Tag Archives: EA

Train2Game news: UK Charts – Battlefield 3 shoots to No.1

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Train2Game students will have seen the Battlefield 3 hype machine in action for most of this year, and all that work from EA seems to have paid off because the FPS from DICE takes No.1 in its first week on sale with the second biggest launch of the year so far.

Not only does Battlefield 3 claim the 10th highest week one sales in the process, but it also beats the combined first week sales of all the previous Battlefield titles put together.  The success of Battlefield 3 means previous No.1 Batman: Arkham City, slips to No.2, with EA Sports FIFA 12 dropping one to No.3

PC title Football Manager 2012 is down one at No.4, with Just Dance 3 holding on to No.5 for the second week in a row.

Former No.1 Forza Motorspot 4 slips to No.6 in its third week on sale, while The Sims 3: Pets drops one to No.7.  Zumba Fitness continues to feature in the top ten, this week moving up one to No.8, while Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure from Activision reaching top ten at No.9 in its third week.

RAGE from id Software completes the top ten.  (Train2Game students can see our in-depth interview with RAGE Creative Director Tim Willits here on the Train2Game blog)

PES 2012 and Gears of War 3 both drop out the top ten.

The UKIE Gfk Chart-Track All Formats Top 10 for the week ending 29th October 2011 is therefore as follows:

1. Battlefield 3 (EA)
2. Batman: Arkham City (Warner)
3. FIFA 12 (EA)
4. Football Manager 2012 (Sega)
5. Just Dance 3 (Ubisoft)
6. Forza Motorsport 4 (Microsoft)
7. The Sims 3: Pets (EA)
8. Zumba Fitness (505 Games)
9. Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure (Activision)
10. Rage (Bethesda)

Releases this week include Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception.

So Train2Game, what do you make of Battlefield 3’s success? Have you played it? If so what do you think? And for how long can it hold onto No.1?

Leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

Train2Game news: DICE detail how open beta changed Battlefield 3

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Train2Game students were among the millions who took part in the Battlefield 3 open beta.  Developer DICE have has thanked everyone who took part, and has detailed some of the changes to Battlefield 3 as a result of the open beta.

“On behalf of the entire team at DICE, I wanted to say thanks to everyone who played and participated in our Battlefield 3 Open Beta. The information that we’ve gathered from your play time is invaluable. It will help to make Battlefield 3even better!” DICE’s Tommy Rydling wrote on the PlayStation Blog.

“But before I leave you, here is a short selection of just some of the hundreds of changes and additions we are making to the game before launch, as a direct result of your feedback in the Open Beta:

Improved Squad Functionality

There will be improved squad functionality in the retail game (including but not limited to): the ability to create squads prior to launching into a game, sticking with your squad when joining a game and continuing together through future games (if team balance on the server allows it), inviting friends to a squad, and changing squads once in game.

More Accessible Settings Menu

The ability to modify your settings via the deploy screen has been added into the retail game.

Improved Kill Cam

In the Open Beta, the Kill Cam would sometimes behave erratically. This has been fixed for the launch of the retail game.

Netcode Optimization

The netcode is one of the many things that we tested as part of the Open Beta and it was not necessarily reflective of the final retail game. The DICE team appreciates, and has heard, the feedback you’ve provided and is further optimizing online play.

Train2Game students will be aware that beta tests can be a hugely important part of game development, but as previously reported by the Train2Game blog, DICE believe players who complained about bugs didn’t understand the meaning of a beta test.

Train2Game students can get an in-depth look at the importance of beta testing as part of a huge Train2Game blog interview with Trion Worlds.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts of DICE’s reaction to the Battlefield 3 beta? What are your thoughts about the changes? And are you looking forward to Battlefield 3?

Leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

[Source: PlayStation Blog] 

Train2Game news: EA’s Peter Moore questions role of handheld consoles

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Train2Game students will be aware the impact the iPhone has had on the games industry, with millions of people carry devices which allow them quick access to cheap games.

With the success of smartphones, EA COO Peter Moore believes there could be problems for dedicated portable gaming units like the PlayStation Vita and Nintendo 3DS.

“I think Sony does brilliant hardware, as we all know. I think the broader question is what is the role of dedicated handheld gaming years from now?” Moore told The Sydney Morning Herald when asked about the PlayStation Vita.

“More and more we see the ubiquity of smart-phones and tablets, how does a dedicating gaming device fit in, add value, and still get the same volumes that it needs in terms of hardware that we were used to in the golden days of Game Boys and PSP?”

“So I think the broader question is what is the role of a dedicated device compared to these relatively cost-effective tablets and smart-phones that have great screens and plenty of buttons to control the game with?” he said.

As previously reported by the Train2Game blog, Nintendo have stated that they don’t believe they’re competing with gaming on increasingly powerful smartphones. Capcom however, believe the rise of the iPhone is drawing users away from traditional handheld consoles.

Meanwhile, Sony’s PlayStation Vita will be able to play Android games. See the Train2Game blog for more.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts? Are mobiles a threat to the likes of the PlayStation Vita and Nintendo 3DS? Or will there always be a market for dedicated handheld consoles?

Leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

[Souce: Sydney Morning Herald via Industry Gamers]

Train2Game news: Battlefield 3 game design “grounded in authenticity”

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Train2Game students who recently took part in the Battlefield 3 beta, or indeed any Train2Game student will be interested in this; DICE’s Battlefield 3 producer Patrick Bach has been speaking to Industry Gamers about the goals of Battlefield 3, and it isn’t to be realistic, rather authentic.

“We are not trying to create a simulator. But the feeling that what happens in the game is plausible and looks real and authentic is important to us.” Bach told Industry Gamers.

He said that the game design of Battlefield 3 has been heavily researched in order to make the story as authentic as possible.

“We have a story tell and want to carry that story across in a unique style and tone grounded in authenticity. Researching authenticity is extremely important for us and it’s impossible to make this stuff up without risking our desired style and tone,” he said.

“I don’t see it as a race to be the most realistic shooter – realism, as opposed to grounded in authenticity, is not our end goal with Battlefield 3 and probably never will be. Having said that, with greater graphics capabilities comes a greater need to focus on visual details.” Said the DICE man.

However, Bach admitted that developed needed to build a brand new engine in order to achieve what they wanted to do, because nothing strong enough was available. He believes that it’ll give the entire FPS genre to evolve.

“When we set out to do Battlefield 3, we realized that no existing game engines would be able to handle what we wanted them to do. That’s why we built Frostbite 2, and that’s why I think the genre will take a leap forward.”

As seen earlier today on the Train2Game blog, that’s different to rival shooter Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 which has just seen its predecessors engine tweaked.

Bach thinks that it’s an exciting time for FPS developers, with the potential for the genre to grow even further.

“On the arena as a whole, I think we are at a very exciting point in time. I think this year will see a huge growth in the total FPS market.”

He added that social devices will also change how people play games. Battlefield 3 has a ‘Battlelog’ service which Bach believes “will make a huge difference in how people perceive where the game starts and ends.”

Games, especially FPS titles with their deep persistence and team play are no longer just hard-coded discs. They are transforming into a service.” he added.

As reported by the Train2Game blog, Battlefield 3’s rival, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, so features a social system, Call of Duty Elite, and publisher Activision also believe social will become a huge part of gaming in future.

Earlier this year, the Train2Game blog reported that EA believe Battlefield 3 will be superior to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on Battlefield 3 being ‘authentic’ rather than ‘realistic’? Are you impressed by the Frostbite 2 engine? And could it ultimately topple Call of Duty?

Leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

[Source: Industry Gamers]

Train2Game news: Gamers misunderstand meaning of ‘beta test’ say DICE

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Train2Game students – at least a few of them are – are likely to involved with the current Battlefield 3 beta, which a runs through to 10th October.

And while Train2Game students – especially the QA Testers – will understand that beta tests are an important part of game development, there filtering out bugs and tweaking gameplay, it seems gamers in general are less aware of this!

Some have criticised the bugs that have appeared while playing Battlefield, or the fact that’s only one map, but according DICE’s Patrick Liu, it’s because these people don’t get the reasons for an open beta.

“I think there’s been a misunderstanding of the term ‘beta test’!” the Battlefield 3 producer told The Guardian.

“We ran the alpha tests with a rush map and we wanted to have some sort of reference so we could compare results – so we needed to have more-or-less the same map.”

“But we do understand the concerns that we didn’t show a conquest map, but we have demoed Caspian Border, and we did run a conquest map as a limited PC-only test.

According to Liu, one of the main reasons for the Battlefield 3 beta test is to make sure the backend systems work when the game is release.

“He just wanted to know it wouldn’t crash and burn at launch” he said.

“It was horrible with Battlefield 1943 – it sold ten times the numbers we thought it would, and it was down for three or four days which is really bad. We don’t want to go through that again.”

As reported by the Train2Game blog, DICE have stated that positive feedback from the open beta is helping them tweak the multiplayer aspect of Battlefield 3.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on Liu’s comments? Do gamers misunderstand the meaning of a beta test? And have you been testing Battlefield 3?

Leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

[Source: The Guardian]

Train2Game news: Battlefield 3 beta aiding game development

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Train2Game students will be aware of the importance of testing games during development, and the significance of this is already being displayed in the Battlefield 3 Open Beta.

According to the Battlefield blog, the feedback from players is providing useful information to developers DICE when it comes to improving the game.

“The amounts of people flocking to our Open Beta is fantastic! We are happy to see so many players enjoy this Open Beta, and giving us their valuable feedback on the experience on the Battlelog forums,” the blog post says.

Train2Game students can see the Battlefield 3 blog for a full rundown of the changes that have been made as a result of testing during the Open Beta, and DICE say they’ll be updating the blog with further tweaks they make as more people provide them with feedback about Battlefield 3.

The Battlefield 3 beta for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC runs through to October 10th, and Train2Game students who wish to get involved can find out how to do so here on the Train2Game blog.

It could provide Train2Game students, especially those on the QA Tester course, with experience of properly testing a game in development.

Last week, the Train2Game blog reported that Bioware also feel that playtesting is an essential part of game development.

So Train2Game, are you involved with the Battlefield 3 beta? Have you spotted any bugs? How important do you think this Open Beta is to the development of the game?

Leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

[Source: Battlefield blog]

Train2Game news: Battlefield 3 open beta begins this month

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Train2Game students will no doubt find Beta testing certain games fun, but they’ll also be aware that it’s an important stage of game development.

It’s therefore possible that many Train2Game students are excited that the Battlefield 3 beta will be available later this month on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC. Those in the PC beta will need to use EA’s Origin digital distribution system.

Those who’ve pre-ordered Battlefield 3 on Origin or bought the Medal of Honor limited edition will gain access to the beta from September 27th. The Battlefield 3 beta will open up to everyone else from 29th September  through to 10th October

The official Battlefield 3 website prominently states that the beta is “Your chance to give feedback.” Train2Game students, especially those on the Games QA Tester course, will know that feedback is an integral part of game development.

Train2Game students who get involved in the Battlefield 3 beta will be set on the Parised ‘Operation Metro’ map while the game mode available is rush.

EA believe that Battlefield is ‘superior’ to Call of Duty, as reported by the Train2Game blog earlier this year.

So Train2Game, will you get involved with the Battlefield 3 Beta? Do you believe it could even help your ability to be an eagle eyed game developer?

Leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

Train2Game news: Sims Social has ‘redefined’ social games say EA

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Train2Game students will be aware that social gaming has changed the industry and indeed, potentially allows them new ways to get into the business of building games.

Indeed, as the Train2Game blog reported last week, social developer Playfish believe that there hasn’t been a better time for smaller developers to be successful.

Social gaming is still growing and Playfish believe that the fact EA have brought big names like The Sims to Facebook has already fundamentally changed the sector after becoming the No.2 game on the social media platform.

“In bringing one of EA’s most popular game franchises to Facebook, Playfish and The Sims team have redefined the meaning of social in video games,” Playfish founder Kristian Segerstrale told MCV. Playfish are owned by EA.

“By combining Playfish’s expertise and passion for social play with the deep creative heritage of The Sims franchise and the insights of its creators, we feel we’ve brought something very special to life – and tens of millions of players around the world have responded with extraordinary enthusiasm over the last few weeks. “

“We’re looking forward to working with players to evolve the game and its features in new and exciting ways in the coming months and beyond.” Segerstrale added.

EA has previously brought a number of high profile names to the social media scene, including the likes of FIFA and Dragon Age.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on bringing established franchises to Facebook? Has it already fundamentally changed social media gaming? Could it encourage casual gamers to pick up more ‘hardcore’ titles?

Leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

[Source: MCV]

Train2Game news: Nintendo Wii U not a ‘transitional platform’

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EA’s Peter Moore doesn’t believe the Nintendo Wii U is a stop gap between current consoles and the next-generation of consoles.

As reported by the Train2Game blog, the Nintendo Wii was revealed at this year’s E3 conference.

“People will start talking about it being a transitional platform. And I don’t think that’s going to be the case, and here’s why,” EA COO Moore told Industry Gamers.

The Nintendo Wii U’s controller looks like a tablet computer, similar to the Apple iPad, but the EA man doesn’t think its’s an issue

“I think the controller [is huge]. This is not about specs anymore… In the early days of our industry, this stuff was absolutely about how much better the games looked… Now it’s about interfaces. Now it’s about building a community in a rich, powerful way.

“Nintendo’s job, quite frankly, is to build a better mousetrap with regards to the way that we use the controller. So I don’t know what Xbox and PlayStation’s plans for their next platforms are, but it’s not going to be hanging on graphic fidelity. I guarantee you that.”

Moore also added that Nintendo ‘totally gets’ the importance of online multiplayer to modern gamers. Many Train2Game students play games together, often organised through the Train2Game forum.

“It’s critically important to us and we are relieved, if anything else, that they have made a huge [online] commitment that they have presented to us,” Moore said.

“Online certainly was not a factor with the Wii, as you know; although they had capabilities, it just wasn’t there at the level that both Xbox Live and PlayStation had. But I think Nintendo totally gets that multiplayer, building community, co-op play, having the ability to bring games that are deeper – all of these things are now very important.”

As previously reported by the Train2Game blog, Nintendo believe gamers will love the Wii U.

So Train2Game, do you think the Wii U will rival the next generation of software? Or is it going to fall away once the next Sony and Microsoft consoles arrive?

Leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

[Source: Industry Gamers]

Train2Game students entering a “fundamentally changed” games industry

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Many Train2Game students are waiting in anticipating to hear news of the next generation of games consoles, but EA’s John Riccitiello believes the traditional console cycle is over.

While speaking to investors, the EA CEO argued that the games industry has “fundamentally changed” in recent years.

“Most of us recognize that the industry has radically changed and the pace of change has accelerated dramatically,” he said “Gone forever is the four-to-five year console cadence that gave developers ample time to invest and retool for the next big wave.

“Consider that just 18 months ago, there was no iPad, Google was just experimenting with Android and most big games were limited to a single revenue opportunity at launch. Consider that each of the major consoles now has a controller that encourages users to get off the couch and get into the action.

“On smartphones and tablets like the iPhone and iPad, the top paid apps are all games. Recognize that the fastest-growing revenue streams for console, PC, smartphones and tablets are all digital, and that EA is partnering with its retail and platform partners to help jointly grow these digital revenue streams.

“While the game industry has fundamentally changed, games are reaching a far larger audience base than ever before.

The Train2Game blog has previously reported that EA are committed to digital games, with John Riccitiello stating at the start of the year that digital distribution is set to overtake traditional retail this year.

Last month, the Train2Game blog also reported that Riccitiello believes the future of the games industry is already here

Train2Game students will surely agree with the EA CEO in that the games industry has fundamentally changed in the last couple of years, but has the traditional console development cycle come to an end?

Leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

[Source: MCV]