Tag: EA

  • Star Wars Game Delivers Fan Hopes 8 Years After Launch

    Key Takeaways

    1. Revamped Progression System: Battlefront II now features a simplified progression system that allows players to earn upgrades through gameplay instead of spending money.

    2. Variety of Game Modes: The game offers a wide range of modes, including large-scale battles, cooperative missions, and unique experiences like Ewok Hunt, catering to different player preferences.

    3. Increased Player Count: The game has recently hit a new record for player count, indicating a significant revival in interest and engagement.

    4. Hope for Battlefront 3: Fans are optimistic about the possibility of a Battlefront 3, fueled by the renewed success of Battlefront II, despite recent setbacks in game development.

    5. Long-Term Enjoyment: After years of improvements, Battlefront II has become the engaging multiplayer experience that players desired, potentially keeping the community entertained for years to come.

    Star Wars Battlefront II is having a amazing revival, hitting a new record for player count just a few days ago. When it first came out, the game faced heavy backlash due to its pay-to-win features, which made players either play for an eternity or pay real cash to unlock iconic characters like Darth Vader. This uproar was so significant that it led to discussions at the government level about loot boxes and gambling in video games. However, EA and DICE have since revamped nearly every critical component of the game.

    New Progression System

    Currently, Battlefront II showcases a simplified progression system that is entirely reliant on gameplay. Players can earn star cards and upgrades for heroes just by playing, instead of spending money. The game’s previously cluttered economy has been streamlined, and cosmetic items are now linked to in-game achievements or credits that players earn.

    Diverse Game Modes

    The assortment of game modes also plays a big role in its comeback. From the large-scale 40-player Galactic Assault conflicts to tight Capital Supremacy skirmishes, cooperative PvE missions, chaotic Heroes vs. Villains battles, and the unexpectedly suspenseful Ewok Hunt, there’s a mode for every Star Wars enthusiast.

    Future of Battlefront

    Many fans are still hopeful for a potential Battlefront 3 in the near future and believe that the revived interest in Battlefront II shows there’s a market for it. However, the recent shutdown of Cliffhanger Games and the cancellation of the forthcoming Black Panther game have been yet another setback for the chances of Battlefront 3 becoming a reality.

    After eight years, Battlefront II has finally transformed into the engaging, visually impressive multiplayer Star Wars experience that players have always wanted. Ironically, it seems that many people are just now starting to appreciate it — all at once. While Battlefront 3 might not be on the horizon anytime soon, Battlefront II appears to have enough content and quality to keep fans entertained for many years — provided the player community remains stable.

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  • EA Cancels Black Panther Game: Farewell to Wakanda

    EA Cancels Black Panther Game: Farewell to Wakanda

    Key Takeaways

    1. EA has canceled the Black Panther game and is closing the studio, Cliffhanger Games, that was developing it.
    2. The cancellation was confirmed by EA Entertainment president Laura Miele, who will assist affected employees in finding new positions.
    3. The Black Panther game was announced to celebrate the character’s 57th anniversary and aimed to provide players with greater narrative control.
    4. Despite the cancellation of the Black Panther game, EA’s partnership with Marvel Entertainment will continue, with future projects managed by Motive Studios.
    5. Fans can look forward to playing as Black Panther in the delayed Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra and in the existing Marvel’s Avengers game.

    In 2023, EA revealed that it had formed a long-term collaboration with Marvel Entertainment to create a minimum of three action-adventure games for both consoles and PC. Among the titles that were disclosed were third-person single-player games featuring Iron Man and Black Panther. However, today, EA has confirmed the cancellation of the Black Panther game and is closing down the studio that was set up for its development.

    Studio Details

    The Black Panther game was being created by Cliffhanger Games, a game studio based in Seattle that was specifically formed for this project. The studio was led by Kevin Stephens, a previous executive at Monolith, which was shut down by Warner Bros earlier this year. The team included experienced developers who had worked on notable games like Halo Infinite, Call of Duty, and God of War.

    Cancellation Announcement

    The cancellation news first appeared on IGN, which referenced an internal memo from EA Entertainment president, Laura Miele, sent to the staff. In her message, Miele stated that the company would help affected employees find new positions within EA. She also mentioned that EA intends to concentrate its efforts on titles like Battlefield, The Sims, Skate, and Apex Legends.

    Game Announcement and Future Plans

    The Black Panther game was announced to commemorate the 57th anniversary of the character’s comic book debut. The press release about the game claimed that players would have “more agency and control over their narrative than they have ever experienced in a story-driven game.”

    Even though the Black Panther game has been canceled, the partnership between EA and Marvel Entertainment will still go on, with future Marvel projects being managed by Motive Studios, the team behind the Iron Man game. There is no new information regarding the Iron Man game, but it appears to still be progressing.

    For those who were looking forward to stepping into the role of Black Panther, they will need to wait for the recently delayed Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra, which will showcase Azzuri, T’Challa’s grandfather, as Black Panther. You can also play as T’Challa in the Marvel’s Avengers video game (currently priced at $27.33 on Amazon) that was launched in 2020.

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  • My First F1 25 Experience as a Racing Game Beginner

    My First F1 25 Experience as a Racing Game Beginner

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Structure and Monetization: F1 25 includes a seasonal Battle Pass, a shop for in-game purchases, and requires an internet connection to unlock all features.

    2. Lack of Tutorials: The game does not offer a tutorial section for newcomers, which could be a disadvantage for those unfamiliar with F1 games.

    3. Varied System Requirements: The PC requirements for F1 25 vary greatly depending on the desired graphics settings, with high-end specifications needed for advanced features like Path Tracing.

    4. Accessible Racing Experience: The game is designed to be beginner-friendly with assists, but turning them off can make it challenging for new players.

    5. Diverse Game Modes: F1 25 features multiple modes, including narrative-driven Braking Point 3 and in-depth career modes, catering to both racing and management fans.

    As I mentioned, I don’t have much experience with F1 games. Up until now, my only engagement with them was through the built-in benchmarking tool. The last time I seriously followed Formula 1, Michael Schumacher was the champ. Generally, racing games aren’t my thing; I haven’t played any since Need for Speed 2. So when I decided to check out what F1 25 has to offer, I realized I knew very little about how much the genre has changed in over 20 years.

    First Impressions

    As soon as I launched the game, it was clear I was dealing with an EA title. An internet connection isn’t strictly necessary, but it is needed to unlock all the game’s features. There’s also a seasonal Battle Pass with a ‘VIP’ version that can be unlocked just by playing through various game modes in F1 2025. Naturally, there’s a shop filled with items you can buy using in-game currency, which can be obtained with real money.

    Navigating the Menu

    After sifting through what felt like a dozen pages, I managed to reach the main menu. I immediately searched for a tutorial section, but to my surprise, there wasn’t one. This lack of a tutorial is strange. Yes, many buyers of a new game will likely know how F1 games function, but having a tutorial for newcomers would have been helpful. After all, FIFA games have tutorials, if I recall correctly.

    System Requirements

    F1 25’s PC requirements are quite broad, depending on how you want to play. To achieve 1080p at 60 FPS, you’ll need a Ryzen 3 1300, GeForce GTX 1060/RX 570, and 8 GB of RAM, although the visuals won’t be impressive. If you want path tracing, you’ll require a Core i7-12600K/Ryzen 7 4700X, RTX 4080/RX 7900 XTX, and 16 GB of DDR5 RAM for the same resolution and frame rate.

    Performance Insights

    With everything set to max, my setup (Ryzen 7 5800X3D, RTX 3080 Ti, 46 GB DDR4-3,200) could easily maintain 60 FPS without DLSS at 1440p. However, with Path Tracing enabled at 1080p, that dropped to 28 FPS. Not the best experience, but still decent for a GPU that’s a few generations old.

    Exploring Braking Point 3

    The marketing for F1 25 highlighted Braking Point 3, a narrative-focused mode that lets you drive a Konnersport car. This mode has surprising depth, including dialogue choices that impact your character’s level. I didn’t expect speech prompts in an F1 game, so this was a nice surprise. There’s a lot to explore, and this mode is likely the one I’ll finish first due to its RPG elements.

    Racing Experience

    The racing is enjoyable, I suppose. The game is made easier by default with assists like automatic braking, traction control, and a visible racing line. F1 2025 is quite friendly for beginners. Does that make the competition a bit too easy? Yes. However, making the game accessible to more players is a good move, especially for a title like F1 25 that has heavy monetization.

    Testing the Waters

    I decided to turn off all the assists, and let’s just say I won’t be doing that again until I get a lot more practice. I’m sure it’s a better experience for seasoned players, but it was overwhelming for someone new. Once again, a practice mode to experiment with different assists would have been great.

    Damage Mechanics

    I’m not sure if it was my lack of knowledge or just how the game is set up, but my car sustained almost no damage when I accidentally hit other racers. It seems this only matters in a certain game mode. I found a toggle for realistic vehicle damage, but I couldn’t turn it on. I did receive a two-second penalty at the end of the race, though.

    Career Modes

    I took a break from my Konnersport adventures to check out other modes in F1 25. I started with Driver Career, created a character in the F2 league, and progressed a bit. The character creation options were surprisingly extensive. It seems F1 games have incorporated things like Fortnite dances now. So far, it’s been smooth sailing, but I expect some twists ahead. I’ll dive deeper into this after finishing Braking Point.

    My Team Career

    Next, I tried out My Team Career. At first glance, it seemed straightforward. You manage resources, design a team logo, set budgets, and work with sponsors. But then race day came, and I was hit with a ton of information. Great for someone who knows the terms, but a bit confusing for a newbie. There’s some racing involved too, which is a refreshing change from the usual management mechanics.

    Overall Impressions

    Has F1 25 shifted my view on racing games? A bit. Would I suggest it to new players? It varies. EA and Codemasters have tailored it to a specific audience, so it might not appeal to everyone. While there’s a good amount of single-player content, many features focus on multiplayer. However, the local split-screen/LAN co-op mode is a lifesaver, potentially offering many hours of fun with friends.

    Final Thoughts

    Despite the annoying monetization options, F1 25 is a well-crafted game that really delves into its source material. I’ve barely scratched the surface with only 10-12 hours of gameplay. If I were a regular F1 follower, I would definitely consider playing it. Regardless, I plan to finish Braking Point 3.

    Do F1 games need a new version every year? Probably not. But that’s already happened. While F1 25 is the first in the series to support Path Tracing, its high requirements make it hard to access for most players. In conclusion, if you’re an F1 fan wanting to experience the sport in a new way, give it a try. Is it worth buying if you already own F1 24? That really depends on how much of an F1 enthusiast you are.

    My First F1 25 Experience as a Racing Game BeginnerMy First F1 25 Experience as a Racing Game BeginnerMy First F1 25 Experience as a Racing Game BeginnerMy First F1 25 Experience as a Racing Game BeginnerMy First F1 25 Experience as a Racing Game BeginnerMy First F1 25 Experience as a Racing Game BeginnerMy First F1 25 Experience as a Racing Game BeginnerMy First F1 25 Experience as a Racing Game BeginnerMy First F1 25 Experience as a Racing Game Beginner
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  • Battlefield 6 Destruction Gameplay Leaked: Bad Company 2 Vibes

    Battlefield 6 Destruction Gameplay Leaked: Bad Company 2 Vibes

    Key Takeaways

    1. Leaked videos show exciting gameplay features, including vehicle destruction and dynamic combat situations in Battlefield 6.
    2. The game will reintroduce a single-player campaign, drawing inspiration from the Lioness series and the 2024 film Civil War.
    3. Classic multiplayer modes like Conquest and Breakthrough will return, with potential hints at a battle royale mode.
    4. The community remains skeptical due to past disappointments with Battlefield 2042, particularly regarding technical issues and missing features.
    5. Concerns about aggressive monetization and a possible subscription service, Battlefield Pro, are prevalent among players.

    There’s still no set date for the launch of Battlefield 6, but leaks from the “Battlefield Labs” testing ground keep popping up. On May 20, a user named goodboy posted three short videos on X, giving a sneak peek of the much-anticipated AAA shooter in action. A notable response came from David Goldfarb, who was the lead designer for Battlefield: Bad Company 2. He shared his nostalgic feelings in a post saying, “Oh the BC2 vibes this is giving me. Having flashbacks to the first time we playtested Arida Harbor.” Here’s a quick summary of the leaked videos:

    Action-Packed Clips

    In the first video, we see the player driving an armored personnel carrier through a city ravaged by war. Amid explosions and flying debris, one detail stands out: the vehicle casually backs through a building extension, showcasing the game’s destruction system in a dramatic way.

    The second video features the player on foot, taking cover inside a structure as a tank draws near. However, the moment of safety is brief – the outer wall crumbles under fierce gunfire, collapsing into a cloud of dust and rubble.

    Scenic Battlefield

    The third video, while noticeably of lower quality, provides a look at a mountainous rural landscape. The terrain includes elevation changes that could be strategically useful and several damaged buildings, suggesting dynamic combat situations in more open areas.

    While we can’t expect the official announcement of Battlefield 6 until summer, there are already several key details that have come to light. Unlike the previous game, this one will reintroduce a single-player campaign. Creative Director Roman Campos-Oriola has mentioned that the story draws inspiration from the Lioness series and the 2024 film Civil War, hinting at a more unusual narrative approach. Classic multiplayer modes like Conquest and Breakthrough are set to return, and dataminers have found hints of a possible battle royale mode. In the meantime, rumors about a subscription service called Battlefield Pro have raised concerns, especially considering EA’s history with aggressive monetization.

    Community Concerns

    Despite the exciting announcements and leaks, the player community remains doubtful, mainly due to the lasting disappointment caused by Battlefield 2042. At its release, the game faced numerous technical problems and was missing crucial features like a server browser and a scoreboard – a blunder that many gamers still remember. Adding to the worries, fears of heavy monetization have intensified with the speculation about a subscription model. Many players are hoping for a complete and polished game, rather than another live-service title filled with microtransactions, battle passes, and optional subscriptions. Whether EA and DICE have learned from the Battlefield 2042 misstep and can satisfy player demands is still uncertain. According to EA’s Q4 2025 financial report, Battlefield 6 is likely to debut by the end of March 2026 at the latest.

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  • EA Will Keep Game Prices Steady Despite Industry Trends

    EA Will Keep Game Prices Steady Despite Industry Trends

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tariffs have increased prices for consoles and games from major companies like Nintendo, Sony, and Xbox.
    2. EA is maintaining its current game pricing, showing confidence in its business growth.
    3. EA reported strong Q4 performance, with broad-based momentum across its portfolio.
    4. Notable sales include The Sims with double-digit growth and the American Football franchise exceeding $1 billion in net bookings.
    5. EA is optimistic for FY26 with upcoming titles like Battlefield and Skate, but acknowledges potential challenges from existing games and recent layoffs.

    The uncertainty around tariffs has had an effect on the gaming sector, leading to increased prices for consoles and games from major players like Nintendo, Sony, and Xbox. Meanwhile, EA appears to be maintaining its current pricing for games, showing confidence in its expanding business, at least for the time being. This information was shared during the company’s latest earnings call, where executives discussed various reports and the results for Q4.

    Strong Performance in Q4

    Stuart Canfield, the CFO of Electronic Arts, mentioned that the company finished FY25 on a high note, with Q4 demonstrating “broad-based momentum across the portfolio positioning the business for accelerated growth.” During the earnings call, a query regarding price hikes for games was posed, referring to Nintendo and Xbox. Canfield responded by saying that there will be no alterations to the current strategy for now.

    Impressive Sales Figures

    Highlights from the call reveal that The Sims achieved double-digit growth in the quarter, while Split Fiction has sold nearly 4 million units since its launch in March. In addition, EA’s American Football franchise surpassed $1 billion in net bookings for FY25.

    Looking Ahead to FY26

    As for FY26, EA is optimistic that the upcoming next Battlefield game, along with Skate, The Sims, and the EA Sports portfolio, will contribute to year-over-year growth in net bookings. However, it does recognize that the growth in net bookings and live services may be countered by Apex Legends and potential challenges from their catalog. This could relate to the recent layoffs at EA affecting the Apex Legends and Star Wars Jedi teams.

    In good news for EA fans, they can be assured that prices for their beloved franchises will stay the same, at least for now. Moreover, the next Battlefield game is set to be revealed this summer and will be released by March 2026.

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  • Battlefield 6 Release Date Set Before March 2026 Amid GTA 6 Delay

    Battlefield 6 Release Date Set Before March 2026 Amid GTA 6 Delay

    Key Takeaways

    1. The upcoming Battlefield game is set to launch by March 2026, with a possibility of a holiday 2025 release.
    2. EA CEO Andrew Wilson indicated that the delay of GTA 6 will not impact Battlefield’s release strategy.
    3. Developers are making significant changes to avoid the issues faced with Battlefield 2042.
    4. EA is facing financial challenges, but successful titles have provided some uplift.
    5. There are expectations that Battlefield 6 will be promoted during the holiday season due to reduced competition.

    EA CEO Andrew Wilson has announced that the upcoming Battlefield game is set to launch by March 2026. This news isn’t a surprise since the company had already indicated that Battlefield 6 would arrive in the fiscal year 2026. Following the delay of GTA 6, analysts were anticipating a range of news from other companies. According to Variety, this update was shared during EA’s financial report covering January 1st to March 31st.

    Release Timing

    The previous expectation for Battlefield 6 also pointed to a release by the end of March 2026. However, this timeline does not exclude the possibility of a holiday 2025 launch. Wilson did not retract his comments on a summer announcement in the latest fiscal report. Even with efforts to limit leaks, details about the shooter have surfaced from Battlefield Labs playtests. To avoid another mishap like Battlefield 2042, developers are willing to implement significant alterations.

    Market Influences

    Earlier, Wilson mentioned that the release of GTA 6 could affect the timing of Battlefield 6. For now, it seems that the delay of the action RPG hasn’t impacted EA’s strategy. Still, many gamers believe the company will aim to release the next Battlefield title in November or December. With no major competition from the Rockstar Games blockbuster, it’s easier for publishers to promote their games during the holiday period.

    Financial Challenges

    EA has been encountering financial challenges that Battlefield 6 could potentially address. The company recently let go of developers at Respawn Entertainment and scrapped an unreleased Titanfall project. Layoffs have also hit Codemasters, leading to the halt of work on EA Sports WRC. Nonetheless, Wilson was quick to highlight the publisher’s successes. Titles like Split Fiction and College Football 25 have provided a much-needed uplift.

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  • Battlefield 6 Leak: EA’s Controversial ‘Battlefield Pro’ Subscription

    Battlefield 6 Leak: EA’s Controversial ‘Battlefield Pro’ Subscription

    Key Takeaways

    1. Dataminers suggest a new monetization strategy called Battlefield Pro may be introduced for Battlefield 6, resembling subscription models like Fortnite Crew.
    2. EA has a history of implementing similar monetization strategies, such as Battlefield Premium and FIFA’s Ultimate Team, indicating a trend in their approach.
    3. The rumored Battlefield Pro subscription lacks official confirmation, leading to skepticism about its validity.
    4. Community reactions on Reddit are predominantly negative, with gamers expressing concerns over EA’s past monetization practices and potential pay-to-win scenarios.
    5. Players worry that exclusive content from a subscription model could disrupt game balance and prioritize profits over player experience.

    Following the recent excitement about game prices stirred up by highly anticipated games like GTA 6 and Mario Kart World, EA might soon be in the spotlight – not because of pricing, but due to the aggressive monetization of Battlefield 6. Dataminers suggest that a new monetization strategy called Battlefield Pro could be on the way for the next shooter in the franchise.

    Datamined Information

    As reported by MP1st, this leak is based on data mined straight from Battlefield Labs. However, the lack of reliable sources or any kind of official confirmation raises questions about its validity. Despite this, well-known publications like Insider Gaming and the German magazine GameStar have taken notice of the story, indicating that it might have some significance. From the information gathered, Battlefield Pro seems to adopt a model similar to subscription services like Fortnite Crew or the R6 Membership in Rainbow Six Siege. Subscribers are likely to enjoy the following perks:

    EA’s History with Monetization

    A premium subscription for Battlefield would fit nicely with EA’s past monetization strategies. The company has previously rolled out similar models, such as Battlefield Premium, which provided early access and cosmetic items, as well as the often criticized Ultimate Team system in FIFA (now EA Sports FC). Although EA has not made an official statement yet, the idea of a Battlefield Pro subscription doesn’t appear too far-fetched in this situation. Nonetheless, whether this model will actually come to fruition remains uncertain.

    Community Reactions

    The overall sentiment on Reddit regarding a possible Battlefield Pro subscription is largely negative. Many gamers are reminded of EA’s previous monetization blunders and openly voice their disapproval of the rumored structure. A common sentiment is that the publisher is once again prioritizing profits over player input, with comments like “EA hasn’t learned a thing” and “they’ve messed it up again” showcasing that viewpoint. The major worry revolves around the potential for exclusive content, such as weapons, that could provide gameplay advantages, which might lead to pay-to-win scenarios and disrupt the overall balance of the game.

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  • AAA Racing Game on Steam Now Just $5, Down from $70

    AAA Racing Game on Steam Now Just $5, Down from $70

    Key Takeaways

    1. Illegal Street Racing Theme: Need for Speed Unbound focuses on illegal street racing in Lakeshore City, inspired by Chicago, where players aim to enter a premier tournament by winning races and enhancing their vehicles.

    2. Day-Night Cycle: The game features a day-night cycle where daytime races are safer but offer smaller rewards, while nighttime races provide bigger payouts, but with increased police presence and more aggressive AI.

    3. Mixed Community Reception: Players have expressed dissatisfaction with the relentless police AI and slow campaign progression, along with a mandatory EA app installation requirement that frustrates some users.

    4. Distinct Visual Style: Lakeshore City is designed as an open world with a mix of realistic environments and comic-like effects, though some players wish for an option to disable these vibrant graphics.

    5. Pricing and Discounts: Currently retailing for $70, Need for Speed Unbound has significant discounts available, with prices dropping as low as $5 during sales, along with special editions also seeing major price reductions.

    Need for Speed Unbound is all about illegal street racing set in Lakeshore City, a make-believe city inspired by Chicago. Players step into the shoes of an ambitious driver looking to get into The Grand, the city’s premier tournament, by winning high-stakes races, collecting cash, and enhancing their vehicles. The game has a day-night cycle that adds a strategic twist. Races during the day are safer but yield smaller rewards, whereas nighttime races can offer bigger payouts but also come with a heavier police presence. The more reckless the driving, the more aggressive the police become. Yet, some players are not thrilled with this aspect. A lot of the community thinks the police AI is too relentless and unbalanced, leading to frustrating chases that disrupt the game’s pace.

    Open World Features

    In Need for Speed Unbound, Lakeshore City is an open world that’s split into different areas. Players can zoom through urban spots like downtown filled with tall buildings, as well as vast industrial zones, winding mountain paths, and fast highways. The game combines realistic worlds with comic-like effects and cel-shading, creating a distinct visual style. Nevertheless, many gamers have voiced their discontent over the absence of an option to turn off the vibrant effects in the graphics settings. Beyond the single-player campaign, Unbound offers a multiplayer mode where up to 16 players can compete against each other.

    Mixed Reviews

    The German gaming publication Eurogamer gave Need for Speed Unbound a nod for its dynamic open world and exhilarating speed. However, they pointed out the unbalanced AI and slow progress in the campaign as areas needing improvement. Each in-game day only allows a limited number of retries for unsuccessful races, and the rewards are often too low compared to the prices of new cars. This creates a feeling that early progress drags on unnecessarily. Another annoyance is the compulsory installation of the EA app, even when starting the game through Steam, which has left many players unhappy.

    Pricing and Availability

    Developed by Criterion Games in collaboration with Electronic Arts, Need for Speed Unbound was released in December 2022. Since its launch, the game has garnered almost 38,000 reviews on Steam, but with only 62% being positive, it falls into the “Mixed” category. Its reception on Metacritic hasn’t been much better, boasting a Metascore of 73 and a user score of 5.9.

    Need for Speed Unbound typically retails for $70 on Steam, but during the spring sale, there is a massive 93% discount until March 20, dropping the price to about $5. The Palace Edition, which comes with four additional cars and cosmetic items, is marked down by 85%, reducing its price from $80 to $12. The Ultimate Collection, featuring all released content, is available at an 80% discount for $17 instead of $85.

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  • EA Faces Criticism: Microtransactions Found in Closed Alpha

    EA Faces Criticism: Microtransactions Found in Closed Alpha

    Key Takeaways

    1. EA is known for strong monetization techniques, leading to player annoyance, especially with pay-to-win loot boxes and microtransactions.
    2. Star Wars Battlefront II faced significant backlash over its monetization, resulting in a complete revamp of its system.
    3. EA’s upcoming Skate game has introduced a currency system called “San Van Bucks” during its closed alpha for acquiring cosmetic items.
    4. Community reactions on Reddit are mixed, with some confused about monetization in early testing, while others support it due to the game being free-to-play.
    5. Players can keep any purchased San Van Bucks when the game transitions to Early Access, but all other progress will reset.

    EA has been known for its strong monetization techniques, which often leads to player annoyance. Examples include the pay-to-win loot boxes found in FIFA (now known as EA Sports FC) and the heavy reliance on microtransactions in Star Wars Battlefront II. This particular game faced such a massive backlash that its system was completely revamped. Despite this, EA persists in making in-game purchases a key part of its overall strategy.

    Criticism Over New Game

    Now, EA is under fire again for its monetization approach, this time concerning a game that hasn’t even been released yet. As reported by Insider Gaming, the upcoming Skate installment is currently in closed alpha, where a currency system called “San Van Bucks” has been introduced. This allows players to acquire cosmetic items from the Skate Store. Full Circle, the developer, states that this early test is aimed at refining the system before the game’s Early Access debut in 2025, ensuring a “positive gaming experience.” Notably, while all progress will reset before Early Access starts, any San Van Bucks purchased will remain, as long as players use the same EA account.

    Community Reaction

    The introduction of microtransactions during a closed alpha has led to intense discussions on Reddit. Many users are confused about why a payment system is operational when essential gameplay features are still being finalized. Conversely, some supporters argue that since Skate will be a free-to-play game, having a monetization method is necessary anyway, making early testing a sensible decision. Provided that purchases are just for cosmetic items, some gamers don’t see a problem with it.

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  • Producer Seeks Removal of Battlefield 6 Leaks and NDA Protection

    Producer Seeks Removal of Battlefield 6 Leaks and NDA Protection

    Key Takeaways

    1. Numerous video clips of Battlefield 6 are being shared on social media, despite EA’s attempts to remove them.
    2. David Sirland, the lead producer, has stated that EA will pursue players who reveal new gameplay features, indicating the NDA is still in effect.
    3. Battlefield Labs will conduct multiple playtests, potentially impacting the release date for Battlefield 6.
    4. Sirland believes that Dice has sufficient feedback from current playtests and hinted at a larger playtest in the future for more players.
    5. Positive feedback from leaked content has led to speculation about the need for censorship, particularly regarding returning gameplay features like the “revive loop.”

    Since the commencement of the Battlefield 6 playtest, numerous video clips have emerged on social media platforms. Even though EA initially made attempts to remove these posts, fresh footage continues to surface each day. This has led certain gamers to speculate whether the publisher has lifted the non-disclosure agreement (NDA) that testers had signed. Unfortunately, the lead producer for Battlefield, David Sirland, is dampening those hopes. In a reply on X, he indicated that EA plans to actively pursue any players who reveal new gameplay features or visuals from Battlefield 6.

    Playtests and Their Impact

    Battlefield Labs is set to conduct various playtests, which might affect the yet-to-be-announced release date for Battlefield 6. Both EA and developer Dice are making efforts to avoid the bugs and optimization issues that affected Battlefield 2042. A few thousand players participated in the initial session, which has been sufficient to provide fans with a continuous flow of leaked content.

    Community Feedback Concerns

    One user inquired whether lifting the restrictions would yield more constructive feedback from the community. However, Sirland, the lead producer, thinks that Dice already obtains plenty of information. He also suggested that there may be a larger Battlefield 6 playtest in the future, allowing more gamers to take part.

    The Role of NDAs

    Non-disclosure agreements are common in private beta or alpha testing phases, where bugs might lead to a negative impression among potential buyers. Nevertheless, given the positive feedback on the leaks, EA might not feel an urgent need to censor those sharing content. Observers have commended the return of certain gameplay features in Battlefield 6, such as the ability to pull teammates to safety. Sirland clarified that this feature is part of a “revive loop” that introduces a fresh aspect to multiplayer matches.

    For now, the floodgates are open for leaked footage of Battlefield 6. EA will need to be considerably more watchful to ensure that upcoming features of the shooter remain confidential.

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    Producer Seeks Removal of Battlefield 6 Leaks and NDA Protection
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