated. Assault is still the go-to kit with med kits and defibrillators but has picked up some additional mobility with the First Aid Pack, which heals a single soldier over time, or the 40mm Flash Bang rounds to help clear rooms. The Quest for MobilityOne of the main quests for the team when developing Battlefield 4 was to create a more mobile Battlefield. Squad players became very mobile in Battlefield 3 and we saw a gap where some of the more team play focused gadgets required players to sit still. We adjusted this by tailoring the kits, the gadgets, and the available specializations. As far as gadgets go, we’re allowing for stronger team play on the move by introducing all-new gadgets like the Portable Laser Designator, and adding new portable First Aid and Ammo Packs. These packs now allow Assault and Support players to top off a single teammate’s health or ammo on the move, while the traditional Ammo Box and Med Kit keep their stationary area heal and resupply roles. In the case of the Portable Laser Designator, it’s designed as a SOFLAM for the Recon on the run – allowing you to quickly laser designate targets without the longer setup time of a SOFLAM (with the tradeoff of not being able to deploy it and have it auto-designate targets for you.) Suppressing Fire!No one single gameplay mechanic has been as frequently discussed as the suppression system in Battlefield 3. Suppression will return in Battlefield 4, but we’re redesigning it based on your extensive feedback while keeping the intense feeling of being under fire that a system like Suppression provides. We’re increasing the suppression effect of Light Machine Guns, exclusive to the Support kit, while other weapons are less suppressive. Additionally, we’ve decreased suppression at close range to ensure that close quarters battles always focus sharply on player skill. Besides changing the visual effects of suppression, we’re also replacing the accuracy penalty in Battlefield 3 with a scope sway effect – similar to what snipers get in Battlefield 3 while suppressed. A skilled, focused player can keep his aim on target and get hits, even while under the effects of Suppression. Overall, we believe we have a great-performing suppression system in Battlefield 4 that doesn’t interfere in close quarters combat, while at the same time allowing for skilled players of the Support kit to really make a difference. Laying down covering fire as Support means your frontline runners can gain a crucial momentum in medium-range combat and still allows you to combat the improved long-range options we’ve given players who prefer to stay back at long range. Choose your path – Field Upgrades and youLast week on the blog, you could read about how Field Upgrades are the new specializations in Battlefield 4. You pick a set path of four upgrades which unlock in order as you perform squad actions like resupplies, repairs, healing, and following orders. You can track your progress in the Field Upgrade Progress Bar – or the “Bro Bar†as it has become known internally at DICE. http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/BroBar-640x222.jpg The focus on specifically squad-related actions means that the biggest rewards come from sticking with your squad and being a great team player. However, if your entire squad is wiped out, you will lose some of your progress in the upgrade path. Finally, Lone Wolves can still benefit from the base specialization since it’s always unlocked and available. Each of the playable kits: Engineer, Recon, Assault, and Support, have four upgrade careers to choose between. Two of these are global and usable for any kit – one of them focusing on Offense and one on Defense. Offense starts with SPRINT and goes through AMMO, MORE GRENADES, and REDUCED FALL. These give you quicker sprint speed, more available ammo magazines, one extra hand grenade, and allows you to fall from greater heights without taking any damage, respectively. This universal upgrade path is great for players who enjoy being at the front lines and leading the charge. Meanwhile, the Defense path will net you ARMOR, COVER, FLAK, and QUICK REGEN. These grant you increased protection from shots to the chest, a decreased rate of being suppressed, decreased damage from explosions, and a shorter time span before the out-of-combat health regeneration kicks in. If you are more defensive-minded, perhaps playing as Support from the sidelines, this can be an excellent choice. Besides the two universal Offense and Defense Field Upgrade careers, you will also be able to choose between two upgrade paths that are unique to your class and allow an increased specialization in specific combat roles. So while the Assault kit has the unique Combat Medic and Grenadier upgrade paths, Engineer can choose between specializing in the roles of either a Mechanic or Anti-Tank soldier. The first of these is all about repairing your own vehicles, while the latter deals with taking out enemy armor. While the path you choose will allow for different types of roles on the Battlefield, you’re never stuck with your first choice for the rest of the round. Whenever you wish, you can simple reselect. Doing this will never set you back in your current level of progress, so if you’re currently at level three out of four, you will keep that level and have it applied even if you change kit and/or upgrade path from the customization screen. Should you choose to leave a squad without entering a new squad, your current progress will be saved. So if you later in the same round join a new squad, you won’t have to start from scratch. We have greatly increased the number of unique specializations available in the game from Battlefield 3’s seven to over 25 in Battlefield 4. It’s a conscious design decision to allow for greater variety in any kit’s battlefield role – and here’s your chance to impact the design of these for the launch of the game. Vote – Get your favorite path included in BF4!Now that you know a bit more about Field Upgrades and upgrade career paths – what would YOU like to see in Battlefield 4 when it launches? We still have the possibility to add one additional universal upgrade career based on your feedback! Below, we have four different types of universal upgrade careers depending on your preferred style of play and what combat role you’d want to explore. Vote for your favorite in the poll and we’ll make sure it makes it into the game as the third and final universal career upgrade path. Vote now! Community Career Path 1: Shockwave Specializations: AMMO>ARMOR>GRENADES>SUPPRESSION This is the career for players who want to wreak havoc at the frontlines. Built to promote offensive play and gung-ho attitude, you’ll need all the extra AMMO you can get. ARMOR gives you that increased protection that means you could walk away from chance encounters at zero range when rounding a corner, while an added GRENADE lets you clear out enemy camps more freely. Lastly, that extra SUPPRESSION boost comes in handy when you find out you’ve run into a hornet’s nest. Community Career Path 2: Survivor Specializations: REDUCED FALL>AMMO>QUICK REGEN>COVER Fortune favors the brave. Or in the case of the “SURVIVOR†career, fortune favors players who have bolstered their survival capabilities by picking the right specializations. REDUCED FALL means you can jump off rooftops when enemies are blasting RPG into your building, while extra AMMO always helps when trying to shoot yourself out of a pinch. QUICK REGEN means you only need a short period of time before your soldier starts to auto heal, while COVER effectively means enemy suppression will not have as much effect on your ability to return fire with accuracy. Community Career Path 3: Shadow Specializations: QUICK UNSPOT>SPRINT>REDUCED FALL>STEALTH Inspired by the fabled shadow warriors of the Orient, the “SHADOW†career grants you the mystical powers you need to infiltrate enemy territory without being seen. Okay, not really, but it grants you some perks that accumulated will give you an edge when going behind enemy lines. QUICK UNSPOT means you’ll disappear more quickly from enemy radars when you’ve been spotted, while SPRINT lets you move quickly from cover to cover. REDUCED FALL lets you jump from your favorite hiding places without taking damage, while STEALTH grants you the ability to remain undetected when passing within range of enemy motion sensors. Community Career Path 4: Hunter Specializations: ADVANCED SPOT>SPRINT>AMMO>GRENADES So you want to be a big game hunter? ADVANCED SPOT grants you the ability to have targets spotted for extended periods of time – they can run, but they can’t hide. While they’re cowering behind cover thinking that they’ve escaped detection, SPRINT up to them and use your extra AMMO and GRENADE to flush them out! Sometimes, playing Battlefield is almost too easy. And there you have them: Your choice of four custom-created community upgrade paths to choose between. Vote for your favorite and we’ll include the winner in the final game. Remember to cast your vote no later than August 22 so we can implement the necessary changes in time for launch. Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.Plan your careerBelow is the full list of specializations that will be available in Battlefield 4. Note that we are still in Alpha stage, so all names, designs, and fine-tuning are subject to change. This will give you an idea about the type and variety of specializations in the game. Some of these are universal, some of them are tied to one of the specific playable soldier types – and most of them are all-new to Battlefield 4. SPECIN-GAME EFFECTSPRINTIncreases maximum sprint speedAMMOIncreases maximum inventory of bulletsC4 EXPLOSIVESIncreases maximum inventory of C4 explosivesCOVERDecreases amount of incoming suppressionSUPPRESSIONIncreases the amount of outgoing suppressionFLAKDecreases explosion damageGRENADESIncreases maximum inventory of hand grenades(NEW) ROCKETSIncreases maximum inventory of AT (anti-tank) and AA (anti-air) ammo(NEW) MINESIncreases maximum inventory of AT Mines or M2 SLAM(NEW) STEALTHPlayer is undetected by Motion Sensors except when sprinting(NEW) HOLD BREATHIncreases time you can Steady your scope(NEW) FAST REPAIRIncreases speed and sabotage of Repairs(NEW) DEFIB UPGRADEIncreases charge up speed of the defibrillators(NEW) 40mm GRENADESIncreases maximum inventory of 40mm grenades(NEW) ADVANCED SPOTIncreases time your targets are Spotted(NEW) MEDKITS UPGRADEIncreases maximum deployed medic bags and packs(NEW) MOTION SENSORS UPGRADEIncreases the maximum inventory of Motion Sensors. Increases the range of T-UGS and MAV(NEW) MORE DEPLOYED EXPLOSIVESIncreases maximum deployed Explosives(NEW) AMMO BAG UPGRADEIncreases maximum deployed ammo boxes and packs(NEW) ARMORReduces incoming damage to the chest(NEW) QUICK UNSPOTReduces time you are spotted(NEW) MEDICAL UNITOccupied vehicles will slowly heal nearby soldiers(NEW) SUPPLY UNITOccupied vehicles will slowly resupply nearby soldiers(NEW) REPAIR UNITOccupied vehicles will slowly repair nearby vehicles(NEW) REDUCED FALLIncreases height you can fall without damage(NEW) QUICK REGENDecreases time before out of combat heal(NEW) MP-APS UPGRADELonger uptime on MP APS(NEW) INDIRECT FIRE UPGRADEIncreases maximum M224 ammo. Increases maximum XM25 magazines(NEW) CLAYMORESIncreases the maxium inventory of claymoresWe still have a lot more details to share with you about weapons, gadgets, and vehicles – but I think long time Battlefield fans can see how we’re really focused on responding to the torrent of feedback that passionate fans contribute to the series. Battlefield 4 aims to stay true to the best parts of Battlefield 3, while also pushing to expand the game in fresh directions. Keep your feedback coming, and don’t be afraid to you’d like to see in Battlefield 4. -Alan KertzStay tuned to “The Road to Battlefield 4â€, where we’ll continue the journey towards launch by diving deeper and deeper into every nuance of the biggest Battlefield game ever developed at DICE. Next episode: Bringing down skyscrapers was just the beginning! More examples of the game-changing Levolution concept, and new multiplayer footage from a new map. Until then, let us know what you think about this blog post, and what questions you want us to answer in the upcoming posts. Thanks for reading! View the full article

Fans know that Battlefield games are packed with unique, thrilling moments – the kind of moments you can find Only in Battlefield. That’s why we’ve asked some fans to tell us their experiences in Battlefield 4, and we’re sharing their stories with the world. Only in Battlefield means jumping out of a jet, spinning around, and destroying the jet chasing you with an RPG. It means bringing down a skyscraper and parachuting off as the building crumbles beneath your feet. It means that moment when your team erupts in cheers as you make the impossible happen. You’ve been living Only in Battlefield moments for over 10 years, and Battlefield 4 will deliver even bigger, better, and more intense experiences. We wanted to give you a taste of what Only in Battlefield means in Battlefield 4. Check out the first of many dynamic, unscripted moments to come. Only in Battlefield 4: “Crash In Guns Blazing†Only in Battlefield 4: “Ride Off Into the Sunset†Only in Battlefield 4: “Taking Out Tanks Left and Right†Only in Battlefield 4: “I Stabbed Him in the Water†We’ll be showing off a ton of new Only in Battlefield moments from Battlefield 4 in the coming weeks. Subscribe to the Battlefield YouTube channel to make sure you don’t miss out. View the full article

This holiday, DICE will unwrap the next generation of all-out warfare with Battlefield 4 for Xbox One and PlayStation 4. That means best-in-class multiplayer is coming to consoles, with huge 64-player battles running at a smooth 60 frames-per-second. Whether you are playing on Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3, we want to make your transition to next generation consoles easy. That is why today we are informing the devoted Battlefield community that all the time and effort you spend building up your Battlefield 4 stats will carry over when you upgrade from the Xbox 360 to Xbox One and from the PlayStation 3 to PlayStation 4. http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/carryover_v4.jpgBring your BF4 MP stats to next-gen That way, on October 29, you can get in the game without any worries that you will have to start ranking up all over again when the next generation consoles launch. We got your back. Today we also wanted to inform the community that DICE is promising to keep the action going all year long with the return of Premium membership for Battlefield 4. With membership, players can expect themed digital expansion packs, new weekly content and personalization options. And just as your stats, unlocks and rank will be transferrable from current-gen to Xbox One and PlayStation 4, so too will Battlefield 4 Premium membership. Pre-order Battlefield 4 to get the China Rising expansion pack at no additional cost. * RECEIPT OF BATTLEFIELD 4 CONTENT REQUIRES USE OF YOUR CURRENT ORIGIN ID AND XBOX 360/PS3 ACCOUNT ON GEN 4 CONSOLE. ALL CONTENT TRANSFERS ARE FINAL. YOU MUST BE 13+ TO REGISTER FOR AN ORIGIN ACCOUNT. EA ONLINE RIVACY POLICY AND TERMS OF SERVICE CAN BE FOUND AT WWW.EA.COM. EA MAY RETIRE ONLINE FEATURES, ONLINE SERVICES AND DOWNLOADABLE CONTENT AFTER 30 DAYS NOTICE POSTED ON WWW.EA.COM/1/SERVICE-UPDATES. View the full article

Welcome to “The Road to Battlefield 4â€, a new blog series where we’ll explore every aspect of Battlefield 4 in great detail together with the developers at DICE. First out: How the new elements of Battlefield 4 multiplayer will bring out the best team player in you. Lead Multiplayer Designer Thomas “Tompen†Andersson is one of the true veterans here at DICE. He’s been with the company for two decades now and knows Battlefield inside and out. When he accepted command of the development of Battlefield 4’s multiplayer campaign, he immediately knew what he wanted to achieve: I think Battlefield 3’s multiplayer is incredible, but I can’t wait to hear what our fans think about Battlefield 4. We’re having a blast playing it at work in its current Alpha stage, and I think we’re onto something big. We want to build upon what makes Battlefield 3 great, and one of the areas where Battlefield shines is team play. The way we’re going about it in Battlefield 4 is to highly encourage team play – but never force it. We want to promote team play by creating great gameplay mechanics such as Field Upgrades, Commander Mode, and a new range of gadgets specifically designed to expand co-operation in the field. We have drastically expanded on the tools and benefits of efficient team play, and as a result we feel Battlefield 4’s multiplayer experience is the deepest, most rewarding, and fun experience in the series. Class reunion with a twistThe four playable kits from Battlefield 3 will be back in Battlefield 4: Engineer, Recon, Support, and Assault. While keeping these core kits intact, we are increasing the ability for players to more strongly specialize their combat role while also increasing flexibility and catering to different play styles. At the same time, we’re maintaining a distinct flavor in the different kits and building more meaningful interactions between them. We will go more in-depth on the specific classes in the next blog post. No matter your play style, we have an extremely deep collection of features in Battlefield 4, and we want to make sure that you can experience that wide array of options available to you. Looking at Battlefield 3, I think only a fraction of our players have tried all available gadgets or vehicles in multiplayer. Of course you don’t have to use everything in the game, but I think we can do a better job in BF4 of letting players make more educated choices in their kit loadouts and combat roles. I think some players in Battlefield 3 stuck with the default Assault loadout. That’s fine – there’s a reason why it’s the default – but I think they’re missing out on so much amazing variety. In Battlefield 4, we’re clearly displaying what gadgets can do for you, how different weapons compare, and how they affect your options on the Battlefield. Great team play = great perks We have this new concept called Field Upgrades. If you’re a long term fan that played Battlefield 2142, you will already have an idea what these are, but we have tweaked them for Battlefield 4. In short, Field Upgrades are chained boosts that can affect a number of gameplay mechanics for your player. Similar to the specializations in Battlefield 3, these can for example provide you with faster sprint speed, stronger personal armor, or expanded ammo capacity. The idea behind Field Upgrades is to give individual rewards for squad based team play performance. You earn them through squad scoring such as squad healing, completing objectives with your squad members, squad resupplies, squad repairs, and other squad actions. Instead of one single specialization like in Battlefield 3, you can now pick from different upgrades paths, each containing four specializations. Keep the squad alive, and you will move through the accumulative upgrade path. But watch out! If your entire squad is eliminated, you will lose some of your progress. Showing you how team play gives you the edge in the bigger battle is paramount for us, and it involves all elements of the game: audiovisual feedback, user interface, gameplay mechanics, and the way the entire persistence system is designed. When we tie all of these elements together with the tweaked team-based scoring, we have a game where I think everyone will find it satisfying and deeply engrossing to truly be part of a team. Creating a positive feedback loop http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/BF4-Commander-Mode-Small.jpg I’ve always been fascinated by creating interconnected systems and seeing how players use them. A great example in Battlefield 4 is the reward cycle incorporating every link in the chain of command. For example: The Commander issues an order (example: “Capture Base A!â€), the Squad Leader passes it on to his squad mates, and the squad gets the work done. This executed order will reward everyone in the command chain and also open up ways for the Commander to further reward his team. This creates an eco-system that I believe will take team play in Battlefield 4 to new heights. In the next episode of “The Road to Battlefield 4â€, we’ll be taking a much closer look at exactly how Field Upgrades and the upgrade paths work, as well as revealing some of the all-new specializations we’re introducing in the game. Levolution: The perfect storm http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/BF4_Levolution_Siege_of_Shanghai_small.jpg Watching our fans play Battlefield 3 has taught us a lot about player behavior. As developers, we tend to play our games one way, while fans try a lot of interesting things that we never thought of. Take the antenna on Caspian Border, for example. After players had seen it fall once, we could see them using everything in their arsenal to try and bring it down themselves. It might sound like a simple example, but it was one of the factors that initially made us think about incorporating bigger player-triggered destruction in Battlefield 4 – and that in turn led us to the game-changing concept that is Levolution. Levolution is an overarching design concept incorporating a lot of features both big and small, that all affect gameplay in some way. You’ve probably already seen what it can do to skyscrapers but it also includes features like changing weather conditions that affects visibility, car alarms and metal detectors alerting players of enemy presence, or the ability to completely shroud a building in darkness and take out the enemies within using your IRNV scopes. Much more than just massive feats of destruction or pretty graphics, the exciting thing about Levolution is how it affects gameplay. From bringing down a skyscraper to securing a zone from enemy vehicles by raising bollards to block entry, Levolution will let you dynamically shape every game. And like so many other elements in Battlefield 4, Levolution also ties into the team play aspect of the game. “Levolution will let you dynamically shape every game†For example, depending on your team strengths, collapsing the skyscraper on our E3 map “Siege of Shanghai†can be either a positive or a negative. When you’ve knocked out its four main pillars, the skyscraper will fall in a massive cloud of dust and debris, killing all players unfortunate to be trapped inside. The base that used to be capture point C at the very top of the skyscraper will now be found at ground level, amidst the jarring blocks of concrete and rubble. This new infantry battleground will be clouded by dust, making navigation hard and often seeing players switch to infrared night vision scopes or FLIR. What used to be sniper heaven and the ideal paradrop base has suddenly turned into a low-visibility close quarters combat arena. This is great if you’re all about infantry combat, but if you have a team of great pilots, you will probably want the skyscraper to stay intact. We’ll go more in-depth on the design process that led up to Levolution, as well as showcasing more examples of what this powerful concept can do in a future post. If there is one thing I wanted to focus on for multiplayer in Battlefield 4, it’s the idea of an open-ended design — We are creating a dynamic and complex “sandbox†where YOU decide what you want to do with it. That’s an emergent type of gameplay that we pride ourselves upon here at DICE. With the release of Battlefield 4 fast approaching, we are anxious to start exploring the game together with you. Stay tuned here on the Battlefield Blog for more updates soon, and let us know what you think in the poll below. -Thomas Andersson Stay tuned to “The Road to Battlefield 4â€, where we’ll continue the journey towards launch by diving deeper and deeper into every nuance of the biggest Battlefield game ever developed at DICE. Next week: Field Upgrades, “The Bro Bar!â€, Suppression Revisited, The Mobile Battlefield, and Kit Loadouts. Until then, let us know what you think about this blog post, and what questions you want us to answer in the upcoming posts. Thanks for reading! Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll. View the full article

We’ve been seeing questions pouring in from fans who are excited for the launch of Battlefield 4 – now just months away! In the spirit of keeping you informed and Prepared 4 Battle we’re starting a new series called “Ask DICE,†featuring questions that we’ve received from Battlefield players and answers straight from the development team. Check back here at the Battlefield blog every other Friday for answers, exclusive info, and more. Battlefield 4 Vehicle Q&A To kick the series off, we’re answering your questions about vehicles. The ability to fly, drive, roll, crash, and splash your way into combat has long been a staple of Battlefield. Battlefield 4 is taking this to the next level and extending the battle beyond the shores with new naval vehicles and amphibious combat. What kinds of vehicles are in the game? Could you go into more detail about them? With the new Chinese setting in the game we can confirm these all-new Chinese vehicles in Battlefield 4, including (but not limited to)… -Type 99 MBT -ZFB-05 Armored Car -Z-9 Haitun Transport Heli -Z-10W Attack Heli -DV15 Interceptor Attack Boat What kind of water vehicles will there be? Amphibious Assault will play a big role in Battlefield 4 as we’ve added attack boats like the RCB-90 (U.S.) and jet-skis. Controlling the sea in addition to the land and air will play a crucial role in victory. And, if you need to bail out of your jet-ski or attack boat, now you’ll be able to dive underwater or sprint-swim away to escape pursuers. If the situation gets desperate, you’ll also be able to use one-handed weapons and one-handed gadgets while in water for the first time. When are we going to see videos or screenshots of more vehicles? Right now! To commemorate the first “Ask DICE: Battlefield 4†we have this exclusive shot of the Chinese Z-10W Attack Heli. Check it out! http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Vehicles-Screen-640x360.png Until next time… Check back here at the Battlefield blog every other Friday for answers, gameplay previews, and more. Next time we’ll be answering questions about new five-person Squads & four unique playable Classes, as well as questions on Multiplayer. What questions do you have? Let us know in the comments below. Battlefield 4 begins its release on October 29, 2013 and will be available for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3. Pre-order now and get the China Rising expansion at no additional cost. Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll. View the full article

Frostbite, Levolution, Commander Mode, and All Out War aren’t the only things that make Battlefield 4 the first truly next-gen experience. Battlelog is evolving on the web, mobile devices, and connecting Battlefield players in entirely new ways. With Battlefield, 4 your mobile device and tablet become a window into your game. Get a tactical view of the battlefield, highlight attack points on the mini map, and track your squad mates, all from your device or computer. The improved Battlelog will also allow you to more fluidly control your play sessions. Change your weapons and load outs in real time or select your next match and server without leaving your game. Want to check on your progression while you’re playing? You don’t have to pause or leave – just reach for your mobile. We’re also evolving the way that you compare and compete. Want to know who among your friends is the best tank destroyer or who can capture the most bases? With the new Missions feature you’ll be able to create custom challenges for your friends. A completed mission or improvement on a current record will notify your friends, letting them know it’s time to log on and try to take back their title! Geo-localized leaderboards will allow players to focus on the area that means the most to them. Compare statistics on the city, country, continental, and global levels. Make new friends and rivals with people near and far as you compete on the scale that you choose. These improvements are just part of how we’re making Battlefield 4 the best Battlefield ever. Pre-order Battlefield 4 today! View the full article

There’s no denying that Battlefield fans have some of the best setups anywhere. Here are just a few of our favorites from the last few weeks!” http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Wesley-B-640x480.jpg An ominous look into the layer of Wesley B! http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Sam-H-640x305.png Sam H has one of the cleanest Battlejuice setups we’ve ever seen! You can see his full build log here. http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Elmy-640x305.png Elmy has his eye on the entire Battlefield in fully surround display! http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Bob-S-640x305.png BobS took this SOFLAM and put an entire ZOTAC computer inside! One of the best Battlefield-inspired builds ever! Thanks to everyone who sent in pictures of their rigs. If you’ve got an awesome Battlefield set, console or PC, send a tweet to @Battlefield with the #SetupSaturdaySunday tag. View the full article

The world is on the brink of chaos, China is the tinderbox and you and your squad are the inadvertent spark that could ignite a global conflict. This is Battlefield 4. As Sergeant Daniel Recker, you play as a member of an elite group of unlikely heroes known as Tombstone squad, navigating the turmoil around you as you fight to save the final hope for peace. In Battlefield 4, you take on the role of Sergeant Daniel Recker, member of an elite group of soldiers known as Tombstone squad. While on a mission to collect intelligence from a defecting Russian General in Baku, Azerbaijan, your squad is discovered and you must fight your way through waves of Russian troops in order to escape. Upon getting back to the USS Valkyrie, a Wasp class carrier, the intelligence you’ve retrieved confirms previous suspicions. The Chinese Admiral Chang is planning a coup in China, and if this happens, the Russians would back him up. With this intel secure, the USS Valkyrie sets a course for Shanghai. You and Tombstone squad are sent on a covert mission into the city to extract a group of VIP’s. China is in uproar after the U.S. has been implicated in the assassination of Jin Jié, the future leader and voice for peace in China. Admiral Chang has canceled elections and martial law has been declared. As U.S. and Russian naval forces position themselves off the coast of China, and the situation quickly escalates into a stare down akin to a tinderbox waiting for a spark. In Shanghai, protestors clash with police as the streets are filled with chaos and turmoil. Tombstone manages to find the VIP’s, among them a CIA field operative known as Laszlo W. Kovic. With him is a mysterious individual that the Chinese military has been franticly searching for. Together with Kovic you fight your way out of Shanghai and back to the Valkyrie as countless civilians flee the city, many of which are brought aboard the Valkyrie as refugees. With communications dead, the Valkyrie sets course for Singapore to rendezvous with the USS Titan and the 7th US carrier group at their last known position. As you reach Singapore you are shocked to find a horrific scene of fire and mayhem. The flagship is sunk and its fleet is eradicated, and from this point on nothing is certain. Are you Preapred 4 Battle?You won’t be going alone. Here are high quality renders of the other members of Tombstone squad who you’ll be fighting alongside. http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Pac_01DAM-640x640.jpgPAC Name: Clayton Pakowski Nickname: “Pac†Age: 27 Rank: Marine Combat Lifesaver Callsign: Tombstone 4 Last seen: Operations “Fishing in Baku†and “Angry Sea†http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Irish_01DAM-640x640.jpgIRISH Name: Kimble Graves Nickname: “Irish†Age: 32 Rank: Staff Sergeant Callsign: Tombstone 3 Last seen: Operations “Fishing in Baku†and “Angry Sea†The clash of the world’s superpowers is only the beginning – Pre-order Battlefield 4 today. View the full article

What would your dream dog tag in Battlefield 4 look like? Get creative and your design just might end up in the game for everyone to wear! http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/detailed_web_0-640x360.jpg We knew hunting for dog tags was going to be big – but we never knew how big. In Battlefield 3, we introduced hundreds of dog tags for the taking, and the battle still rages. Rest assured that Battlefield 4 will carry on in that tradition – some dog tags will be awarded for clearing certain milestones in the game, while some will be available by snatching them from enemy players. We will get back in the upcoming months to talk more in-depth about the enhanced and deepened persistence in Battlefield 4 – but for now, we want to see what your dream tag would look like. Make something awesome, and we might even consider including it in the actual Battlefield 4 game! Here’s how this will work: Grab the blank dog tag template below. Design anything you like on it. Give your design a name (max 30 characters). Save your masterpiece as a JPG or PNG. Upload it to the Battlefield Facebook channel and tag the image â€MyBF4Tagâ€. http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/C4m6X1Lh-640x320.jpg The Battlefield team will continually highlight great fan made designs in the upcoming weeks. If we find something that blows our mind, we might contact you and ask if we can include it in Battlefield 4. If we do, our designers at DICE will give your dog tag a professional artist pass, build it, and include it in the game code for launch. That’s it! Grab the template above and start creating. We are eager to see what you will come up with. For inspiration, you can see some of our finished dog tag designs for Battlefield 4. We know you already have some cool ideas – Threads like this on the Battlelog forums are awesome. You can submit images to your created tags by hosting them on imgur and linking to them in the comments below! View the full article

We’re proud to announce that the official Battlefield Facebook page has passed 6 million fans! We appreciate each and every Battlefield fan that made this possible. http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/2013-07-12-14_07_35-Input-640x305.png To celebrate, we’re releasing the most popular Battlefield trailer music tracks as well as ringtone versions. Listen and download here! View the full article

DICE is proud to have delivered online vehicle warfare since 2002. But what’s your favorite vehicle in the history of Battlefield? Vote below and let us know your thoughts in the comments. http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/BFBC2_Vietnam_Tuk_Tuk.jpgVote “Transport” if you love the tuk tuk from Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Vietnam! Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll. View the full article

Liquid cooling is nothing new in the PC enthusiast scene, but lately we’ve been hearing from tons of Battlefield fans who keep their rigs running by pumping Battlejuice through their cases. Here are a few of our favorites! http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/31906_10200657390542226_1839192303_n.jpg James M’s rig http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/424668_557447167639684_109352264_n.jpg Junichi S’ rig http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/525243_238511396287261_908721217_n.jpg Einar H’s rig http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/546970_10151112855636923_1653755647_n-640x480.jpg Joel S’ rig http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/603568_531295563573870_408347094_n-640x452.jpg Shoot Here’s rig http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/969487_10201292020042053_689198259_n-640x480.jpg Gary W’s rig http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/993523_10152956663315183_776857770_n.jpg Jesper A’s rig http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/993771_10151438659861673_914302331_n-640x480.jpg Paul L’s rig http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/998393_10151740370609515_704369538_n-640x480.jpg Miguel A’s rig http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/1004415_10201355928202955_918181332_n.jpg Jason S’ rig http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/1004426_479504768797222_1971340700_n-640x426.jpg Azizo K’s rig http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/1006166_3235019452279_634338251_n-640x424.jpg Robin E’s rig http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/1013917_586756321345428_1438528375_n.jpg Zharif F’s rig http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/1044144_4642652077991_1985325909_n-640x360.jpg Andreas S’s rig http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/1044572_4897438995509_62697431_n-640x480.jpg Jay B’s rig http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/1044841_1382899751926504_269636939_n-640x480.jpg Chase S’ rig http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/1044918_536905403038823_1476711052_n.jpg Christoph K’s rig http://blogscdn.battlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/1045165_412939942154579_26009720_n-640x426.jpg Ryan S’ rig Thanks to everyone who sent in pictures of their rigs. If you’ve got an awesome Battlefield set, console or PC, send a tweet to @Battlefield with the #SetupSaturdaySunday tag. View the full article