Scrapped Levolution events for Battlefield 4
- Tom Belous (The Lanky Soldier)
- Jul 3
- 2 min read
Episode 4: Scrapped Levolution events for Battlefield 4
Released on August 2, 2015
Length: 1 hour & 7min
HIGHLIGHTS:
Nvidia Driver Crashes and Windows 10 Issues
Multiple hosts reported crashes related to Nvidia drivers, especially on multi-display setups.
Crashes worsened with Windows 10 updates and when using full screen mode.
Workarounds included using borderless windowed mode and rolling back to older drivers.
Windows 10 Game DVR and DSR (Dynamic Super Resolution) also caused issues.
AMD users reported fewer problems overall.
2. Summer Patch Updates
Speculation on release timing (late August or mid-September).
Nvidia crash fix attempts by Dice and Nvidia were discussed.
Game performance optimization challenges, particularly for Battlefield 4.
3. Netcode and Server Tick Rate Improvements
Introduction of 30Hz servers (felt like 60Hz in gameplay).
Discussions on the future implementation of 60Hz, 120Hz, and possibly 144Hz servers.
Issues with frame drops on 60Hz servers; 120Hz servers felt more stable.
Game engine degradation over long matches was noted.
Destruction and Levolution accumulation theorized to cause server instability over time.
4. Spawn Protection Debate
Controversial mechanic, particularly for squad spawns.
Suggested compromise: keep protection on flag/base spawns but remove it for squadmate spawns.
Concerns over fairness, connection latency, and player vulnerability on spawn.
Discussion on potential exploits and unintended gameplay advantages.
5. Community Map Project vs Dragon Valley
Community map shifting focus to infantry gameplay, losing its original “community-driven” identity.
Dragon Valley highlighted as the new vehicle-heavy map.
Suggestions for naming the community map and feedback on the design.
Desire for unique map features like statues and thematic Easter eggs.
6. Conquest Assault and Rush Game Mode Ideas
Brainstorming dynamic gameplay concepts for Dragon Valley.
Rush mode: suggestion to attack a carrier (Levolution-style) and end match with a dramatic explosion.
Dual-direction Rush ideas: attacking from sea vs. inland progression.
Community-suggested narrative elements and scripting ideas for new modes.
7. Scrapped Levolution Events
China Rising maps were supposed to include Levolution (sandstorms, train derailments, Titan crashes).
Memory and performance constraints led to removal of these features.
Some events were in early stages but scrapped due to technical limits and resource prioritization.
Developers cited too much time spent fixing bugs and balancing weapons to pursue these features.
8. Console Support and Game Longevity
PS3/Xbox 360 support winding down; last-gen players getting fewer content updates.
Patches and balance updates will continue for old-gen, but no new major content.
Battlefield 4’s extended support discussed in contrast to Hardline’s decline.
Criticism of backward porting and support fragmentation.
9. Windows 10 as a Platform
Windows 10 described as a “service” model similar to iOS with ongoing updates.
Frustration over early multi-monitor support and game recording features.
Positive reception to its look and future-proofing (DirectX 12), but execution criticized.
10. Battlefield 5 Teaser & MMO-Style Future Concepts
Speculation around Battlefield 5 or 2143/Bad Company 3.
Suggestion for a long-term base game model with paid content packs.
MMO-style game updates with seasonal or regular DLC seen as a potential future.
Plan to fully discuss Battlefield 5 in the next episode.
