It’s all about nations battling it out, and few games capture that struggle better than Battlefield and Sid Mier’s Civilization. This week, we take a look at how EA and 2K Games got fans ready for battle.
Battlefield 1
Since its wildly popular trailer in May and subsequent unveiling at E3, EA has carefully laid the groundwork for the launch of Battlefield 1 on October 21 with its Road to Battlefield 1 livestreams. These streams offer a behind-the-scenes look at the game, during which downloadable content (DLC) for previous Battlefield titles were offered free for a limited time. These interactive livestreams started months in advance of the game’s launch, appealing to the hardcore fans and curious alike. Unlike some popular game titles that focus on one console or another, EA has created a number of partnerships across the spectrum with PlayStation 4, Xbox One and the PC. Although you can’t play the game on mobile, a companion app has been launched for fans to keep track of progress and customize their load outs.
During Electronic Arts’ Investor Day, investor relations vice president, Chris Evenden explained that despite the popularity of Battlefield on PlayStation, partnerships with Xbox would only stand to increase the game’s fan base. “You know, I think this is a game for PlayStation as much as it is for Xbox as much as it is for PC,” he said. “I think what DICE has done and the game that they’re building is going to satisfy the Battlefield core that continues to play Battlefield 4 and Hardline, and it’s actually gonna bring a lot of additional players into the battlefield franchise.”
Those who pre-ordered the game on Xbox One, for example, receive early access to a new map releasing later this year, the Harlem Hellfights DLC pack and an entire month of free EA Access membership. Microsoft is also offering a special Xbox One S Battlefield 1 Bundle. PlayStation fans will receive a PS4 dashboard theme, the DLC and early access to the aforementioned map a week before it releases publicly.
PC gamers, meanwhile, were offered some pretty sweet perks in partnership with MSI. Those who purchased select MSI laptops could choose to receive either Battlefield 1 or Titanfall 2 for free and purchases of an MSI Radeon RX 480 Graphics Card came with an Early Enlister Deluxe Edition upgrade code, which provided additional content and early access beginning October 18.
Battlefield is headed to TV thanks to a deal with Paramount Television and Anonymous Content. Although there are no details yet on a release date or even subject matter, Paramount expressed plans to remain faithful to the fans. “Battlefield has a tremendous built-in, engaged fan base, making it a highly coveted piece of IP primed for long-form adaptation,” Anonymous Content partner Michael Sugar said. “Together with EA and Paramount TV, we’ll develop the Battlefield TV series with the same commitment to robust storytelling that has made the game such a runaway success for nearly 15 years.”
To stay sharp for all that combat, specially-marked Monster Energy drinks are giving away Battlefield 1 Battlepack codes, plus a chance to win a trip for two to Stockholm to either visit the Battlefield development studio or receive a free Xbox One S along with a copy of the game.
Civilization VI
2K Games is celebrating the 25th Anniversary of its award-winning Civilization series with a special edition—complete with art book, Aztec pack pre-order bonus and even a commemorative coin set. On Twitter, the publisher has been appealing to history buffs with facts and news, while getting players hyped with how-to tutorials and livestreams. There are many civilizations to control in the game, so to find out which is the best, 2K is hosting a Battle Royale on Twitch October 19. Viewers can watch eight AI-controlled civilizations duke it out while the game’s developers offer live commentary. For those who love behind-the-scenes, fans were treated to a video with the series’ Grammy-award-winning composer, Christopher Tin about his new musical score for the game.
