Posted Wed Jun 4, 2014 at 11:56 AM PDT by Trevor Ruben
Is it finally time to go back?
DICE is rolling out a patch to every version of 'Battlefield 4' this week that aims to improve the game's netcode (the generalized term for a game's online connectivity programming and capabilities). What's interesting about this patch is some players have already tried it out through the Community Test Environment (CTE).
DICE introduced the CTE after multiple patches to the ailing blockbuster title seemed to create more problems than it solved, so instead of plunging in every time the code was rewritten, the team decided to let players test it beforehand on the understanding that the patch wasn't a completed thing. In essence, the CTE is a beta test for patches, and this week's update will see if this process actually works.
Eager testers can opt in to the CTE here, which should stay live for future updates.
Among other things, the Xbox One, PS4 and PC versions are to receive the High Frequency Network Update, which essentially speeds up the player's communication with elements in a multiplayer match within a specified bubble around that player, resulting in a "more correct player experience," according to DICE.
There is a caveat, however, in that the High Frequency Update is by default turned off, and once turned on is applied with varying degrees of intensity depending on the player's bandwidth. Some players may not be able to use it all.
The update, including a number of smaller fixes and balances, is already out to the PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of the game. The Xbox One and PS4 versions will be updated later in the week. Check out the linked source for the minutia of the update.
Source: Battlelog
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