The latest chapter in Battlefield V‘s Tides of War has introduced new content to the game over the past few months, including free maps, weapons, vehicles, and quality of life improvements. An adverse effect of all this new content, however, is that Chapter 4: Defying the Odds has also introduced a number of issues to the overall quality of the Battlefield V experience. As a result, the upcoming competitive 5v5 mode has become an unfortunate casualty.

In a post detailing the current status of Battlefield V, DICE senior producer Ryan McArthur has provided an update on the studio’s current commitments. “We’ve been hard at work to address these [issues] with several updates and will continue to do so until Battlefield V is where it should be,” the post says. “We’re fully committed to expanding and improving our core multiplayer experience. That’s why fixing the issues is our highest priority. This commitment will be met by keeping our focus and resources invested in producing the great content our players deserve.”

The upcoming 4.4 update contains fixes for stuttering issues, desyncs seen on hitboxes, and tweaks to the Commo Rose. It will also deliver two new infantry maps and an increase in max Rank, allowing you to go beyond Rank 50 and start earning XP on a journey to Rank 500. Improving game stability, UI communication around damage, and other items the community has flagged will also be part of future updates.

The recently released Al Sundan map is currently only available in Squad Conquest and Team Deathmatch, but will eventually make its way to large-scale modes such as Conquest. The reason for the delay is an unforeseen issue that accompanied Chapter 4, causing an unusual graphical problem when playing the larger version of the Al Sundan map. “The team is pushing to get the fix into our 4.6 release next month, but we can’t confirm that just yet, as we first want to make sure the fix is working properly and won’t create problems elsewhere, which has been the case with some past updates.”

Due to “the added focus on improving the quality of the experience and adding more of the content you want,” McArthur says the upcoming 5v5 mode has been cancelled. “Not creating this mode was a tough decision, but vital for us to more quickly reach our bug-crushing and content goals.” Despite this, DICE aims to continue building a competitive experience in Battlefield V.

In more positive news, the infantry-only maps Provence and Lofoten Islands, are set to arrive in Battlefield V’s 4.4 update. Both maps will initially feature two modes: Squad Conquest and Team Deathmatch. Looking ahead to update 4.6, meanwhile, sees the classic Operation Underground map arrive in Conquest, Team Deathmatch, Breakthrough, and Squad Conquest. The map is a reimagining of Operation Métro from 2011’s Battlefield 3 and is being worked on by its original creator.

Beyond this, DICE is returning to the Pacific in the future with two new Iwo Jima, as well as two other locations you’ll deploy to before the end of the year.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/battlefield-5s-competitive-5v5-mode-has-been-cance/1100-6469329/

The Mandalorian is one of the premium shows being offered at launch with the upcoming Disney+ streaming service. The series from producer Jon Favreau is introducing an original character within a familiar framework set by Boba Fett. Favreau explained his inspiration for the series came from his fascination with the grungy parts of the Star Wars universe that have gone less explored.

“I’m trying to evoke the aesthetics of not just the original trilogy but the first film. Not just the first film but the first act of the first film,” Favreau told THR. “What was it like on Tatooine? What was going on in that cantina? That has fascinated me since I was a child, and I love the idea of the darker, freakier side of Star Wars, the Mad Max aspect of Star Wars.”

Favreau says he actually approached Disney about the series, not the other way around.

“I wrote four of the episodes before I even had a deal, because I wanted to do this but only if they wanted to do the version that I wanted to do,” he said.

To bring his vision to life, he’s utilizing some of the same green screen techniques used in the prequels. He says George Lucas’ work serves as the foundation for everything he’s doing here, but noted that different types of storytelling demand different types of sets and effects. He’s using these digital techniques because it suits the project, but it wouldn’t be right for a larger episodic movie.

“When you see Lawrence of Arabia, how much of that is informed by really being there and not shooting it in Calabasas–I think you get a different movie,” he said. “The way I work and the stories I’m telling are geared specifically toward what this technology has to offer, so I could not make Episode IX using these tools.”

The Mandalorian recently released its first poster, showing Pedro Pascal’s armored antihero walking across a desert landscape with his ship in the background. It appears to be set on Tatooine, since the background has clearly visible Sandcrawlers and moisture vaporators. But it also shows the scale of the world and ship that Favreau mentioned. A trailer may be incoming soon as well, as part of Disney’s annual D23 convention.

The show will be one of several offerings available on day one of the Disney+ service. That streaming service will offer a host of movies from Disney’s catalog, along with original series, for $7 per month or $70 per year. It will launch on November 12.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-mandalorian-showrunner-talks-about-exploring-t/1100-6469328/

Fortnite: Battle Royale‘s overpowered mechs have finally been cut down a peg or two. An update recently went live for the multiplayer shooter, introducing sweeping changes that nerf the B.R.U.T.E. mech’s powerful weaponry and expansive movement.

The new mech has been a source of much chagrin in the Fortnite community since its introduction at the beginning of Season 10. An earlier patch reduced the frequency with which the mech would appear in competitive game modes, and Epic followed this up by explaining that they added the controversial vehicle to help players who were struggling to win. After further outcry, however, Epic has now addressed some of the player base’s vocal concerns. The mech hasn’t been vaulted as many had hoped, but this is a positive step in the right direction.

In a blog post last night, Epic detailed the balance adjustments recently applied to the pesky metal killing machines. The B.R.U.T.E.s now fire six rockets in a single charge as opposed to 10, and have seen the blast radius shrink by 42%. Rockets also now fire 56% slower, which Epic says will “allow the players on the receiving end of the missile volley to have more time to react and protect themselves.” The developer added that “B.R.U.T.E.s will continue to be a strong option against structures, but less lethal against players.”

In terms of movement, the dash cooldown has been increased by two seconds, while boosting in the air will give you decreased velocity by 33%. “The adjustment here reduces the ability to close gaps quickly while in the B.R.U.T.E. while also increasing the ability to land shots on target for players facing the B.R.U.T.E.,” Epic added. “In general we hope to shift B.R.U.T.E.s away from being highly mobile and put more emphasis on their already defensive nature.”

The B.R.U.T.E. no longer grants materials to the driver and passenger when stomping or dashing through the environment, either. “Our goal is to add more tension between being in and out of a B.R.U.T.E. as well as reduce instances where players can farm faster than intended without exposing themselves to danger.”

Finally, mech spawn rates have been changed in Fortnite’s core modes after the change was previously implemented in its competitive modes. There’s now a possibility that no mechs will spawn at the beginning of each storm phase, and if they do there will be fewer than before.

As a counter to all of these nerfs, the mech has also received some slight buffs. The material cost of using the gunner’s overshield has been decreased from 200 to 75, and the mech’s overall health has seen a slight boost from 1000 up to 1250. This plays into Epic’s reworking of the mechs as a defensive vehicle. “With the above changes, users of the B.R.U.T.E. need to play a bit more strategic than before, so we want to give a little bit longer of a window to do so.”

These changes probably won’t placate everyone, but they should hopefully lead to Fortnite matches feeling a little bit fairer.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fortnite-has-finally-nerfed-the-brute-mech/1100-6469325/

Riot Games has had a turbulent 12 months. In August of last year, Kotaku published a story alleging that the League of Legends developer has a toxic and sexist workplace environment. This was followed up earlier this year when five lawsuits were filed against the company from employees who state the studio has violated the California Equal Pay Act. Each of the five lawsuits cites in-house sexism influencing hiring practices and creating a “bro culture” within Riot Games. When the company responded by filing a forced arbitration against two of the cases, more than 150 employees staged a walkout in protest.

One of the lawsuits–a class action that alleged claims of gender discrimination in pay and promotion, sexual harassment, and retaliation against women working at Riot offices in California–has, in principle, been settled outside of court

“We realize that this is a path that many companies in our position may not have chosen,” a Riot statement says, “but we felt it was the strongest statement we could make to Rioters, and prospective Rioters, that we’re prepared to go over and above in order to move forward. Both sides believe that this proposed settlement, once finalized, is fair for all parties involved. In addition, we’re hopeful that the settlement will allow us to continue our momentum (as described here and here) in making Riot a leader in inclusive workplaces.”

Riot says it has been working to review and address the concerns that were raised in the lawsuits. “We will continue to strive to be a great company and one that cares about its employees and its players,” the statements goes on to say. “After extensively reviewing these issues, we can confidently state that gender discrimination (in pay or promotion), sexual harassment, and retaliation are not systemic issues at Riot.

“But, what we also learned during this process was that some Rioters have had experiences that did not live up to our values or culture. In addition, we’ve encountered considerable fatigue among Rioters, who have been drained by constant engagement with the internal and external dialogues emerging from these lawsuits and recurring media cycles.”

Finalizing the settlement is still in its early stages so details are sparse, but Riot has expressed a desire to be transparent with its communication. “We’re continuing to work with the class plaintiffs and their counsel to finalize the details. Most importantly, we want to emphasize that any proposed settlement will be subject to the Court’s oversight, and the Court will need to review and approve all details of any agreement. We want to be respectful of this process.”

You can find the full joint press release from the plaintiff’s counsel and Riot Games below:

Preliminary Settlement Agreement Reached in Lawsuit Filed by Women Against Riot Games

August 22, 2019 – LOS ANGELES – All parties have reached an agreement in principle today to resolve the class action case against Riot Games.

“This is a very strong settlement agreement that provides meaningful and fair value to class members for their experiences at Riot Games,” said Ryan Saba of Rosen Saba, LLP, the attorney representing the plaintiffs. “This is a clear indication that Riot is dedicated to making progress in evolving its culture and employment practices. A number of significant changes to the corporate culture have been made, including increased transparency and industry-leading diversity and inclusion programs. The many Riot employees who spoke up, including the plaintiffs, significantly helped to change the culture at Riot.”

The parties will now move toward seeking court approval of the proposed settlement, and we will provide additional details about its terms when that filing takes place.

“We are grateful for every Rioter who has come forward with their concerns and believe this resolution is fair for everyone involved,” said Nicolo Laurent, CEO of Riot Games. “With this agreement, we are honoring our commitment to find the best and most expeditious way for all Rioters, and Riot, to move forward and heal. Over the past year, we’ve made substantial progress toward evolving our culture and will continue to pursue this work as we strive to be the most inclusive company in gaming.”

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/riot-games-settles-gender-discrimination-class-act/1100-6469323/