http://news.xbox.com/2013/09/games-battlefield-4-qa
Battlefield 4 is the genre-defining action blockbuster made from moments that blur the line between game and glory - moments found only in Battlefield. Plus, get the Battlefield 4 Second Assault Expansion Pack first on Xbox. Check out the Xbox Wire exclusive interview below with Patrick Bach, Executive Producer on Battlefield 4 from award-winning developer DICE and stay tuned for more news and insights from other renowned developers of the hottest and most anticipated games coming to Xbox.
What are you most excited about for developing on new generation hardware?
Developing for a new hardware generation is always exciting and inspiring for us at game makers and players. At DICE, we have prepared ourselves well for this transition with the evolution of our next generation engine, Frostbite 3. If I had to pick one thing though its providing gamers with a deeper experience and connection to our games. With Battlefield 4, were able to do this in a couple ways. In single player, were going to deliver the most dramatic story weve ever created with real life character performances by actors like Michael K Williams from HBOs Boardwalk Empire or The Wire, who bring out the emotion and believability of the action.
In multiplayer, were delivering the epic 64-player battles that consoles players have been asking for. On Xbox One, the game will also be running at 60 fps without sacrificing the features that makes Battlefield great all-out vehicle warfare, destruction, huge maps, and team play.
How will a new generation of hardware impact/change/revolutionize the future of your title/gaming?
I think time will tell as were just getting our hands and creative thinking around what these new platforms can do. In Battlefield 4, were pushing in every way that we can. Through SmartGlass, Xbox players will be able to view the overhead map during multiplayer matches and take advantage of the second screen. Also, with Kinect, were looking into features that enhance the controls including peeking and leaning and tracking head movement as well as incorporating voice commands.
How will new-generation hardware be used to improve the multi-player experience in Battlefield 4?
Its the shear fact that Battlefield 4 will support 64-players and 60 fps for the first time on Xbox One. This is a big deal for us because its something weve always wanted to deliver but we couldnt do it without taking away from the core Battlefield experience.
Whats required from a development perspective to produce a stunning 64-player online deathmatch with vehicles at 60-fps?
It all starts with the technology, and with Frostbite 3 we have one of the best engines in the industry. Once you have the tech, you need experience and a team in place. Many of the leads on the core Battlefield development team have been working together for years now, some since the beginning with Battlefield 1942. Now that we have the tech, the team and the hardware in place, we can create spectacular, 64-player matches at 60fps on the Xbox One.
The return of "Commander Mode" is exciting for many Battlefield fans who utilized the feature in Battlefield 2. How will the experience change/affect the players experience on next-gen consoles?
Yes Commander Mode was a fan favorite that many wanted to see return and were excited to bring it back with Battlefield 4. We redesigned Commander Mode with a focus on intelligent warfare and enhancing the Commander vs. Commander experience. This means players on the ground will reap the rewards from their Commander doing the right things such as outsmarting their opponent using UAVs, countering EMP strikes, etc.
And in true Battlefield fashion, cooperation pays off by providing the Commander more options and rewards to give his troops on the ground. Were also including second screen support, so not only will Commander Mode be playable on Xbox One and Xbox 360, but for the first time players will have the ability to play as a Commander on their tablets via an internet connection. This gives our players the opportunity to play Battlefield 4 even when they are not in front of their Xbox One and Xbox 360.
In addition to completely destroying buildings with the Levolution system, what are other ways in which players can alter the maps they play on?
Levolution is a design concept we came up with in the studio that speaks to the way players can alter the gameplay experience. Its their actions, both big and small, that drive the action. Weve created these dynamic environments that react to your every move. Some things are massive like reducing a skyscraper to rubble or flooding an entire level in real-time. Also, in the Paracel Storm map we showcased at Gamescom, players can destroy the anchor to a warship docked off-shore causing it to crash on land and giving their team access to the anti-air cannons onboard. In addition, there are other actions that are smaller but hugely impact the game like shooting fire extinguishers to distract enemies or cutting the power of a building to blind opponents. Its through our advanced Frostbite 3 engine that were able to deliver these game-changing new features to the game.
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