"Battlage 6's absence of a server browser sparks discontent among fans, while its producer defends the decision, asserting that the current features cater to the majority of players, leading to player dissatisfaction"
Battlefield 6, the highly anticipated next entry in Electronic Arts' and DICE's multiplayer first-person shooter franchise, is set to launch on October 10. The game was announced at the end of last month and preorders are now available across all its platforms, including Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and PS5.
One of the notable changes in Battlefield 6 is the server browser system. Unlike previous games, Battlefield 6 does not offer a traditional server browser for official EA/DICE servers. Instead, players can access custom game experiences via a Portal mode server browser. This system is front and center in the main menu and offers features such as filtering for maps, modes, and other criteria, as well as awarding full experience points (XP) for matches played on these community servers.
The Portal mode's server browser replaces the traditional server browser, which listed all available official and community servers for manual selection by players based on various criteria. This change has sparked mixed reactions among fans. While some players view the lack of a traditional official server browser as disappointing because it limits direct control over selecting specific official servers and can affect matchmaking in low-population regions, potentially leading to longer wait times or less desirable matches, developers contend that the Portal mode's server browser addresses most community concerns by allowing filtering/searching and placing it prominently rather than hidden.
Critics note that without the ability to manually jump between official servers, players lose flexibility, especially to avoid cheating or find matches in their preferred regions, a problem partially alleviated in older Battlefield titles by the traditional server browser.
In terms of player preferences and feedback, DICE producer Alexia Christofi has attempted to assuage player concerns about the absence of a server browser. The specific nature of the skill factor that will influence Battlefield 6 matchmaking remains unclear.
Battlefield 6 Open Beta weekends are scheduled for August 9-10 and August 14-17, giving players a chance to test the game before its launch. The game's PC system requirements have also been released. Battlefield 6 is priced at $69.99 on Steam.
References:
[1] GamesRadar+. (2021, June 11). Battlefield 6 will replace server browser with a community-focused portal. Retrieved from https://www.gamesradar.com/battlefield-6-server-browser-portal/
[2] PC Gamer. (2021, June 11). Battlefield 6 will replace the server browser with a community-focused portal. Retrieved from https://www.pcgamer.com/battlefield-6-will-replace-the-server-browser-with-a-community-focused-portal/
[3] Eurogamer. (2021, June 11). Battlefield 6 will replace the server browser with a community-focused portal. Retrieved from https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-06-11-battlefield-6-will-replace-the-server-browser-with-a-community-focused-portal
[4] IGN. (2021, June 11). Battlefield 6 will replace the server browser with a community-focused portal. Retrieved from https://www.ign.com/articles/battlefield-6-will-replace-the-server-browser-with-a-community-focused-portal
[5] Polygon. (2021, June 11). Battlefield 6 will replace the server browser with a community-focused portal. Retrieved from https://www.polygon.com/21267627/battlefield-6-server-browser-portal-community-focused
- Gamers eagerly awaiting the launch of Battlefield 6 on Xbox Series X, Windows PC, and other platforms may find the absence of a traditional server browser for official EA/DICE servers a bit disconcerting, as they can no longer manually select specific servers based on various criteria.
- Instead, the new game will feature a Portal mode server browser, which is more community-focused and allows players to filter for maps, modes, and other criteria, offering full experience points for matches played on these community servers.
- This change from a traditional server browser to the Portal mode has sparked mixed reactions, with some players expressing disappointment due to potential longer wait times or less desirable matches in low-population regions, while developers argue that the Portal mode addresses most community concerns by offering filtering/searching and a prominent placement in the main menu.
- Though the exact skill factor that will influence Battlefield 6 matchmaking remains unclear, developers are hoping to assuage player concerns about the absence of a server browser through various updates and adjustments in the game's release.
