Team Initiative that never happened

Episode 12: Team Initiative is HAPPENING

Released on September 27, 2015

Length: 1 hour & 24min

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HIGHLIGHTS:

• Community Map & Updates:

  • The community map is in beta, with official release expected in the Autumn patch.

  • Xbox players can now play Dragon Valley, similar to PC versions.

  • Map hasn't changed much since alpha, with minor additions like destructible temple entrances.

  • Xbox console testing includes 45Hz gameplay.

• Game Mechanics & Features:

  • Tank physics discussed.

  • Xbox and PS4 updates include ping bar improvements.

  • Smoke screen delayed until winter patch; thermal camo is in-game.

  • Concerns about smoke screen's game-changing effects and developer hesitation.

• Speed Inheritance & Smoke Screen:

  • Speed inheritance for tank shells was tested but scrapped due to issues.

  • Visual effects and gameplay impact considered problematic.

  • Smoke screen's size and visibility issues led to developer hesitation.

• Team Initiative & Score System Changes:

  • New "Team Initiative" aims to promote objective play.

  • Increased points for capturing objectives (e.g., from 150 to 400).

  • Points for disarming MCOMs, capturing flags, and holding objectives increased.

  • Concerns about scoring imbalance favoring offensive actions over defense.

  • Developer responses emphasize rewarding objective-focused gameplay.

• Scoring & Objective Play:

  • Discussion on how scoring currently favors kills over objectives.

  • Suggestions to reward defending and stopping enemy captures.

  • Ideas include awarding points for contesting or defending flags.

  • The importance of incentivizing objective play to improve overall gameplay.

• Skill Measurement & Matchmaking:

  • Difficulty in defining and measuring player skill in Battlefield.

  • Criticism of the current skill system as broken and ineffective.

  • Debates on using ELO or similar ranking systems; challenges due to large player counts.

  • Preference for a system based on wins or overall performance.

  • The idea of separate skill metrics for vehicles, infantry, and team play.

• Skill System & Matchmaking:

  • The potential for skill-based matchmaking using ranking systems.

  • Concerns about data complexity and accuracy in large matches.

  • The importance of a stable, consistent skill rating rather than bouncing scores.

  • The possibility of a combined or separate skill rating for different aspects.

• Idea of the Week (Community Suggestions):

  • Proposed idea: "You can't be revived while suppressed," meaning suppression prevents revives until the suppressor is killed.

  • Mixed opinions; some see it as frustrating and potentially harmful to gameplay.

  • Concerns about added UI complexity and player frustration.

  • Emphasis on avoiding frustration and maintaining fun.