Toxic Battlefield community?

Episode 8: Toxic Battlefield community?

Released on August 31, 2015

Length: 1 hour & 27min

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HIGHLIGHTS:

1. Summer Patch Overview

• Release Date & Content

  • Released on September 1st (except Europe PS3/PS4 on September 8th).

  • Includes night map "Graveyard Shift" (Operation Night).

  • No new weapons, despite earlier reporting errors.

• Bug Fixes and System Updates

  • Reload bug fixed.

  • Jet system reverted to old 313 system.

  • Netcode improvements; groundwork laid for 120Hz servers.

• Community Test Environment (CTE) Changes

  • TDM and Gunmaster maps added to the community map with two distinct layouts.

  • Minor terrain, object, and lighting adjustments.

    
    

2. Easter Eggs and Speculation

• Secret Passage

  • New hidden passage in community map sparked Phantom Program continuation rumors.

  • Coincides with the addition of two new arrow types for the Phantom Bow.

• Community Opinions

  • Mixed feelings on Easter eggs: some enjoy the mystery, others feel they now lack meaning due to being promoted or revealed too quickly.

  • Discussion about whether Easter eggs distract from core game issues.

    
    

3. CTE Weapon and Equipment Changes

• Shotgun Nerfs

  • Box shot and flechette rounds reduced in damage for better range balance.

• Laser Designators

  • PLD lock-on range increased from 300m to 500m.

  • Seen as a positive change for anti-AA strategies and squad play.

    
    

4. Turret Sensitivity Changes

• Implementation and Bugs

  • New turret sensitivity system added to make all vehicle seats consistent.

  • Last-minute issues caused tank turrets to become ~20% faster on PC.

• Developer Constraints

  • Timing and patch system limitations blamed for rushed, imperfect fix.

  • Developers aim to refine this in the next full patch.

• Console Considerations

  • Console turret movement primarily limited by joystick hardware.

  • New vehicle sensitivity slider introduced on consoles.

    
    

5. Battlefield Community Discussion

• Toxicity and Elitism

  • Hostility towards players from other franchises (e.g., Call of Duty).

  • Harassment of content creators (e.g., Drifter) for “not belonging.”

• Inclusivity and Acceptance

  • Advocates for welcoming new players regardless of gaming background.

  • Recognizes the need to teach, not insult, new or transitioning players.

• Gameplay Identity and Evolution

  • Disagreement on what defines "true" Battlefield gameplay.

  • Argument that Battlefield should appeal to a broader player base.

• Game Design Philosophy

  • Debate over casual vs. hardcore gameplay.

  • Calls for a split in game types (e.g., infantry-only vs. vehicle-focused modes).

  • Suggestion that DICE should incentivize team play (PTFO) rather than punish lone wolves.

• Developer Responsibility

  • Acknowledgment that developers ultimately shape the community through design.

  • Suggestion that community cannot fix itself; structural changes are needed.