Battlefield 2042: DICE Says Just Making Maps Bigger Won’t Work, Game Uses “Clustering” for Objectives

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With Battlefield 2042, DICE is doubling the mayhem, as the game moves from its 64-player skirmishes (32v32) to bigger 128-player (64v64) matches. While some might think it’s just a case of adding more players, vehicles, and making maps bigger, that’s not the case according to DICE.

Related Reading: Battlefield 2042 AI Soldiers Will Be Used to Fill 128-Player Matches, Hazard Zone Not Battle Royale

In the Xbox Extended Showcase video feature, DICE Design Director Daniel Berlin commented on how the studio changed their philosophy on map design for Battlefield 2042.

We altered our way of handling level design, because it wasn’t just a simple as making it (map) bigger, and portion the locations. It just doesn’t work that way. So we’ve leaned on a new type of design mentality that we’re calling “clustering.”  Now with clustering (it) means you’ll have a massive battlefield in front of you. But within this massive battlefield, you have particular clusters of objectives.

That makes sense, as just making maps bigger would mean it’s easier to get lost, and easier to get bored when you’re just trekking through one objective point to another. With DICE’s “clustering,” it sounds like they’re making sure that matches — regardless of where you are in the map — will have plenty of action.

Speaking of maps, DICE showed comparison images of Battlefield 2042’s maps sized up against other big maps in the franchise.

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YoYo-Pete
2 years ago

I took it as ‘There’s a really big map but we force the players all into the same area’ instead of ‘ regardless of where you are in the map’. 🤷‍♂️

SleepyJoeStoleTheShow
SleepyJoeStoleTheShow
Reply to  YoYo-Pete
2 years ago

No he basically just said that it’s a large map. With things in it to do. Spread out in particular spots. Like we already have…

Hard avoid is my recommendation for this game. If it comes out busted on day one those buyers can eat it. They deserve it.

MarthKoopa
MarthKoopa
2 years ago

PlanetSide, in 2003, had bigger maps and battles than this sad pathetic trash

KHAOTIC
KHAOTIC
Reply to  MarthKoopa
2 years ago

Interesting observation though it seems you are just self projecting.

MarthKoopa
MarthKoopa
Reply to  KHAOTIC
2 years ago

Projecting what? I’m just stating facts. “AAA” developers these days have no talent or creativity

SleepyJoeStoleTheShow
SleepyJoeStoleTheShow
Reply to  MarthKoopa
2 years ago

That is basically true. AAA is a series of safe, focus tested investments. They aren’t actually quality products, they just know specific marketing can get the witless masses to say it’s good for them. This is what happens when things go mainstream.

SleepyJoeStoleTheShow
SleepyJoeStoleTheShow
Reply to  MarthKoopa
2 years ago

Battlefield didn’t need to be big. It needed to be better at being Battlefield. Instead of doing that it’s already trying to reinvent itself after screwing up the modern Battlefield titles. Reboot not needed.

Joshua Brunt
Joshua Brunt
Reply to  SleepyJoeStoleTheShow
2 years ago

I loved planetside! Was the first ever multiplayer game I played on PC! You can still play with a community @PSForever

SleepyJoeStoleTheShow
SleepyJoeStoleTheShow
2 years ago

That was utter nonsense.

We already have big maps with objectives. Clustered in specific locations. The maps now aren’t that great. Vehicle balance is going to be more annoying than ever.

Joshua Brunt
Joshua Brunt
2 years ago

I’m looking forward to the game, staying optimistic and hope it’s going to be a triumph! BRING IT, DICE!!!!

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