Bioware’s Anthem continues to receive a steady stream of updates courtesy of executive producer Mark Darrah on Twitter. Darrah recently answered questions about AI companions and what exactly the EA Play 2018 demo was running on.

When quizzed about whether the demo was running on a GeForce GTX 1080 and whether it was in 4K/60 FPS, Darrah responded, “It was 2 [GeForce GTX ] 1080TIs. It was running at 4K/60.” Another interesting question was whether solo players would have AI companions joining them on missions.

This doesn’t seem to be the case, sadly, so don’t expect a situation similar to Ghost Recon: Wildlands where three AI companions follow you everywhere while playing solo. Darrah did state in an earlier tweet that there would be matchmaking for everything. So if you want to partake in Strongholds or other Elder Game activities, there will be other players available.

Finally, one user asked if it was possible to avoid looting certain items since drops would automatically be sent back to the Strider/Fort Tarsis at the end of sessions. Darrah said that this is currently planned for “items above a certain rarity tier”. This could mean that Common-tier weapons and equipment get left on the battlefield. If the drops aren’t all that significant after a point, it’s not a huge loss.

Anthem will be releasing on February 22nd 2019 for Xbox One, PS4 and PC.

It was 2 1080TIs
It was running 4K 60 https://t.co/I9TU5tk98n

— Mark Darrah (@BioMarkDarrah) July 10, 2018

If you are playing alone there will not be AI players joining you https://t.co/Qw5Lh7CIdV

— Mark Darrah (@BioMarkDarrah) July 10, 2018

You can use matchmaking for everything https://t.co/dcR8eCdqXH

— Mark Darrah (@BioMarkDarrah) July 10, 2018

That is the current plan for items above a certain rarity tier https://t.co/VRmUG4RzGu

— Mark Darrah (@BioMarkDarrah) July 10, 2018

New details for Bioware’s Anthem have emerged courtesy of executive producer Mark Darrah and lead producer Mike Gamble. While Darrah continues to field questions from fans, Gamble sought to address the difficulty of the demo showcased at EA Play 2018.

First off, map access: Darrah confirmed that the map will be completely accessible from the very beginning. When quizzed whether level scaling is in effect or certain areas were closed off until levelling up, Darrah said, “You can go everywhere. You probably shouldn’t.”

Players will be able to join quests in progress, as you’d expect in any shared world title. However, like Monster Hunter World, there seems to be a time limit. Joining after this time has elapsed will result in limited rewards. That being said, Darrah said there will be “some reward” to encourage players to join late. So, much like Monster Hunter World, expect to receive something for helping out any Freelancers in need.

As for the EA Play demo, Gamble addressed concerns that it seemed “a little easy”. “That footage was with pro-BioWare players (our best) with high-level gear,” he said. “That was intentional so they didn’t die during their 100 live demos. You will be challenged. You will be shot in the face a lot.”

To further drive this point home, Gamble revealed that two of the demo’s players were Bioware employees – producer Scylla Costa and QA project lead Jen Cheverie. “If you think they are newbs then they challenge you to beat their scores in February,” said Gamble.

Anthem will be releasing on February 22nd for Xbox One, PS4 and PC after being delayed (but not really) from its initial Autumn 2018 release.

You can go everywhere.
You probably shouldn’t https://t.co/RjitqopblT

— Mark Darrah (@BioMarkDarrah) July 9, 2018

Yes. Though there will be some reward to encourage late joins https://t.co/3J1K0jkFRR

— Mark Darrah (@BioMarkDarrah) July 9, 2018

A few people mentioned that the gameplay demo looked a little easy. That footage was with pro BioWare players (our best) with high level gear. That was intentional so they didn’t die during their 100 live demos. You will be challenged. You will be shot in the face a lot. pic.twitter.com/i0uInfX2HQ

— Michael Gamble (@GambleMike) July 6, 2018

For those of you wondering, @scyllacosta @jencheverie were two of the players from the demo. If you think they are newbs then they challenge you to beat their scores in February.

— Michael Gamble (@GambleMike) July 6, 2018

If you missed it, ColdWood Interactive’s Unravel 2 is now available for Xbox One, PS4 and PC. The indie platformer launched at EA Play 2018 right after its announcement. For those still on the fence as to whether it’s worth $20, there’s a free demo available now for Xbox One, PS4 and PC. It contains the first two levels and can be played for up to 10 hours.

The demo will be free till July 30th so there’s ample time to check it out. Unravel 2 isn’t just a straight-up sequel to the original – it adds co-op via a second Yarny that can be controlled via co-op. The same physics based, yarn-swinging puzzles still remain so keep that in mind.

The full Unravel 2 experience consists of six levels in total and it can be completed rather quickly. However, many reviewers have confirmed the sequel to be a good improvement in terms of platforming, exploration and art-style. Check out GamingBolt’s official review here for more information.

ColdWood Interactive’s reveal of Unravel Two during EA Play 2018 wasn’t terribly surprising – Electronic Arts had already confirmed a new Unravel was in the works in May. However, it was incredibly surprising when Unravel Two launched at EA Play itself for Xbox One, PS4 and PC.

Why not Nintendo Switch though especially given how popular the platform is these days? ColdWood producer Michael Gill spoke to Games Industry Biz about the same. Essentially, it boiled down to extra time and resources but getting it ready in time for the surprise reveal was also a factor.

Gill said that the Switch version “would have taken another half a year or so,” on top of the other platform versions. The game’s more technical elements, including the different physics being used, defied its classification as a “simple platform”. Though the Switch is “a machine made for Unravel Two,” it still would have been difficult to adapt for the platform.

Regardless, you can still play Unravel Two for Xbox One, PS4 and PC. Unlike the original, co-op is supported as well.

Despite some fuss being made over changes, DICE’s Battlefield 5 is pushing for quite a lot of new features. It’s introducing new Fortifications for players to build, emphasizing squad play even more and even introducing post-launch Tides of War events with new maps and customization items. What’s more is that there will be no Premium Pass or pay to win microtransactions – all content like new modes and maps will be free.

The community may still remain skeptical (especially after the debacle with Star Wars Battlefront 2) but DICE is apparently very upbeat about the lack of paid DLC. Speaking to DualShockers during EA Play 2018, Senior Producer Lars Gustavsson reflects on the community being splintered throughout the years.

“We have so many talented people who have built some of our best maps ever post-launch. Usually, we build a game with a mindset and everything, and then when we do post-launch we learn from that, and allow ourselves to ‘go deep’ on this or that. It’s been kind of sad to see that we’ve splintered our community through the years and some times those experiences haven’t gotten all the love they deserve. So that’s why the team is super-happy to do this.”

Even with all the changes and debates about historical accuracy, it’s still good to see DICE trying something new that’s beneficial for players. Hopefully, after the pay-to-win backlash that Star Wars Battlefront 2 faced, Battlefield 5 will find the sweet spot for post-launch monetization and free DLC.

Battlefield 5 is out on October 21st for Xbox One, PS4 and PC.

DICE surprised no one when it announced that its upcoming Battlefield 5 would have a battle royale mode (which it simply dubbed as “Royale” at EA Play). What motivated the addition of the mode? According to DICE creative director Lars Gustavsson, it was more out of the studio’s enjoyment of the genre.

Speaking to GameSpot at EA Play, Gustavsson relates how battle royale titles were popular among studio members. So rather than EA pressuring the studio to add it, the urge to go with the concept came from within.

“I would be lying [if I said] there weren’t people in the studio that would play [battle royale games] a lot. We enjoy it. It’s good fun, and it brings a new perspective,” Gustavsson said cheerfully. There is “lots of good energy” regarding Battlefield 5’s battle royale mode especially since it will have 64 players, vehicles and destructibility.

Gustavsson noted that there was an “extremely big push” from DICE to bring battle royale to the sequel. “It’s a good sign when it comes from pure passion.” But what does he think of Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 which has Blackout, its own take on battle royale?

“It’s interesting times. We’re all game developers but also gamers. Looking forward to seeing where it takes us.” Treyarch hasn’t discussed much about Blackout either, instead confirming vehicles, a large map and all known characters in the Black Ops franchise. Even the player count remains relatively undecided till now.

Battlefield 5 is out on October 19th for Xbox One, PS4 and PC. Battle royale will be available post-launch.

Everyone is buzzing about Bioware’s Anthem, especially after the recent showcase at EA Play 2018. In a new video from IGN, the developer shared more explicit details on certain aspects like leveling, factions, the Critical Story Path and much more.

First, it was noted that there would be other other Exo Suits (aka Javelins) aside from the current four revealed. Though they won’t be discussed now, lead producer Mike Gamble said that they will complement the current group in the best way possible. We already know that players can change Javelins but Pilots themselves can also be leveled up and become better at flying. As for the Javelin, better weapons and gear will be discovered, and can be customized and personalized to suit one’s playstyle.

Concerning the story, there is an aspect of dealing with technology that is beyond the understanding of the Freelancers. The machine showcased in the E3 gameplay trailer is one such example. However, the Shaper artifacts are also a big part of the game. They’re causing the storms and cataclysms along with the nasty creatures that are out to harm players and can reshape the world in “explosive ways”. What they are and how they work will be one part of the game’s mystery as players piece lore together.

The Freelancers are only one faction in Anthem. There’s also the Sentinels (which weren’t discussed in depth); the Scars, who are tied to the Shaper artifacts; and the Dominion, another human faction that is the prime antagonist. They’re looking for the Shaper relics and will stop at nothing to have them. These groups have different interplay, politics and inner workings, and have been described as “different shades of gray” that aren’t purely good or bad.

As for the base, known as Fort Tarsis, this is where players will interact more with the game’s cast. You can form different relationships with different characters and while this won’t be shared with friends, there will be a consistency in choices throughout. The Critical Story Path missions will introduce players to the world and factions. However, there’s also the looming world conflict in the background, something which the endgame (referred to as the “Eldergame”) explores more.

Throughout different activities, players will see different things, which seems to indicate that not all missions will play out in the same fashion. You can embark on expeditions with friends with dedicated servers being confirmed. When events are deployed, this allows different players across different servers to see them at the same time.

Players can also immediately hop into each other’s games with Contracts. These are essentially broadcasts that alert players about free space on one’s party as a mission is ongoing. Other players can then join in and once the mission is complete, they can continue playing together on other missions (think of it as similar to Monster Hunter World’s SOS Flares).

Currently, Bioware is focused on having an “amazing launch”. After that, the job will be making sure the game is serviced for many years. It also confirmed that other teams are working on things, which we can assume is post-launch content. We just don’t know exactly what that could be yet.

Anthem is out on February 22nd for Xbox One, PS4 and PC. What are your thoughts on the game thus far? Let us know in the comments.

Though Respawn Entertainment teased us with new information about its upcoming Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order, DICE did offer an update on Star Wars Battlefront 2. It seems that the Clone Wars will be coming to the shooter as future DLC and it will include iconic Heroes and Villains. These include Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Count Dooku and General Grievous.

Genosis will be a featured location, the largest yet built by the developer, and will have numerous levels to fight through. There’s no release date yet for the DLC but it will arrive sometime this year. Till then, there’s still content based on the recent Solo: A Star Wars Story to play with.

Star Wars Battlefront 2 had a fairly disastrous launch due to heavy pay-to-win elements and muddled progression systems. DICE eventually revamped the progression system altogether while opening a dedicated shop to purchase cosmetics directly (and without RNG). With the Clone Wars DLC, the developer will be fulfilling an era that’s been long-requested by fans. We’ll see how it pans out in the coming months.

Among the many new games announced at EA Play 2018 was Command and Conquer: Rivals, a mobile RTS that focuses on 1v1 battles where players battle with various units and take control of different missile silos. Check out the announcement and overview trailers below.

Though boasting a different art-style, Command and Conquer: Rivals does feature some familiar forces like the Brotherhood of Nod led by Kane. Otherwise, the map design and overall gameplay are definitely scaled for mobile play. If you’re curious about the game, then head over to Google Play (iOS users can head here) to pre-register for the pre-alpha. Players in US and Canada should receive invites when it goes live.

Arguably one of the biggest mistakes that Electronic Arts made at EA Play 2018 was offering so much time to Command and Conquer: Rivals. If the name doesn’t ring any bells, it’s based off of the classic Command and Conquer franchise that served as the foundation for modern RTS games. Both trailers have enormous “Dislike” ratios but what are your thoughts on the game? Let us know below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyNXQpAFQJc

Along with hosting perhaps one of the lesser E3 pressers in recent memory, Electronic Arts announced two very interesting things. One of these was Origin Access Premier, an add-on to the basic subscription which will cost $15 per month and $100 per year. Along with the Vault, full of dozens of games from EA and third party studios, it also provides discounts on digital content, early trials and more.

However, it also enables subscribers to play certain games earlier than launch. Such games will include Anthem, Battlefield 5, Madden NFL 19 and FIFA 19. The other interesting announcement was that of a game streaming service, separate from Origin Access, that was also in the works. No additional information was provided however.

If you want a taste of Origin Access, then sign up for the free trial now – it’s active from now until June 17th. Otherwise, you can check out GamingBolt’s impressions of EA Play 2018, from the highlights to the lowlights.