DICE: We're not making Battlefield casual
DICE has addressed concerns that it is taking the Battlefield franchise to the casual market through a statement.
DICE is currently working on two new Battlefield games - the online-only, micro-transaction sustained Battlefield Heroes and the recently announced Battlefield 1943. The latter especially has caused controversy with PC gamers, who're annoyed that the game will be available as a download-only title on consoles, as well as PC.
Speaking in an interview with Videogamer.com, producer Patrick Liu said that the studio was still very committed to hardcore PC gamers, despite it's spate of casual and console games recently.
"We are definitely still making PC games, we've not forgotten about that," said Patrick. "1943 is announced for PC. Bad Company 2 is announced for the PC, so obviously we got the engine (Frostbite) running on PC."
"I feel a little sad sometimes when people say they're lazy or they're not listening to the fans. Yes of course we keep track of what the forums are saying. I can't say anything really, but we have plans. Definitely big plans. The fans don't need to worry."
That last bit is especially interesting. Could DICE have a PC-exclusive ace in the hole, perhaps? Share your speculation in the forums.
Previous Article
22 Comments
Discuss in the forums ReplyIntense battles, great gameplay modes, up to 64 players. BF2142 has given me nearly two years of fun. It's getting a bit dull now though, so a new version - maybe not set in the future - would be excellent.
Oh, and the resolution of all the server and client bugs that cause regular crashes.
But really, if you haven't already, check out Operation Flashpoint 2- it looks simply spectacular.
Also, the BC2 for PC bit completely came out of left-field. Like the first, it was meant to be console only. Not that I'm complaining. Would really like to see a two-for pack for PC with BC and BC2 sold together, especially so PC gamers don't have to borrow a friends 360 or PS3 to get the story of the original
Bad Company 2 - Casual
Heroes - So Casual Im asleep
1943 - A dumbed down version of 1942. Its as casual as it gets.
So the above is fine.. if you are into casual games.
But dont you dare say for one minute DICE that you listen to the fan base.. If you did listen you would have announced Battlefield 3 as a full hardcore sequel to BF2.
So the evidence speaks for itself. DICE apparently IS a casual games developer and has sold out the hardcore BF fanbase... Its bloody obvious based on the evidence before me, so DICE's comments today are nothing but a crock of horse sh** !
Casus Belli:
http://www.moddb.com/mods/casus-belli/news/casus-belli-update-02
OFP2 is a MASSIVELY different game to Battlefield. Mainly due to the fact that it's actually a simulation.
Personally, I have my eyes on ArmA 2.. The ALL AI approach intrigues me.
Now, EA has developed some very good games that I have enjoyed for many 100's of hours but the feeling is that once its released, they "have their money and are done with it". Then, instead of fixing the real issues of connectivity (Master server disconnects) they add in game advertising... :( As far as making a secure (locking out hackers and cheats) gaming experience, they SUCK. Heck, just purchase the Hacks (I am talking to EA) and figure out your holes in the code that allows them access to destroy your games.. :(
My clan (about 30 of us), admin 6 BF2 servers and 2 2142 servers and its a FULL TIME job dealing with the hackers and glitchers. Most times, we cannot even play the game with the work required to keep the garbage off the servers. >:( Plus, we have to PAY to have that privilege. We (game admins everywhere) carry the burden of keeping THEIR (EA) games running and making them money. When patches are released to the communities, they typically "fix" one thing, and break (tank) two others. (Any BF2 & 2142 player will know what I am talking about).
Now, I do not know what it takes to code a game, but I know the testing side extremely well, and for EA to ignore the suggestions of the community that will be paying for the game is just ridiculous.. I am sure the list of complaints from all of the PC players is truly massive and keeping up with them all is difficult, but how about trying something different. The old faithful system of releasing a buggy game and providing patches (Microsoft's way) have proven to cost WAY more and piss off to many people. Instead of just opening up a beta to the general public where only a few actually do anything, look for organized groups of people that are truly willing to HELP and find problems with a game. Ways that allow people dis-advantages like wall hacking and endless repairing of a jeep in water upside down. Work to code AND give "helpful" admin tools to server admins. People are almost willing to give away their ideas to EA to help them make a better product.
So, all in all... Do something different than the status quo. Cause to date: THE STATUS QUO SUCKS!!!!
A concerned PAYING customer and avid gamer. (that's my thought on the matter.. Sorry for laying out all of on you good folks.)
DICE I WONT BE BUYING ANY MORE OF YOUR PRODUCTS UNTILL YOU COMEBACK TO THE CUSTOMERS YOU HAVE ABANDONED. as an owner of every bf game that has sofar been made I have supported your studio more than most, but now it looks like i will be taking my HARD earned money to another developer.
Im sure you have contacts at DICE.. is it possible to pass this feedback to them ? Im sure they have heard it already, but I want to know exactly why they are in denial ?
It would be even better if you could line up an interview with their lead dev or studio manager ... and ask us for specific questions before you do it ?
Is that even remotely possible ?
They need to up the ante as BF2 is over 4 years old now and begging for a sequel.
Of course for clans that would be a bummer, but then again, I've gotten sick and tired of playing against clans. Let clans have their own game.
:D