DICE Defend Battlefield 3 Beta

So we’ve seen all the complaints about Battlefield 3. One of the top releases of the year has had a multiplayer beta and it’s been torn apart by once-loyal fans, people for whom the raw state of the beta is quite concerning.

DICE have been sifting through the feedback and are quick to defend themselves. From the DICE blog:

“The Battlefield 3 Open Beta is based on software that is more than one month old. We need to test the new back end dedicated server structure we’ve built. Not only have we built a new game engine, but an entirely new back end system so that everyone can enjoy the benefits of dedicated servers on all platforms.”

“Just like normal procedure when releasing a game, the Open Beta has had long lead times due to testing, certification, and setting up. This means that the code you are now playing is actually quite early and not representative of the final game.”

I have my own theory as to what the problem is. Battlefield is known for its huge maps, its tactical gameplay and its focus on vehicular combat. I’m not sure why, but none of those elements are really present in the beta. The map is too tight for the most part, there are no vehicles and, as a result, the only real tactics at your disposal are either camping or trying to flank the enemy.

The very best thing DICE could do now is allow for another map, show off everything that BF3 can do. We’ll have to see if they bend in the face of popular opinion.