In spite of all the controversy surrounding its progression system, Star Wars Battlefront II has sold well, appearing in the top charts for the past couple of months. EA continues to support the game, as well, and its latest update is out now on PS4, Xbox One, and PC.Battlefront II's 1.1 update is headlined by a couple of pieces of new content. Specifically, the patch adds a version of the planet Crait built for Blast mode. In addition, Iden Versio's TIE Fighter has been added as a playable Hero ship in multiplayer. Its special abilities include Afterburner, which gives it a burst of speed; Laser Barrage, a rapid-fire and high-damage barrage; and dual Proton Torpedoes.There's also a suite of Star Cards added alongside the new ship that provide perks and bonuses. For example, one decreases Afterburner cooldown time, and another increases Proton Torpedo damage. You can see the full list of abilities and Star Cards below.Additionally, the patch rebalances some Hero and class-specific … [Read more...] about Star Wars Battlefront 2 New Update Out Now; Here’s What It Does
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Battlefront 2 adds new Blast map and Hero ship in latest update
In the wake of its November launch, much of the conversation around Star Wars Battlefront 2 has been tied to loot boxes. With its controversial microtransaction system still frozen, EA breaks into 2018 with a new patch, number 1.1. As detailed in this forum post, the latest update adds the Crait map to the game's Blast mode wherein players can "battle in mines among the machinery and crystals leftover from previous occupants." Furthermore, patch 1.1 brings with it Iden Versio's custom-fitted TIE fighter. For 5,000 in-game credits, the new Hero Starfighter can be unlocked and used in multiplayer matches complete with an Afterburner, Laser Barrage, Dual Proton Torpedoes and Inferno Leader—the sum of which allow for temporary speed boosts, rapid-fire lasers, and homing missile proton torpedoes. "For the duration of Inferno Leader, all enemies within a radius are revealed to allied players," says EA. "These enemies receive increased damage from all sources." The update … [Read more...] about Battlefront 2 adds new Blast map and Hero ship in latest update
New Star Wars Battlefront 2 patch will nerf Wookies and fix bugs, dodging and rolling
A new Star Wars Battlefront 2 patch will nerf Wookies, tweak heroes, and “address more than a handful of items and misc. bug fixes”, according to Mat Everett, Star Wars Battlefront community manager. It's coming — Dennis Brännvall (@DICE_FireWall) January 10, 2018 “Just wanted to provide a quick update on the upcoming happenings as we have seen a flurry of tweets from Dennis becoming the ‘Yes’ man in the last few hours,” Everett said on EA’s official Battlefront forum. “This patch is in the approval stage and should arrive soon pending those approvals.” Everett went on to say that the patch would adjust Heroes, Wookie Warriors, Specialist, Heavy and Officer troopers, as well as weapons. Once the patch is live, you’ll be able to view the change notes from the game updates section of the forum. Yesterday, we reported that despite the sustained controversy surrounding its use of loot boxes, Star Wars Battlefront 2 … [Read more...] about New Star Wars Battlefront 2 patch will nerf Wookies and fix bugs, dodging and rolling
EA Files Matchmaking Patent; Could it Be Used for Anthem?
Last year, Activision caught flack when it was revealed that the company had filed a patent that uses matchmaking to encourage players to push microtransactions. But it seems that Activision is not the only company researching new ways to increase microtransaction revenue, as new reports of a similar EA patent have caused concern. In September 2017, Electronic Arts was granted a new patent for a Multiplayer Video Game Matchmaking Optimization algorithm. The algorithm is called Engagement Optimized Matchmaking (EOMM) and aims to use matchmaking in order to keep players engaged in a game for longer. Playstyle, sportsmanship, skills, and a willingness to spend money are just some of the factors that this algorithm takes into account. Although the patent filing discusses engagement, many fans have raised eyebrows at this, saying that it is a way for EA to push players towards microtransactions. After all, a willingness to spend money has no bearing on a person’s engagement in a game … [Read more...] about EA Files Matchmaking Patent; Could it Be Used for Anthem?
Star Wars Battlefront 2 Controversy Won’t Harm EA, According to Wall Street
Wall Street believes that Star Wars Battlefront 2's loot box controversy won't harm EA, with an analyst calling the pushback against the publisher "overdone." EA pulled an unprecedented about-face on microtransactions after a major consumer backlash, with the publisher temporarily removing paid currency in Battlefront 2 prior to its launch. It's unclear whether or not microtransactions will ever be reinstated in the game, but a Wall Street analyst believes that the company won't be hurt by the move. Gerrick Johnson, Director at BMO Capital Markets, posted a note to his clients in which he shared his thoughts on the EA controversy. Increasing his own target stock price for the publisher by 14.82%, Johnson claimed that the company wouldn't face long-term ramifications for the uproar surrounding Battlefront 2's loot boxes and microtransactions: “While the cancellation of micro-transactions in Star Wars makes for an intriguing headline, the impact sounds much larger … [Read more...] about Star Wars Battlefront 2 Controversy Won’t Harm EA, According to Wall Street