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343 Executive Producer Drops New Details On Halo 5: Guardians’ Multiplayer Beta

Halo 5: Guardians‘ multiplayer beta is just over two weeks away and is the first time fans will get a taste of developer 343 Industries’ new vision for Halo multiplayer from the comfort of their own home.

Executive Producer Josh Holmes dropped by the studio’s fourth bulletin update to offer a few new details on the upcoming beta.

As you may have already heard, the beta will allow gamers to test out Halo 5: Guardians’ spectator mode. According to Holmes, players can view matches of anyone on their friends list. The stream will be slightly delayed, however, in order to avoid the potential for cheating, akin to a saved film streaming off a dedicated server.

The beta will involve fans in more ways than one as players will have the opportunity to cast votes on week two and three, Holmes added. On week two, players will vote for their choice of Power Weapon that will appear on certain maps while, on week three, players will vote between maps.

Holmes says seven maps and three game modes will be introduced gradually throughout the three weeks of beta, starting on December 29, so there’ll be something new to try out every week.

At 4:50 of the bulletin, 343 shows off some brand new exclusive Halo 5: Guardians multiplayer gameplay on the map Truth, so you’ll definitely check it out in the video above, ideally with some headphones. Josh Holmes’ talk starts at around 2:30.

For all your Halo 5: Guardians news, keep your sights on MP1st.

David Veselka

Musician, Gamer, Geek. Subscriber

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Visceral Lead Multiplayer Designer Talks Battlefield Hardline Multiplayer Class Balance

Fuelling some discussion over on the Battlelog forums, Visceral Games Lead Multiplayer Designer on Battlefield Hardline dropped by to describe some of his thoughts on class balance in the studio’s upcoming cops vs. criminals shooter.

Moving away from Battlefield 4‘s more traditional military theme and into the crime-filled world of the criminal underground, Battlefield Hardline takes on a slightly different philosophy to multiplayer class balance. Similar to Battlefield 4, the four-class set-up remains, though the role each plays may differ.

Here’s the lowdown on Hardline’s class balance philosophy in the words of Lead Multiplayer Designer Thadeus Sasser:

OPERATOR – Role: Primary Gunfighter and Medic

    • First Aid Pack…Heal teammates 
    • Survivalist…Revive yourself after an explosive kill 
    • Revive…Revive teammates

This class is powerful, but balanced now. The Operator’s extensive selection of carbines and assault rifles gives him a wide engagement range and the medical function of the class is very important for teamwork. However, his limited number of gadgets makes him a little bit more accessible to new players and also limits his flexibility, meaning other classes are needed to support him.

MECHANIC – Role: Gadgets and Vehicles

    • 40mm GL…Destroy vehicles 
    • Repair Tool…Repair vehicles, disarm explosive traps 
    • Sabotage…Trap vehicles and objectives 
    • Armored Insert…Survive a sniper shot to the chest 
    • Sat Phone…Place a spawn point for your teammates

The Mechanic started off as a pure vehicle-based role, but vehicles are somewhat less prominent in Hardline, so it evolved over time. Where it is right now is a pretty sweet spot. Being the “gadget guy” means he gets an eclectic collection of useful toys, but he still retains his importance in vehicle-based maps and modes. A great complement to the Operator, as his close-range SMGs can destroy nearby enemies effectively.

ENFORCER – Role: Support

    • Ammo Bag…Resupply teammates 
    • Breaching Charge….Destroy walls & vehicles, set traps at objectives 
    • Riot Shield…Defend yourself and teammates

The Enforcer is still a bad-ass. Capable close range shotguns and long range battle rifles, along with the ability to provide ammunition to teammates and shield them from damage are powerful abilities. In addition, he’s got the every-popular Breaching Charge which allows him some tactical flexibility and brings a great deal of appeal to the class.

PROFESSIONAL – Role: Traps and Intel

    • Laser Tripmine…Lay traps for agents 
    • Camera…Spots approaching enemies 
    • Decoy…Deceives enemies 
    • Stealth Training…Reduce enemy awareness of your movements

The hard-hitting DMRs and SRs the professional has can be used to secure an objective from a distance, while his rapid-fire sidearm can be used close-in. The camera and LTMs can help the pro survive being flanked and ambushed, and can be used tactically to defend objectives to assist his team. In addition, stealth training lets the pro get up close and personal, getting the drop on unsuspecting enemies.

As Sasser mentions, the list above only includes class-exclusive gadgets. For a full list of all gadgets, weapons, attachments, camos, grenades, and more, be sure to check out some of the Hotwire multiplayer gameplay footage that dropped earlier this month.

What do you think about Battlefield Hardline’s set-up so far? Do you like the new direction class balance is headed in, or are you saving your thoughts for the game’s second beta due out sometime before launch on March 17? Tell us in the comments!

Thanks, GoGoGadgetLol on Reddit.

David Veselka

Musician, Gamer, Geek. Subscriber

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Insurgency – New Free Content Update and Steam Holiday Sale Now Live

Developer New World Interactive is rounding off the year and kicking off the Holidays on a high note with another free content update for the studio’s gritty, military-sim, first-person PC shooter, Insurgency.

Now live, the new update — and the last one for 2014 — adds a new pistol to the arsenal of both the Security and Insurgents, the M45 and M1911. It also mixes in new maps for the Survival and Hunt playlists with new night versions of Buhriz and Revolt for Insurgency’s player-versus-player multiplayer. You’ll also find a number of other gameplay improvements, map updates, and other additions.

All of the new content will be showcased in an upcoming developer live stream later today that you can catch on Insurgency’s official Twitch channel at 5:30 PM PST with NWI community manager Michael Tsarouhas and guests.

If you like what you see and have yet to snag a copy of one of our favorite first-person PC shooters this year, you can take advantage of Insurgency’s Steam sale starting today, which knocks 55% of the game’s price, putting it at $6.74 USD until December 16.

For specifics on today’s update, check out the full list of patch notes below:

Insurgency December 12 Game Update

Content

  • New weapon: M45 for Security, M1911 for Insurgents.
  • New PVP maps: Buhriz Night and Revolt Night.
  • New Survival maps: Verticality, Sinjar and Heights.
  • New Hunt maps: Buhriz and Revolt.
  • Updated PVP maps: Revolt.
  • Updated Survival maps: Market and District.
  • Added foregrip upgrade for AK-74.
  • Night vision goggles now show on character models in third person.
  • Flashlight and laser sight added to sniper rifles and LMGs.

Improvements

  • Improved Survival mode.
  • Added team icons to squad selection and scoreboard UI.
  • Updated AI behaviors and visibility especially in night maps.
  • Adjusted cost of night vision and added it to default loadouts in Hunt mode.
  • If you pick up an explosive that can only be assigned to the first sub-slot, you will drop any other explosives that follow the same restriction. This prevents players from running around with RPG/AT4, RPG/C4, etc.
  • If a grenade is dropped on death, friendly fire is redirected to credit the player who killed them instead.
  • Grenades now deal direct impact damage.
  • Fixed recoil so that it no longer slowly brings your view down with some weapons.
  • Fixed pistol slide when you run out of ammo.
  • Made laser sights less jarring when your weapon is blocked while aiming down sights.
  • Added cvar cl_ads_fov_scale which allows a user to control the amount of “zoom” ironsights and reflex sights give you.
  • Global ban system now applies to all servers, not just servers with matchmaking enabled.
  • Removed cheat flag off of sv_memlimit. Also added sv_maxuptimelimit which defines the maximum uptime of a server (in hours) before it restarts.

Bug Fixes

  • Fixed matchmaking failing to find servers when too many maps were selected.
  • Fixed M4A1 not having the EOTech and Elcan scopes in coop modes.
  • Fixed weight assignment of weapon upgrades.
  • Fixed some player data not being transmitted to SourceTV.
  • Fixed toggling motion blur in advanced video options.
  • Brightness adjustment for nightvision when using OS X, should be closer to Windows version.

Map Updates

Buhriz:

  • Moved final cache Push to a more secure spot.
  • Fixed steep displacement on the bridge near SEC’s spawn area.

Contact/Siege:

  • Increased fade distance of the planters in the main street.
  • Fixed some sneaky spots throughout the map.

District:

  • Changes to prevent spawn camping in Push.
  • Tweaked cover at front of the school.

Heights:

  • Fixed players getting stuck in a tree near A on Push.

Ministry night/hunt:

  • Tweaked lighting to make it more friendly for the NVG.

Panj:

  • Fixed players able to get stuck in a collapsed wall at firefight A.

Peak:

  • Improved collision model on rocks.

Uprising:

  • Fixed bug that allowed a player to leave the playable area.

David Veselka

Musician, Gamer, Geek. Subscriber

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Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare And Destiny Lead The Pack As Top-Selling Console Titles Of The Year

In the U.S., Sledgehammer Games’ Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare and Bungie’s Destiny rose to the top of the charts as this year’s best-selling video games on consoles, publisher Activision announced today.

On Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare is the number one selling video game for the sixth consecutive year in a row followed by Destiny, a brand new IP from iconic developer Bungie that has become the best-selling new video game franchise of the year.

Three months after launch, Destiny received its first content expansion earlier this week called The Dark Below, introducing new missions, Strikes, Raids, Crucible maps, Exotic, Legendary, and Rare gear, and more. Meanwhile, Advanced Warfare’s first multiplayer expansion is due out early 2015 called the Havoc Map Pack and will introduce the Exo Zombies game mode. Yesterday, Xbox users got early access to the AE4 directed energy Assault Rifle, also included in the upcoming Map Pack.

What are your thoughts on Destiny three months after launch and Call of Duty Advanced Warfare one month after launch? Are they deserving of the top-selling console games this year? Let us know in the comments!

David Veselka

Musician, Gamer, Geek. Subscriber

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Latest CS:GO Update Overhauls a Classic Map, Adds New CZ75-Auto Weapon Tweaks, and More

In Counter-Strike: Global Offensive‘s latest update, Valve is introducing an overhauled and upgraded version of the the classic, fan-favorite map, Train.

According to a recent blog post, the map was “rebuilt the map from the ground up in order to improve both the visual appearance and competitive gameplay balance of this iconic location.” The remake includes “intuitive layout changes” and re-interpreted “large and small-scale environment elements to improve judgement of space and distance”.

A ton of details on all the different sections of the new version were outlined in the blog post that you can read right here. You can also watch a brief introduction to the new map above. The new Train is now available in Competitive Matchmaking and other game modes as a part of the Operation Vanguard update.

In addition to the latest update, a number of tweaks were also made to the CZ75-Auto as well as a few other gameplay elements. You can read up on the entire change log below for specifics:

CS:GO December 10 Update

Gameplay

  • CZ75-Auto adjustments
    • Magazine size has been reduced to 8 and reserve ammo is now 16 (3 mags total).
    • Damage has been reduced slightly.
    • Firing rate has been reduced slightly
    • The CZ75-Auto takes nearly twice as long to draw, and has an updated draw animation.
    • Kill reward is now 1/3.
    • Updated the weapon description.
  • Increased price of M4A1-S to $3100
  • Reduced price of Desert Eagle to $700
  • Updated the Tec-9 firing sound.
  • Fixed M4A1-S muzzle flash showing through smoke.
  • Fixed not being able to defuse the bomb in some cases where it was planted on a ledge and the player attempting to defuse was standing next to it on the ground (e.g. the fountain in Cobblestone).
  • Fixed a case on community servers where a player would get income after the first round when they should not.

UI

  • Team equipment value now correctly accounts for cost of CZ75-Auto and for two flashbangs.
  • “Assists” on teammate kills no longer get counted in scoreboard.
  • Added some new holiday freeze-cam borders and the holiday cheer has been re-enabled – Happy holidays!

Misc

  • Gifts have been re-enabled.
  • Released a new set of stickers (available now as offers), and put some music kits on sale.
  • Fixed a few localization errors
  • Fixed a typo in the game mode descriptions.
  • Fixed several exploits in the engine.

David Veselka

Musician, Gamer, Geek. Subscriber

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New Killzone: Shadow Fall Patch Allows Players To Unlock Paid Micro-DLC For Free

Non-DLC owners still playing Killzone: Shadow Fall will want to take note of the game’s latest update that allows players to unlock additional micro-content that was previously locked behind a pay wall.

Unlocking the extra content will take a bit of work, however, as players will need to collect a new form of in-game currency called “Valor”. With it, players can purchase Mystery Boxes that include over 80 different customization items or gameplay boxes with 12 different in-game Boosts that typically cost between $0.99 and $3.99.

Killzone: Shadow Fall’s Valor Patch is now live on PlayStation 4.

David Veselka

Musician, Gamer, Geek. Subscriber

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Advanced Warfare Season Pass Holders On Xbox Get New DLC Weapon Today, Watch The Trailer

Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Season Pass holders on Xbox are getting their weapon DLC Christmas present a tad early this year.

Included in the game’s first multiplayer expansion pack due out early 2015, the AE4 directed-energy Assault Rifle is being made available to Season Pass holders on Xbox One and Xbox 360 today. The futuristic weapon combines “versatile firing mechanism with all-around movement speed and handling” and also arrives with a custom variant called the AE4 Widowmaker. You can see both in action in Sledgehammer Games and Activision’s just-posted Early-Access Trailer above.

Both weapons will be unlocked for any Xbox user picking up Advanced Warfare’s Season Pass after from now on, but still no word if the same promotion will be offered to PlayStation and PC users who get their DLC once month later.

Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Havoc DLC is out early next year, first on Xbox.

 

David Veselka

Musician, Gamer, Geek. Subscriber

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Previous-Gen And PC Advanced Warfare Update Is Rolling Out, Now Live On Xbox 360 And PS3

A new game update is being deployed to the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC version of Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare and this one is filled to the brim with improvements, including in-game fixes, weapon balance tweaks, Scorestreak balance tweaks, and much more.

The update is similar to the big patch that the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 received just last week, so if that’s where you’re playing, you can read up on the details right here.

Notes for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC update are similar, but the full list of changes can be found below if you want to get into the details:

Advanced Warfare Mid-December Xbox 360, PS3, and PC Update

Security and Anti-Cheat Updates

  • Multiple fixes for invalid player data, which allowed custom “super” classes.
  • Added offensive emblem policy message to emblem editor main page and save pop-up.
  • Added additional enforcement for offensive player-created emblems.

Store Updates

  • Polish and fan requested improvements.

Emblem Updates

  • General Emblem Editor polish and fan requested improvements. Including colors, layers, etc.
  • Added ability to set an emblem as your clan emblem.

UI Updates

  • Fixed issues with invites between Multiplayer and Exo Survival modes that would exclude Splitscreen party leader is unable to invite anyone to their party.
  • Fixed issue where newly unlocked items were not showing up in the new items list.
  • Safe Area adjustments for Spectator HUD.
  • Added categories to Armory. (All Loot, Redeemable Loot, Time Limited Loot, and Permanent Loot)
  • Fixed issue where Armory Page Count displays incorrectly and added time remaining information for all Time Limited Loot Items.
  • Fixed an issue where the scoreboard on the after action report was not highlighting the active player.
  • Added indication of how many modules a Scorestreak can have based on player’s rank level.
  • Updated lobby status info for System Link games while in the firing range.
  • Fixed an issue where the “Completed” text would show up on locked calling cards, after scrolling over an unlocked/completed calling card.
  • Updated Multiplayer Main Menu to include Friends list option by default.
  • Updated Prestige menu flow experience and information displayed.
  • Added the ability to customize Scorestreaks within the Scorestreaks selection menu.
  • Fixed operator load in issue with guest profiles.
  • Fixed rare issue when entering and exiting menus too quickly.

In-Game Updates

  • Fixed Momentum mantle prompt overlapping with 2X indicator
  • Fixed issue with the “Taking” icon overlapping the flag icons in Momentum Splitscreen.
  • Fixed issue with the Reinforcement icon overlapping HUD while playing in Splitscreen.
  • Added “RELOAD”, “LOW AMMO”, and “NO AMMO” HUD notifications on all Weapon Loot.
  • Fixed stretched weapon loot icon in Killcam feeds.
  • Fixed issue where 1st players progress in Exo Survival would be lost when signing into a Splitscreen local play.
  • Fixed Lynx ammo count issue.
  • Fixed Care Package trap module exploit.
  • Fixed threat indicator  issue with friendly  MDL projectiles and the Crossbow Bolts
  • Fixed Goliath pod down on planted bomb.
  • Fixed Goliath getting stuck issues.
  • Fixed Goliath players out of world exploit.
  • Fixed issue where the Ameli – Chicanery Elite variant would remain locked after permanent unlock via Prestige.
  • Fixed rare issue where MDL projectiles would not explode.
  • Fixed an exploit where the Minimap would be visible when you paused during a Killcam, Fixed issue where players being invited into a bonus playlist while the game is still installing, which would cause a crash when loading Atlas Gorge.
  • Fixed issue when rapid supply package from a supply drop appear locked and expired.
  • Fixed rare visual affect issue when ADS with the Sniper, ACOG, Variable Zoom, and Ballistic scopes would not appear correctly.
  • Fixed issue where party leader wasn’t able to transfer party leadership to other players.
  • Fixed Host Migration issues.
  • Fixed an issue with Splitscreen when entering the store.

Clan Updates

  • Widened the Clan Invite Details window to accommodate long clan names.
  • Added warning message when transferring ownership of Clan.
  • Added Clan member position display label to the Clan Roster

Challenge Updates

  • Fixed Far Sighted” challenge  requiring four long shot medals  instead of the three to complete
  • Fixed an issue with the “Super Star” challenge, where it did not prompt the player that 6 or more people are needed to complete the challenge.
  • Fixed an issue with the “Crushing Victory” challenge where it would not track properly when there are less than 6 players in the match.

Weapon Balancing Updates

Note: Adjustments affect base weapon and all loot variants

  • Bal27: damage reduced, max damage range decreased, recoil adjusted
  • HBRa3: max damage range decreased
  • ASM1: max damage range increased
  • MP11: max damage range increased
  • EM1: damage increased
  • EPM3: damage increased, ads time decreased
  • XMG: damage increased, lockdown mode increased
  • Ameli: damage increased
  • Pytaek: damage increased

Scorestreak Updates

  • Fixed an issue where the System Hack Graphic would remain on Broadcaster’s Screen, even after system hack event was over.
  • Fixed issue with Care package drone delivery if System Hack is activated at beginning of delivery.
  • Fixed issue with not being able to kill care package drone.
  • Fixed issue where all medals earned while operating a Scorestreak would not appear on players screen.
  • Fixed rare issue of players losing the ability to activate Scorestreaks when killed while moving a turret.
  • Fixed an issue where the player could have his weapon dropped after returning from controlling a Scorestreak.
  • Fixed issue where player wouldn’t be able to trigger game objects while using the ripped turret.
  • Fixed an issue with the Paladin where Friend or Foe overlay would remain on if you joined a Paladin Scorestreak and immediately exited Scorestreak.
  • Fixed issue where the player would get credited with assault drone challenges when they used a Map Based Scorestreak

Broadcaster UI Updates

  • Added the bomb planting/defusing UI to the Broadcaster UI.
  • Adjusted scoreboard placement when viewing through Broadcaster.
  • Fixed issue where the bomb icon in the Broadcaster UI wouldn’t disappear when the bomb carrier planted the bomb.
  • Fixed issue where the match summary in the After Action Report wouldn’t update with Scoreboard for the broadcaster.
  • Updated HUD outlines for Broadcaster.
  • Fixed issue where Aim Down Sights overlays weren’t being displayed for Sniper Scopes.
  • Removed player rank information from being displayed in the Fullscreen scoreboard and the overhead names.
  • Added objective information to the Broadcaster scoreboard.  This information appears in the gray bar beneath the teams’ scores.
  • CODVision is now brighter and easier to see. Added Broadcaster HUD UI elements including active player info, in-game scoreboard/status, mini-map highlights player with satellite (Uplink), persistent weapon info, and objective information in First Person Mode.
  • Added functionality for broadcaster settings to be remembered between rounds.
  • Added a subtitle to the broadcaster scoreboard that displays the current Hardpoint’s timer; or the current round number in Capture the Flag, Search & Destroy, and Uplink.
  • The primary timer in the broadcaster scoreboard is now yellow once the bomb has been planted. Will switch to red when timer reaches 10 seconds.

eSports Settings Changes

  • Search and Destroy Silent Plant = Enabled
  • Spectating POV = First Person Only
  • Battle Chatter = Disabled
  • Uplink Respawn Delay = 5 Seconds
  • Hardpoint Respawn Delay = 2.5 Seconds
  • Team Kill Penalty = None
  • Friendly Fire = Enabled
  • Explosive Delay = None

Ranked Play Updates

  • Remove Join in Progress.
  • Turning on Skill Based Matchmaking.
  • Turning off friendly fire.
  • Fixed issue where the player wouldn’t lose division points from abandoning the match by using the system close application option.
  • Initialize disconnect penalty as soon as the match starts.
  • Utilize latest eSports rule set:
    • Primary Weapons – All Specials
    • Secondary Weapons – All Launchers
    • Attachments – Tracker, Grenade Launcher, Akimbo
    • Wildcards – Bombardier
    • Exo Ability – Ping
    • Exo Launcher – Tracking Drone, Explosive Drone
    • Scorestreaks – UAV, Orbital Care Package, System Hack
    • Scorestreaks Modules – Bombing Run Care Package Upgrade, XS1 Goliath Recon, and All Support Modules.

Game Mode Specific Updates

Note: Adjusted score amounts for various events and objective modes.

  • Search & Destroy:
    • Fixed rare Search & Destroy Killcam issue.
    • [Broadcaster] Added various Search & Destroy UI improvements.
    • [Broadcaster] Fixed the bug where the “Target A” and “Target B” in-world icons wouldn’t disappear when the bomb was planted.
  • Capture the Flag:
    • Removed the text that duplicates the information presented by the flag icons.
    • Adjusted spawn logic in Capture the Flag to make it less likely for players to spawn near their own flag.
    • [Broadcaster] Added a timer that displays the time remaining until the flag automatically resets when the flag is on the ground.
  • Uplink:
    • [Broadcaster] Added various Uplink UI improvements.
    • Added distance limitation to passing the Satellite Drone in Uplink. This prevents the players from passing it across the entire map. Also adjusted the required throw angle.
    • Fixed spawn points issue in uplink.
  • Hardpoint:
    • [Broadcaster] Added various Hardpoint UI improvements.
    • Altered Spawn logic to prevent cluster spawning near the Hardpoint.
    • Fixed rare Hardpoint location disappearing issue in Private Match.
    • [Broadcaster] Adjusted so that the broadcaster will now see a “Defend” icon appear on the HUD when the spectated player is standing in the Hardpoint.
  • Momentum:
    • [Broadcaster] Changed the team scores to display a list of flags with the current state of the flags.
    • [Broadcaster] The objective bar now displays the current state of the contested flag, and displays a bar that illustrates the current capture progress.

Map Specific Updates

Note: Many of the following updates apply to all maps, and are directly improved based on the findings of our security team and via community response to exploits.

  • Fixed player out of world exploits throughout. [Applies to Exo Survival.]
  • Fixed Aerial Assault Drone and Recon Drone out of world exploits throughout.
  • Fixed rare spectate cam issue.
  • Fixed rare Tactical Insertion exploit in Infected.
  • Fixed Warbird out-of-bounds exploit.
  • Fixed various clipping issues with the Goliath.

Exo Survival Global Updates

  • Fixed issues with the score number in the Exo survival after action report.
  • Fixed an issue where players would get “Share Package” medals using a partners Goliath Scorestreak.
  • Fixed automatic revive issues at the start of the next round.

David Veselka

Musician, Gamer, Geek. Subscriber

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SWAT Returns In New Halo: MCC Server Update, Includes More Playlist Improvements

Halo: The Master Chief Collection has undergone a playlist update that re-enables a number of previously disabled features and adds a few improvements across the board to the collection’s online experience.

For starters, SWAT returns but only features game types from Halo 2 Anniversary, Halo 2, and Halo 4. Halo 3 game types are to be added in a future update as are additional multiplayer playlists including Halo: CE, Halo 4, Team Hardcore, and more.

Matches have also been balanced to 4v4 players in a number of playlists while the max party size for Big Team Battle has been increased from 4 to 6. Maximum party size will return to 8 once certain issues causing the bug have been ironed out.

For the full list of changes in the recent server-side update, check out the change log below, and keep your sights on MP1st for more Halo: The Master Chief Collection updates.

Halo: MCC December 10 Server Update

  • SWAT has returned as the featured playlist. It features a variety of game types from Halo 2: Anniversary, Halo 2 Classic, and Halo 4, and we’re making additional investments to include Halo 3 in the game type rotation for a future update. As we roll out additional content updates, we’ll be bringing other playlists back into the rotation – these include Halo: CE, Halo 4, Team Hardcore, and future featured playlists, such as Team Doubles, Team Snipers, and more. As we mentioned before launch, we’ll be keeping an eye on voting data and player feedback to determine which playlists stay in the rotation.
  • Updated the player count to 4v4 (6 minimum, 8 maximum) for the following playlists:
    • Team Slayer
    • Halo 2 Classic
    • Halo 3
    • Halo Championship Series
    • SWAT
  • Updated voting options across multiple playlists to improve the balance of appearance of BR-start and objective game types.
  • Updated the “max party size” for Big Team Battle from 4-6, and the team is working on resolving issues that are affecting parties with 8 players. Once resolved, the max party size will return to 8.
  • In a future update, the ranked Halo 2: Anniversary playlist will be moved to 4v4. For now, as the playlist contains a variety of mid-size maps, we’ll be temporarily allowing both 4v4 and 5v5 matches, but have optimized the voting options for this player range. For example, you’ll see less 5v5 Team Slayer BRs on Warlord and more voting options that are catered to the current player counts of 4v4 and 5v5 (8 minimum, 10 maximum). Additionally, you’ll now be able to search as a party of 5. These changes are temporary until we turn ranking online for additional playlists.

David Veselka

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Jagex Marries FPS, Strategy, and Construction In New PC Shooter, Block N Load

UK-based developer Jagex is back at it having recently announced a new first-person shooter where players build and destroy bases while shooting each other in the faces.

Block N Load is a 5 vs. 5 tactical team-based shooter that places emphasis on strategic construction. Players choose one of six combatants with their own specific loadout, strengths, and abilities. The name of the game is to build offensive and defensive placements before making a move on the enemy’s generator cubes in sequence while defending your own.

The arenas themselves are highly destructible which also leads to unpredictable matches that are different every time. Playable characters include the weapons-obsessed robot Cogwheel, the deadly ninja O.P Juan Shinobi, and the chemist-specialist Doctor Eliza Doolally. In addition to a host of active and passive abilities, players can get creative with different weapons and building blocks like mines and forcefields.

The game is now in development for PC and aims to officially launch on Steam in 2015. Those interested can get in on the game’s beta this December by following this link to the game’s official website and signing up.

You can watch the video above for a brief overview of the sort of action Block N Load offers.

David Veselka

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Report – Destiny Might Get A ‘Barebones’ PvP Playlist With “No trackers, No Supers, No bonuses”

A new ‘barebones’ player versus-player-playlist might be on its way to Destiny‘s Crucible matchmaking, according to a recent find discovered in the just-released The Dark Below expansion.

The playlist, called “Inferno”, will allegedly offer Crucible modes that do away with trackers (the mini-map at the top left portion of your HUD), Super Abilities, and Bonuses. By bonuses, it’s likely meant that the playlist will do without added abilities granted by weapons or armor.

As Reddit user KingfOfCarrotFlowers pointed out, one of the new Grimoire Card unlocks in The Dark Below describes the new mode in detail. Here’s what it says:

“A modified variant of multiple Crucible match types, Inferno tests your Light against the darkest of conditions.

Darkness prevails, leaving Guardians to rely on their weaponry and combat skills alone. The enemy can only be found by sight and sound alone. Rely on your teammates and keen tracking to stalk your enemies and shut them down without the trust in your most powerful abilities.

True skill put to the ultimate test. No trackers. No Supers. No bonuses. Only kills earn points.”

If you’ve happened to unlock it, you can read it for yourself in the Grimoire on Bungie.net.

As of this writing, developer Bungie has yet to officially announce such a mode, but it seems like the intent is there and is likely a result of fan feedback from users who find Destiny’s current Crucible playlists a tad too hectic with all the special powers and player abilities.

What are your thoughts on a more barebones playlist coming to the Crucible? Would you play it?

Keep your sights on MP1st for more updates.

David Veselka

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New Destiny Raid Defeated In Six Hours

It was a rough night of no sleep for groups of Guardians tackling Destiny‘s new raid, Crota’s End, that was just introduced in the game’s first expansion, The Dark Below.

But only one fire team of seven managed to crawl out of the Moon’s Hellmouth in record time. Cutting the record of the very first Vault of Glass attempt in over half, a group called “InvigorateGaming” has defeated Crota’s End in six hours, according to developer Bungie’s stats.

Congratulations, to the members of iNV!

The Dark Below was released early this morning at 1 AM Pacific on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. Along with the new Raid came new Story Missions, a new Strike (two for PlayStation owners), new Crucible maps, new gear, and more.

It’s included in Destiny’s Expansion Pass or can be purchased for $19.99.

David Veselka

Musician, Gamer, Geek. Subscriber

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Get Double XP In Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare’s Mosh Pit Playlist This Week

Developer Sledgehammer Games has announced today that Double XP is now on in Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare‘s Mosh Pit multiplayer playlist.

It will continue on all platforms until this Saturday, December 13, at 9AM PDT / 12PM EST.

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In addition, after positive feedback from Advanced Warfare’s latest major game update, Studio Head Michael Condrey wrote on Twitter that there are still more updates to come, including a highly requested tweak to the System Hack Scorestreak.

Keep your sights on MP1st for more Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare updates and enjoy the Double XP Week!

David Veselka

Musician, Gamer, Geek. Subscriber

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More Content Coming To Battlefield 4 In The New Year, DICE Looking For Your Favorite ‘Classic’ Map

After a handful of hints and teases, Battlefield fans got the news they were hoping for today from developer DICE LA on the future of Battlefield 4.

“With Battlefield 4 Final Stand released, we hope and believe that you will enjoy it together with the rest of the game for a long time,” the studio wrote in a recent update. “However, there is one thing we want to assure you: there is more content coming for Battlefield 4.”

Beyond that, not many details were shared.

“We will share details on exactly what this new content will be, and when it will arrive, in the near future,” the note continued. “We understand that this may lead to even more questions about our plans, but rest assured that we’ll get back to you on the future of Battlefield 4 when the time is right.”

One thing we can be fairly certain of is that some of the additional content might arrive in the form of “classic” Battlefield maps reimagined for Battlefield 4. What we’re uncertain of is whether or not it will be free or included in Battlefield 4’s Premium subscription.

“We’re aware of – and humbled by – the many requests of re-creating classic Battlefield maps within the Battlefield 4 universe,” DICE LA teased. “Now we have a question for you: if a reimagining of a Battlefield classic map was to happen, which map would that be?”

So, what map would it be? Tell us in the comments below and be sure to cast your vote here in DICE’s official poll.

Update

When told by fans that the new content ‘needs’ to be free, DICE LA Producer David Sirland responded, “Indeed, it does.”

David Veselka

Musician, Gamer, Geek. Subscriber

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Check Out Battlefield Hardline’s PlayStation Experience Panel, “Word On The Street”

During Sony’s PlayStation Experience over the weekend, members of the Battlefield Hardline team spoke to audiences about the team’s new take on the Battlefield franchise hitting the streets this March 17.

Visceral General Manager Steve Papoutsis, Battlefield Community Manager Dan Mitre, and Battlefield PR Manager Jino Talens took some questions from fans and press and also recapped some of the new stuff the studio showed off over the weekend, including a new single player trailer and new Hotwire multiplayer gameplay.

You can watch the entire 41-minute panel above.

Thanks, Pixel Enemy.

David Veselka

Musician, Gamer, Geek. Subscriber

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New Destiny Hot Fix Preps Game For The Dark Below DLC, New Crucible Gameplay On DLC Maps

Destiny players may notice a few changes to their game after developer Bungie deployed a small hot fix earlier today in preparation for the launch of The Dark Below expansion early tomorrow morning.

According to a short news post on the studio’s official website, The Dark Below will officially launch at 1AM Pacific/4AM Eastern this morning. Meanwhile, here’s what today’s hot fix did:

The Dark Below

  • General bug fixes to content features in The Dark Below

Activities

  • Increased challenge levels for the following:
    • Daily Heroic Story
    • Weekly Heroic Strike
    • Weekly Nightfall Strike

Bungie notes that “Players who need to level up to successfully complete featured missions at new difficulty levels will find what they need to upgrade their characters in the Tower. As part of Expansion I, vendors will be equipped with more powerful weapons and gear. These items will be available for acquisition by all players.”

While we wait, ReadyUpLive is posting gameplay footage of The Dark Below’s new PvP Crucible maps, three of which will be available in the upcoming expansion. Here’s a look at Pantheon, with more to come.

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David Veselka

Musician, Gamer, Geek. Subscriber

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Destiny’s Raid Creators “Have Very Specific Opinions About Matchmaking,” Says Bungie CM

Public matchmaking for Destiny‘s 6-player raid, known as the Vault of Glass, has been a highly requested feature for some time now, but it might take some convincing before developer Bungie decides to pull the trigger on making it an actual feature.

According to IGN‘s talk with Bungie’s community manager, David “DeeJ” Dague, “The people who envisioned the raid have very specific opinions about matchmaking.”

Dague went on to offer his opinion on why public matchmaking might not be in the best interest of those looking for the best raid experience from Destiny.

“As a person who grew out of the Bungie community as an old clan overlord, I believe in very strongly the fact that the best experience for any gamer is to put some deliberate effort into their own social engineering – to understand that the players you are embarking on that raid with have made the express commitment to finish that activity together,” he explained.

“Matchmaking might bring people together in a raid who don’t even understand what a raid is: ‘Here’s my next activity. It’s matching me in with people. Oh, this is interesting. It seems like a longer mission than I’m used to.’ And then they get called to dinner and then your raid fails. We don’t want that to happen to people.”

“We want to set very specific expectations that a raid is something that is the most difficult thing to do in Destiny. It’s the most elaborate experience that we’ve created in the game that you want people that you have made a commitment with in advance to finish with.”

That’s not to say raid matchmaking will never happen. The studio has been keeping their ears open and delivering on fan feedback quite regularly as of late, so who’s to say they won’t hear their fans out on this one? We’ll be sure to keep you updated on any news.

As for Crota’s End, the new raid available in Destiny’s upcoming The Dark Below expansion, Dague says that unlike the non-crucial side-story that was the Vault of Glass, “the interesting thing about the raid this time is that it is the culmination of The Dark Below.”

“The things that you do in The Dark Below lead you to Crota’s End, and if you have not completed the raid in Destiny, you’re going to have some lingering questions about, ‘What happens with the Hive?’ ‘What about that dark god?'” he added. “You know, the enemies that I’ve been fighting, the minions, even the Blades of Crota that are appearing on Earth, are all the precursor to a grand invasion, and the way you stop that invasion from happening is by playing the raid.”

“So it’s a little bit more unified with the rest of the story. We want people going into the raid with a sense of the unknown, with a sense of confusion, that when you complete the raid, you don’t feel as if you’ve just completed a mission. You feel as if you’ve solved a puzzle with your friends.”

Players level 30 or above will be able to tackle the normal difficulty version of Crota’s End on December 9 when The Dark Below officially launches on all platforms. As for the hard mode version, raiders will have to wait until sometime in January.

For now, tell us in the comments below what your stance on matchmaking in Destiny’s raids is?

David Veselka

Musician, Gamer, Geek. Subscriber

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New No Man’s Sky Trailer Will ‘Wow’ You With Its Scale

In an attempt to show of just how big No Man’s Sky really is, Hello Games has put together a new trailer that they debuted during Sony’s PlayStation Experience this weekend.

It shows off the same sort of exploration we saw in the game’s earlier trailer, but this new video offers a better sense of scale as we see the player zooming out to a ‘world map’, so to speak, where one can choose to warp to different solar systems. In the process, you get a pretty good look at how spaced out these locations can get, and it’s pretty daunting. Have a look above.

Still, no details on multiplayer were spared, but we can wait, Hello Games.

What do you think of No Man’s Sky after it’s showing over the past couple of days?

 

David Veselka

Musician, Gamer, Geek. Subscriber

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The Last of Us – New Multiplayer DLC Details & Offscreen Gameplay

The Last of Us multiplayer is getting some new DLC, as was shown off during developer Naughty Dog’s Last of Us Tournament panel at The PlayStation Experience.

YouTuber, SanchoWest recently uploaded some gameplay videos, which you can watch below. A summary of the confirmed DLC can also be found, compiled from the information in the videos.

Weapons

  • Frontier Rifle
  • Crossbow
  • Burst Pistol
  • Tactical Shotgun

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Perks

These perks are called “risk management perks” that only activate in certain situations.

Lone Wolf (2 loadout points) – When you move far enough from your teammates, a whole pool of perks activates. You are awarded 50 parts bonus, agility 2, and sharpshooter 2. Level 2 of Lone Wolf  (3 points) grants you Sharp Ear 3, 100 parts bonus, and the other perks of level 1.

Jack of All Trades  (5 loadout points) – This perk grants players a huge amount of perks for less than what they actually cost. Tier 1 costs 5 loadout points, but gives 5 perks that would typically cost 8 points, and tier 2 costs 10 points, but gives you 16 loadout points of perks. Brawler 1, Covert Training 1, Sharp ears 1, Strategist 1, and Crafter 1 are in Tier 1 with Tier 2 having those plus Explosive Expert 1, reviver 1, sharp ears 3, scavenger 1, and second chance 1.

Lucky Break – Activates when you reach a lock box. Tier 1 cost 2 points and grants 50% more pistol ammo. Tier 2 cost 4 points 25% large firearm ammo and 2 crafting ingredients. Level 3 costs 5 points, includes all of tier 1 and 2 perks, plus 3 crafting ingredients when you open a lockbox.

Second Chance – Level 1 tier (2 points) free health kit every time you don’t have one and health drops below 50%. 25% additional starting ammo after 2 consecutive deaths, up to a maximum of 50%.  Tier 2 (3 points) – Everything 1 has, plus 25% cheaper ammo with a maximum of 100% cheaper.

Lethal Efficiency – New perk that grants you a new special execution. The perk allows you to sneak behind other players and snap their necks. Level 1 is 2 load out points, and Level 2 is 3 points and increases the animation speed.

New Special Execution Animations are coming to many of the existing weapons, along of new masks, hats, and other customizable add-ons, which you can watch below.

[youtube id=”P5ZoOJMvO8U”]

No news on when the DLC when will arrive, though we do expect a trailer, which was originally planned to debut today, to reveal the date this Tuesday.

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James Lara

A gamer at heart, James has been working for MP1st for the last decade to do exactly what he loves, writing about video games and having fun doing it. Growing up in the 90's gaming has been in his DNA since the days of NES. One day he hopes to develop his own game.

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Bungie Says Character Progress Will Carry Over To Destiny Sequel

With major, long-term plans for their brand new IP, Destiny, developer Bungie is letting those who plan to come along for the ride know that they’ll be able to take their Guardian along with them every step of the way.

Bungie Community Manager David “DeeJ” Dague confirmed the news in a recent interview with IGN.

“It’s been no secret that we have a ten-year plan for the expansion and evolution of this franchise, and it’s something that we’re always dreaming about,” he said.

“I’ve seen new concept art, I’ve seen new exotic weapons up on people’s screens…it’s a lot of fun to walk around the studio, because there’s always somebody thinking about the next place you’ll go, the next enemy you’ll fight, the next thing that you’ll earn for doing those things.”

Luckily, if you’ve grown attached to your probably now very powerful Titan, Warlock, or Hunter, you’ll be able to experience all that with the same Guardian (or Guardians) the entire way.

“The idea is that the Guardian you have created is something you can bring along with you on that adventure. If you take a look at the way people have played other games for a long period of time, they’ve had a relationship with the same character for a very long time.”

Developer BioWare pulled off a similar plan very successfully with the Mass Effect series, allowing gamers to transfer their version of Commander Shepherd between all three games. Having spent so much time building up your Guardian in the first Destiny title, it’s nice to know not all of that work will go to waste in ‘Destiny 2’ or ‘Destiny 3’.

Elsewhere in the interview, Dague also talked about player demand for more vault space and an increase in the glimmer cap.

For now, Bungie is gearing up for the launch of Destiny’s first expansion, The Dark Below, due out this Tuesday, December 9.

David Veselka

Musician, Gamer, Geek. Subscriber

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