First-Person Shooters

To provide a more in-depth perspective on development, Bohemia Interactive today released the first of a two-part series of developer diaries about the upcoming Arma 3 Marksmen DLC.

Exploring the new weapons and supporting platform features, in the video. Arma 3′s Creative Director Jay Crowe, Project Lead Joris-Jan van ’t Land, and Encoding Lead Petr Kolar discuss the vision behind the Marksmen DLC, its development process, and the contribution it makes to the Arma 3 sandbox.

In the next developer diary, members of the Arma 3 development team will discuss the new End Game multiplayer mode, showcase scenarios, firing drills, training courses, as well as the Virtual Garage feature, which will all be shipped alongside the Marksmen DLC.

The Arma 3 Marksmen DLC consists of seven new weapons, two scopes, remote designators, ghillie suits, firing drills, and the Marksmen showcase scenario. The DLC will be accompanied by a major platform update, which will be free for all people who own Arma 3. The supporting update will introduce weapon resting and deployment, improved recoil simulation, improved AI suppression, various sound enhancements, a new multiplayer mode and showcase scenario, suppressor and bipod weapon attachments, heavy and grenadier vests, nine additional face paints, and Virtual Garage. The Marksmen DLC, and the supporting platform update, will be released on April 8th 2015.

More information on the Marksmen DLC, and supporting platform update, can be found here. A more in-depth explanation of Bohemia Interactive’s approach to DLC for Arma 3, and how it prevents a split in the game’s multiplayer community between those who own DLC and those who do not, is available in a previously released dev blog.

Fire seven brand new weapons, supported by new content and features

Bohemia Interactive today announced the official release date for the upcoming Arma 3 downloadable content pack, Arma 3 Marksmen. Flexing its guns on April 8th, the Marksmen DLC looks to build upon Arma 3‘s infantry experience by adding new premium weapons, attachments, and gear. Alongside the new DLC, Bohemia Interactive will also release a major platform update, which implements a new multiplayer mode, training courses and showcase scenario, plus several much-anticipated platform features related to weapon handling (#bipods) and sound.

Serving as the backbone of the Marksmen DLC are the seven new weapons. Among these are five marksman rifles, namely the Cyrus 9.3 mm, MAR-10 .338, Mk-I EMR 7.62 mm, Mk14 7.62 mm, and ASP-1 Kir. The other two weapons are the SPMG .338 and Navid 9.3 mm medium machine guns. The weapons will be complemented by the AMS and Kahlia medium range scopes. There will also be new ghillie suits for the NATO, CSAT, and AAF factions to provide camouflage for various terrain types. Furthermore, the Marksmen DLC will add two Remote Designators, which can be used to spot and laser designate targets from afar. Those who want to hone their shooting skills can pay a visit to the shooting range for brand new firing drills, or go on a reconnaissance mission in the Marksmen showcase scenario.

Overall, the Marksmen DLC aims to redefine what it means to fire a weapon in Arma 3. This idea will be reinforced by a major upcoming platform update, that will be released alongside the Marksmen DLC, and will be free to everyone who owns Arma 3. Besides new playable content and major upgrades to weapon handling, this update will include suppressor and bipod weapon attachments, as well as nine new types of face paint, and three new heavy and grenadier vests designed specifically for improved explosive shielding and ballistic protection.

In terms of playable content, the aforementioned platform update will deliver a brand new multiplayer mode called End Game. Here, two teams compete to locate and secure valuable schematics. On top of this new multiplayer mode, the update will also include the Firing From Vehicles showcase scenario, as well as new VR training courses, objects for content creators, and a brand new set of Steam achievements.

With regards to platform features, the upcoming Arma 3 update will introduce weapon resting and weapon deployment – which have been on the list of most requested features by the Arma 3 community. Weapon resting means that players will benefit from an accuracy bonus whenever they are near a stable surface, while weapon deployment will enable players to use bipods for a more steady shot. Together with improvements made to the simulation of recoil, and improvements to enemy AI suppression, this should provide a more tactical, intuitive, and rich experience to the players of Arma 3. Finally, the new platform update will make significant upgrades to sound by adding more sound samples and new sound technology. These improvements should enhance the immersion and contribute to gameplay by providing players with a better situational awareness.

To round out the Marksmen DLC package and the supporting platform update, Bohemia Interactive will be expanding Arma 3’s existing Virtual Arsenal feature with Virtual Garage. This means players will not only be able to preview soldiers, weapons, and gear, and create custom loadouts for their characters, but also examine and customize the extensive collection of vehicles in Arma 3. In addition, the new update will open up Virtual Arsenal so that people will be able to try out all of Arma 3’s premium weapons, vehicles, and other DLC content, without restrictions – even if they do not own the DLC. A more in-depth explanation of Bohemia Interactive’s approach to DLC for Arma 3, and how it prevents a split in the game’s multiplayer community between those who own DLC and those who do not, can be found in the studio’s previously released blog.

The Arma 3 Marksmen DLC will be available from April 8th for 12.99 EUR/10.99 GBP/15.99 USD on Steam and Store.bistudio.com. People can already purchase the Arma 3 DLC Bundle, which includes the Arma 3 Karts, Arma 3 Helicopters, and the upcoming Marksmen DLC, for 19.99 EUR/16.99 GBP/24.99 USD – saving them more than 25% over buying the DLC packs separately.

For more information about Arma 3, please visit www.arma3.com.

Take the Fight to the Streets in this New Take on Battlefield Built on Strategy, Speed and Story in a Cops versus Criminals World

Visceral Games, an Electronic Arts Inc. studio, today announced that Battlefield Hardline is now available in North America in retail stores and for digital download on Origin for PC, the PlayStation 4 computer entertainment system, and Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft. Battlefield Hardline delivers the ultimate cops and criminals, blockbuster, action fantasy delivered through a world-class multiplayer experience that fans have come to love from the Battlefield franchise and an all-new episodic single player campaign inspired by modern TV crime dramas. The game is already receiving great critical praise as USA Today says that, “it’s a fascinating direction for the Battlefield series” and IGN says it’s “fast and furious.”

Powered by the award-winning Frostbite 3 game engine, Battlefield Hardline delivers a stylish and fresh new approach to the critically-acclaimed franchise as players experience both sides of the law in a crime-fueled, cops and criminals showdown. Unfolding on the gritty and glamorous streets of Los Angeles and Miami, Battlefield Hardline ushers in an all-new era for Battlefield fans with inspired new game modes, like Hotwire and Heist, new weaponry, vehicles, and gadgets for players to take down the opposition their own way. From police choppers to muscle cars, ziplines to stun guns, Battlefield Hardline lets gamers choose their approach in jaw-dropping and chaotic urban warfare.

Get more information about Battlefield Hardline at the games official website.

THE FRONT LINE, 1945 – Rebellion are calling all new recruits and seasoned vets to team up, reload and move out as Zombie Army Trilogy launches today.

Available now for Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC, Zombie Army Trilogy marks the apocalyptic conclusion of the cult shooter series, swelling the re-animated ranks with two eye-popping remasters and summoning an all-new brand of horror in a blood-curdling third chapter. Joining the collection is a brand new Horde mode, new enemies, a new cast of player characters and of course, a demonic zombie Führer.

Check out the launch trailer HERE.

PC players are able to get four copies for the price of three with an exclusive Steam 4-pack, or up to 60% off if they own any of the first two Nazi Zombie Army games via Steam (offer ends April 3rd, normal price £29.99 / $44.99 / 41,99 €)

Stop by the official website, www.ZombieArmy.com for more game information.

Standalone Prequel to the Award-Winning Game Wolfenstein: The New Order Available From May 5, 2015

Bethesda, a ZeniMax Media company, today announced Wolfenstein: The Old Blood, the standalone prequel to the critically-acclaimed first-person action-adventure shooter, Wolfenstein: The New Order. In development at MachineGames, Wolfenstein: The Old Blood will be available digitally and in retail for £14.99 / €19.99 / AUD$39.95 from May 5, 2015 for the PlayStation®4 system and PC, and digital only for the Xbox One®, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft.

The year is 1946 and the Nazis are on the brink of winning World War II. In an effort to turn the tide in the Allies’ favour, B.J. Blazkowicz must embark on an epic, two-part mission deep within Bavaria. Part one of Wolfenstein: The Old Blood – Rudi Jäger and the Den of Wolves – pits BJ Blazkowicz against a maniacal prison warden as he breaks into Castle Wolfenstein in an attempt to steal the coordinates to General Deathshead’s compound. In part two – The Dark Secrets of Helga Von Schabbs – our hero’s search for the coordinates leads him to the city of Wulfburg where an obsessed Nazi archaeologist is exhuming mysterious artefacts that threaten to unleash a dark and ancient power.

“Diving back into the world of Wolfenstein has really been fun for us,” said Jerk Gustafsson, executive producer at MachineGames. “We’ve enjoyed exploring the events leading up to The New Order. We think fans will really enjoy the story, all the action and, of course, jumping back into the combat with new weapons.”

Wolfenstein: The New Order, released in May 2014, enjoyed worldwide critical and commercial success with over 75 Game of the Year awards, and was hailed by The New York Times as “one of the very best releases of the year.”

To view the first gameplay trailer and first released screenshots from Wolfenstein: The Old Blood visit: www.wolfenstein.com.

This Saturday March 7th, starting at 17:00 UTC, Bohemia Interactive will be hosting an exclusive First Look Livestream for its upcoming Arma 3 Marksmen DLC.

Straight from Bohemia Interactive HQ in Prague, members of the Arma 3 development team will be showcasing the seven new DLC weapons – alongside much anticipated new features, such as Virtual Garage, weapon resting and bipods, the improved simulation of recoil and suppression, and various enhancements to sound. The session is expected to be about one and a half hour, and will be streamed to the official Arma 3 channel on Twitch.

“After many months of hard work, we’re excited to finally present the upcoming Marksmen DLC to Arma 3 fans. There’s a lot to show. We have seven new weapons, new showcase scenarios, a feature called Virtual Garage, a brand new multiplayer mode – and not to forget, major free platform features, such as weapon resting and deployment, which have been on the community wishlist for a long time. We hope to see all of you joining us for the livestream this Saturday!”, said Matt Lightfoot, Associate Producer at Bohemia Interactive.

For more game information, please visit the official Arma 3 Website.

Source: Blue’s News

Steam News announces the Havoc DLC for Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare is now available for Windows, as its Xbox exclusivity has now expired. Word is: “The first downloadable content pack for Call of Duty®: Advanced Warfare, featuring the all-new Exo Zombies co-op experience, the all-new versatile AE4 directed energy assault rifle, the AE4 Widowmaker custom variant, and four new Multiplayer maps, tailor-made to unleash your exoskeleton’s power.” On a semi-related note, the Call of Duty blog has word on plans to offer “Advanced Supply Drops” for a premium which will include weapons, but they still say these “are optional and do not affect the balance of gameplay”. Here’s word:

Since the launch of Call of Duty®: Advanced Warfare and the immense personalization of operator gear and weapon variants, players have been asking for more opportunities to secure additional supply drops. Coming soon, Advanced Supply Drops will be available from the in game store, to give you the chance for more Weapon Loot and Character Gear to customize your operator, as well as Reinforcements (Advanced Supply Drops will not include Rapid Supply or Orbital Care Package Reinforcements). Advanced Supply Drops are optional and do not affect the balance of gameplay.

Here is what you will find in each Advanced Supply Drop:

• Three items.
• At least one weapon variant.
• At least one Professional rarity item or better.
• All items come with their own Armory slot; all items can be redeemed for XP.

In addition to acquiring items from the current rotation, you will also have the opportunity to get unique cosmetic gear items found only within Advanced Supply Drops. Be on the lookout for the Eco Custom Exo, items from the Arctic Gear set, and more!

Rebellion releases five minutes of bone-chilling new Zombie Army Trilogy gameplay and essential survival tips

Reports are coming in thick and fast that legions of undead super soldiers are but days away from overwhelming world defences, with owners of Xbox Ones, PlayStation 4s and PCs predicted to take the brunt of the onslaught on March 6.

In response to this alarming news, self-appointed zombie exterminators Rebellion have taken it upon themselves to blast the virtual airwaves with an important public announcement outlining the tactics, weapons and zombie weaknesses that players will need to exploit if they have any hope of surviving.

Long story short? You’ll need rifles, a team of four hard-bitten sharp shooters and explosives. Lots of explosives.

Catch the no-holds-barred five-minute broadcast – complete with creepy disembodied British commentary right here.

Stop by the official website, www.ZombieArmy.com for more game information.

Development on all five platform versions is now complete.

Source: IGN

Battlefield Hardline is officially gold on all platforms and regions ahead of its release next month, publisher Electronic Arts announced on Twitter today.

Visceral Games and EA Digital Illusions CE upcoming cops versus criminals shooter is slated to launch March 17 in North America and March 19 in Europe on PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One and Windows PC.

Battlefield fans got to go hands on with the title during its beta earlier this month. More than 7 million people participated in the beta earlier this month, with Hotwire being the most popular mode.

We spent hours shooting and driving in the multiplayer beta, and you can find out why we think Battlefield Hardline is mostly the same beast you’ve come to know and appreciate over the years.

New details, trailer outline seven-step guide to attaining zombie slaying nirvana

Think you already know the Zombie Army series? Think again.

With two games in the franchise and a huge fanbase, Rebellion have already proved they know a thing or two about serving up intense and brutal zombie shooters, but with the forthcoming release of Zombie Army Trilogy they’ve upped the gore and a whole lot more…

• Brand new third campaign: the series comes to an apocalyptic conclusion with five exclusive new missions for 1-4 players across bone-chilling new environments.
• Two stunning remastered campaigns: feast your eyes on ten missions with updated animations, dynamic physics, and improved lighting, shadows and visual effects.
• Terrifying new enemy types: face blood-splattered Chainsaw Elites, Panzer Zombies, Armoured Skeletons … and more!
• Four new player characters: choose to play as one of four fearless female sharpshooters with their own back story.
• Tactical zombie dismemberment: now players can liberate zombies from their limbs to slow them down, or stomp on exposed craniums for an instant kill!
• Challenging new Horde Mode: five dedicated maps with infinite waves of undead and impossibly tense 1-4 player action.
• Unified online community: team up online and take on any mission, from any campaign in the series. Compare kills with new combos, scores and leaderboards.

To see this seven-step guide to attaining zombie slaying nirvana in action check out the new trailer right here.

Zombie Army Trilogy is released digitally for PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on March 6 with a retail version also available in some regions.

As a thank you to those fans who supported the series on PC, Rebellion is still offering an exclusive discount of up to 60% to owners of the first two Nazi Zombie Army games via Steam.

Stop by the official website, www.ZombieArmy.com for more game information.