EA pushes back release of ‘Battlefield V’ to November 20th

Looks like EA isn’t done tweaking Battlefield V just yet. The game developer is pushing back the release of the game to a month and a day after its intended release (October 19^th). The reason is EA wants to make “final adjustments to core gameplay.” And some of these will make its way to the Battlefield V open beta that’s set to launch on September 6^th. These include “adjusting the gameplay tempo, improving soldier visibility, and reducing player friction.”

Gadgets360 points out this might not be the only reason for the delay. Battlefield V comes out around the same time as Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, Fallout 76, and Red Dead Redemption 2 and is reported to have lackluster pre-order numbers. EA might be making sure it has the complete experience ready for players and give it a fighting chance.

‘Battlefield V’ gets second closed alpha test

Chalking it up to the success of the first alpha test, Battlefield V is getting a second closed alpha test starting August 14. This test will also be running for a limited time. The focus for this second test will focus on player progression speed. As mentioned in the update on EA’s website, “We have made some changes that we think will better cater to players across all play styles and skill levels based on how fast players scored points, and how quickly they progressed through the ranks in the first Closed Alpha.” Most of the content from the first test will remain the same but this time there will also be improvements in terms of matchmaking and weapon balancing. The testing is still invite-only, in English, and for PC players. Those who were part of the first test are automatically invited back. DICE will also be sending out additional invites, so keep your eyes peeled for those.

EA buys ‘Titanfall’ studio Respawn

Titanfall 2 didn’t do as well as expected when it came out, leaving the future for the game a bit uncertain. At least, the studio doesn’t seem to be suffering the same fate. EA just announced it acquired Respawn in a deal valued over US$400 million. EA has previously published two Titanfall games so the acquisition doesn’t come as a surprise.

The two are already working on a few projects. One is a third-person Star Wars game, which was announced back in May 2016. Another is a virtual reality experience. And last is another title for the Titanfall universe. What isn’t known is if it’ll be Titanfall 3 or a mobile version of the game.

Source: Engadget

EA’s new indie titles publishing program launches with ‘Fe’

EA Originals, the company’s new program to help small, independent, and innovative developing teams launch their games, introduces its first game. Fe, a nature-focused game, means fairy in Swedish and is designed by Zoink from Gothenburg, Sweden.  It’s a polygonal 3D adventure through an enchanted forest that hides many secrets. There's a sort of ethereal and somewhat spooky feel from its trailer. You won’t see any words while playing but the flora and fauna have a way of communicating with you. Zoink’s previous release was a neon-splashed quirky adventure game called Stick it to the Man. This new program has EA funding these small teams while giving one hundred percent of the revenue to the studios themselves. There is no word yet when Fe will be released and on what platforms.

Source: Engadget