BF3 Will not Have a Server Browser-

Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you:

No adverts like this in the forums anymore.
Times and dates in your local timezone.
Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance.
Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely.
Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net.

If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

**LordofHats**

On PC. Of all places not to have a server browser. But the consoles will!

The tables have turned. A day after we gladly reported that console gamers would be getting this great PC feature called “server browser”, we can now report that PC gamers won’t have an in-game server browser. DICE’s Alan Kertz has confirmed that in order to switch servers, you have to exit Battlefield 3, and use Battlelog to find another server and join.

Granted, Kertz points out that BF3 “starts up really fast”, but we can’t imagine it being more effective than having an in-game server browser, which has been the norm in PC games for decades — in fact, there’s no other game that requires you to exit in order to switch servers.

Considering that server switching is frequent among gamers, either because of rage quitting or trying to find a better game, or something third, this could cause some annoyance. We’ll have to wait and see how it plays out (no pun intended) when Battlefield 3 is released. So far, it’s kinda disappointing news, but we’ll see how it turns out in the end.

Console gamers now have in-game server browser, while PC gamers don’t. Oh the irony.

As far as PC goes, it's like putting a sign in front of your store that says "Get lost."

**johnscott10**

While i tried the Black Ops multiplayer weekend thing on steam, the fact that BF3 are removing a menu which is really useful is darn right stupid.

Not that it matters tbh, I wasnt plannin on buyin BF3 anyway after all the crap Ea have done.

**MrH**

It's a non issue, the Battlelog worked just fine in the alpha.

**LordofHats**

MrH wrote:It's a non issue, the Battlelog worked just fine in the alpha.

I'll await its imminent crash when it has to deal with release load. EA can't get a normal server browser to work (Shocking when one considers it a technology perfected in like, the late 90's). I have absolutely no faith in their ability to get some hack crazy concept that should never be seen outside a flash game to function. Now that I think of it, nice looking web pages are one of the few things EA is really good at...

**Necroshea**

I really do hope this game does not sell. This, coupled with the Origin fiasco...it would really say something about consumers if it sales really well, that's all im saying.

**MrH**

Necroshea wrote:I really do hope this game does not sell. This, coupled with the Origin fiasco...it would really say something about consumers if it sales really well, that's all im saying.

I couldn't disagree with this comment more. If it sells well, which it should it is an indication that gamers still appreciate amazing games that push the envelope. Having to install Origin is hardly a "fiasco", I suppose you was one of the people outraged at Steam in the beginning? And look how well that turned out. If anything the Battlelog makes joining games easier and faster, just because it's different doesn't mean it's bad, you'd know this if you actually played the alpha.

**LordofHats**

MrH wrote:Having to install Origin is hardly a "fiasco", I suppose you was one of the people outraged at Steam in the beginning? And look how well that turned out.

I take it you're a person who will have no problem installing every publisher's online service when they start wanting a piece of the pie? My problem isn't with the idea of Origin/Steam. It's with EA pulling games from Steam (the DLC issue is just a convenient excuse for them) and only offering them on Origin. I will not download every publishers trash program.

If anything the Battlelog makes joining games easier and faster, just because it's different doesn't mean it's bad, you'd know this if you actually played the alpha.

Alpha means nothing more than that the code runs. I'm sure the server browsers for BLOPS, BFBC2, and Medal of Honor were all wonderful in alpha. Too bad they weren't properly stress tested.

**MrH**

LordofHats wrote:
MrH wrote:Having to install Origin is hardly a "fiasco", I suppose you was one of the people outraged at Steam in the beginning? And look how well that turned out.

I take it you're a person who will have no problem installing every publisher's online service when they start wanting a piece of the pie? My problem isn't with the idea of Origin/Steam. It's with EA pulling games from Steam (the DLC issue is just a convenient excuse for them) and only offering them on Origin. I will not download every publishers trash program.

If anything the Battlelog makes joining games easier and faster, just because it's different doesn't mean it's bad, you'd know this if you actually played the alpha.

Alpha means nothing more than that the code runs. I'm sure the server browsers for BLOPS, BFBC2, and Medal of Honor were all wonderful in alpha.

Honestly I have bigger things to worry about, installing a handful of apps isn't anything to cry about in my world.

It worked great in alpha and it'll work great in retail, plus they're doing an open beta which will stress test the battlelog, that's the point of these tests.

**LordofHats**

MrH wrote:Honestly I have bigger things to worry about, installing a handful of apps isn't anything to cry about in my world.

It worked great in alpha and it'll work great in retail, plus they're doing an open beta which will stress test the battlelog, that's the point of these tests.

If you've ever done an EA beta before, you know that they don't use them to test they use them to demo. BFBC2 was actually worse in release than in the beta. Medal of Honor should never have even been in beta at all. They should have realized it was horrible in alpha

**MrH**

LordofHats wrote:If you've ever done an EA beta before, you know that they don't use them to test they use them to demo. BFBC2 was actually worse in release than in the beta. Medal of Honor should never have even been in beta at all. They should have realized it was horrible in alpha

There's just no point complaining about it now, the battlelog isn't going anywhere and so far it's working great, if it sucks at launch then have at it and complain until you're blue in the face, hell, I'll join you. Battlefield 3 isn't just any game, it's not a rushed to release MoH, it's not a placeholder title like BC2, it's their baby, their crown jewel, it's their one big shot to take down Call of Duty and from what I've seen and played they're going to do just that, even if sales don't reflect it (it's near impossible to convert a CoD zombie). For me BF3 is a breath of fresh air in a stale genre, and I can't wait to play it on October 25th.

**Necroshea**

MrH wrote:I couldn't disagree with this comment more. If it sells well, which it should it is an indication that gamers still appreciate amazing games that push the envelope. Having to install Origin is hardly a "fiasco", I suppose you was one of the people outraged at Steam in the beginning? And look how well that turned out. If anything the Battlelog makes joining games easier and faster, just because it's different doesn't mean it's bad, you'd know this if you actually played the alpha.

You might want to look into situations more before you think you know about them. The reason Origin is a fiasco is because in the terms that you agreed to, you told EA that they have the right to look through your entire computer and get whatever information they want, and give it to whoever they want.

This also relates to how you are wrong about my opinion of steam. I have it, I've always enjoyed it.

**LordofHats**

MrH wrote: For me BF3 is a breath of fresh air in a stale genre

Battlefield is the CoD of it's particular flavor. The only reason it wouldn't be considered 'stale' is because so few games in its imitation are any good. Battlefield has hardly changed its formula at all since BF1942.

Now I don't hate battlefield. I hate EA and the continuing legacy of the mega publishers in making absurdly stupid design choices and decisions for the sake of stopping pirating (by irony, their attempts have increased it).

**MrH**

Necroshea wrote:
MrH wrote:I couldn't disagree with this comment more. If it sells well, which it should it is an indication that gamers still appreciate amazing games that push the envelope. Having to install Origin is hardly a "fiasco", I suppose you was one of the people outraged at Steam in the beginning? And look how well that turned out. If anything the Battlelog makes joining games easier and faster, just because it's different doesn't mean it's bad, you'd know this if you actually played the alpha.

You might want to look into situations more before you think you know about them. The reason Origin is a fiasco is because in the terms that you agreed to, you told EA that they have the right to look through your entire computer and get whatever information they want, and give it to whoever they want.

This also relates to how you are wrong about my opinion of steam. I have it, I've always enjoyed it.

Look at you, wearing your big boy pants. I know about the terms and once again, I have bigger things to worry about. People like you are only happy when they're complaining, usually about petty stuff that has no actual impact on their life. And just FYI, they've already amended the EULA so your top secret files are once again safe and secure.

**LordofHats**

Necroshea wrote:The reason Origin is a fiasco is because in the terms that you agreed to, you told EA that they have the right to look through your entire computer and get whatever information they want, and give it to whoever they want.

omg, I went over this. The terms do NOT say that. EA does nothing every other publisher doesn't do (including Steam). Now, I think what they do is a problem and I don't like it, but lets not cry foul over something they're not even doing.

**MrH**

LordofHats wrote:
Necroshea wrote:The reason Origin is a fiasco is because in the terms that you agreed to, you told EA that they have the right to look through your entire computer and get whatever information they want, and give it to whoever they want.

omg, I went over this. The terms do NOT say that. EA does nothing every other publisher doesn't do (including Steam). Now, I think what they do is a problem and I don't like it, but lets not cry foul over something they're not even doing.

Thank God! I mean I would hate for anyone to know I like chicks with big butts..... OOPS, the cat is out of the bag, and they didn't even have to scan my top secret files to find out this information.

**LordofHats**

MrH wrote:
LordofHats wrote:
Necroshea wrote:The reason Origin is a fiasco is because in the terms that you agreed to, you told EA that they have the right to look through your entire computer and get whatever information they want, and give it to whoever they want.

omg, I went over this. The terms do NOT say that. EA does nothing every other publisher doesn't do (including Steam). Now, I think what they do is a problem and I don't like it, but lets not cry foul over something they're not even doing.

Thank God! I mean I would hate for anyone to know I like chicks with big butts..... OOPS, the cat is out of the bag, and they didn't even have to scan my top secret files to find out this information.

No i agree with you on this. The EULA says nothing out of the ordinary. That, and it's the exact same one they've been using since BF2! In 2004! The only problem is that it references the privacy policy which I doubt anyone who is complaining about the "conspiracy" has read. EA has no desire or reason to go digging around anyone's computer.

EDIT: The weirdest part is that media outlets who should know this are complaining about it.

**MrH**

What I find funny is all the people complaining will still buy the game on day one, like they all did with MW2. People just like to be apart of something, so they follow the leader like sheep.

**LordofHats**

I know. I'm probably the only person on the planet who actually doesn't buy something (not at full price anyway). Which is painful. I've already sworn off Ubisoft since Conviction. Now EA is on its way to my not buying anymore list.

**MrH**

LordofHats wrote:I know. I'm probably the only person on the planet who actually doesn't buy something (not at full price anyway). Which is painful. I've already sworn off Ubisoft since Conviction. Now EA is on its way to my not buying anymore list.

I very rarely buy games on day one also as they usually drop in price after only a few weeks, but there's certain games I have to buy day one, my body won't have it any other way. For example, Diablo 3, there's no way I'm waiting a second longer than I have to.

**Necroshea**

MrH wrote:Look at you, wearing your big boy pants..

One of us has to

MrH wrote:And just FYI, they've already amended the EULA so your top secret files are once again safe and secure.

Good to know. Also, do try to take notice that they AMENDED it. That means for some reason they decided to change it. Wonder why hmmmm...

MrH wrote:People like you are only happy when they're complaining, usually about petty stuff that has no actual impact on their life.

A legitimate disagreement about invasive practices. Yeah sorry that does sort of impact my life.

I do find your methods of dealing with this entertaining, I truly do. Someone doesn't like what you like? Surely they're wrong! I imagine you're either a fanboy of some sort of really bad troll. Or both, who knows?

By all means, reply to this with all the acid you can muster, because you're totally getting me upset.

**MrH**

Good to know. Also, do try to take notice that they AMENDED it. That means for some reason they decided to change it. Wonder why hmmmm...

They changed it to shut up the whiners, they probably had no intention of scanning your top secret files in the first place, so amending the EULA wasn't a big deal to them.

A legitimate disagreement about invasive practices. Yeah sorry that does sort of impact my life.

I do find your methods of dealing with this entertaining, I truly do. Someone doesn't like what you like? Surely they're wrong! I imagine you're either a fanboy of some sort of really bad troll. Or both, who knows?

By all means, reply to this with all the acid you can muster, because you're totally getting me upset.

Seriously? EA knowing the contents of your hard drive is going to impact your life? Maybe if you have illegal files on your drive, otherwise, no.

It has nothing to do with liking what I like, it has to do with your stupid comment which rubbed me the wrong way. Wanting a great game that's pushing the envelope to fail because of stupid, petty minor annoyances is just dumb, as a gamer you should be hoping BF3 is a massive success, if only to spur on the competition to improve their games.

And I'm sorry to disappoint you but I'm no EA/BF fanyboy, I'm just a fan of good games, whoever they're made by and whatever they're called.

I'll reimburse you for the Kleenex you used to rub your teary eyes, sorry about that.

**Necroshea**

MrH wrote:Seriously? EA knowing the contents of your hard drive is going to impact your life? Maybe if you have illegal files on your drive, otherwise, no.

If you simply cannot grasp why letting a company have full access to your computer and everything stored on it is a bad idea, then there's not much I can do to change that, but I can explain why I personally don't like it. Amidst all the super illegal porn and software that you insinuate I have on my computer, I also have stored passwords to my bank account, as well as other such information. So let's say they have my information, and one of their workers goes postal and steals my information. Now someone has access to my bank account. They may even have my SS#. I'm not going to explain how this is a bad thing.

MrH wrote:It has nothing to do with liking what I like, it has to do with your stupid comment which rubbed me the wrong way.

My comment is stupid because you don't agree with it, but it has nothing to do with liking what you like. Wat.

MrH wrote:And I'm sorry to disappoint you but I'm no EA/BF fanyboy, I'm just a fan of good games

It hasn't been released yet, but you're already 100% certain it is a good game. That sounds like a fanboy to me.

MrH wrote:I'll reimburse you for the Kleenex you used to rub your teary eyes, sorry about that.

Considering that you're the one getting upset because I don't like the game, you might want to hold on to that.

**MrH**

If you simply cannot grasp why letting a company have full access to your computer and everything stored on it is a bad idea, then there's not much I can do to change that, but I can explain why I personally don't like it. Amidst all the super illegal porn and software that you insinuate I have on my computer, I also have stored passwords to my bank account, as well as other such information. So let's say they have my information, and one of their workers goes postal and steals my information. Now someone has access to my bank account. They may even have my SS#. I'm not going to explain how this is a bad thing.

Pen and paper. All my passwords are written in a pad on my desk, and the last time I checked, that can't be hacked or viewed without my consent.

My comment is stupid because you don't agree with it, but it has nothing to do with liking what you like. Wat.

It's stupid because it's stupid, sometimes an opinion is just stupid.

It hasn't been released yet, but you're already 100% certain it is a good game. That sounds like a fanboy to me.

I've played it, it is a good game.

Considering that you're the one getting upset because I don't like the game, you might want to hold on to that.

I think you need to think before you hit submit, that doesn't mean I'm "upset", I don't get upset over stupid, petty things (unlike some people).

**Necroshea**

I do believe this petty argument is derailing the thread. Congrats, you won the argument, now lets move on.

**MrH**

Necroshea wrote:I do believe this petty argument is derailing the thread. Congrats, you won the argument, now lets move on.

Fine by me.

**Soladrin**

Sounds stupid. Do I care? NO, getting it for PC and Xbox

(PC for competitive play, Xbox for awesome squad fun!)

**htj**

Could somebody explain this in stupid-terms for us illiterate cavemen? What exactly is meant by a server browser and how will this affect the game?

**johnscott10**

htj wrote:Could somebody explain this in stupid-terms for us illiterate cavemen? What exactly is meant by a server browser and how will this affect the game?

Pretty much the server browser does what it says, its a browser which lists the servers of said game. The majority of PC game multiplayer modes use them, such as TF2 and Black Ops. It doesnt affect the game in anyway but EA are using a system in BF3 which requires you to quit the game fully before logging into a new server instead of say jumping back a screen or two to the server browser.

**Karon**

This is fething slowed. No SERVER BROWSER? Ridiculous.

I was in the Alpha, I know what they mean by this, but still...its just fething stupid.

Give me my Server Browser..I don't want to exit BF3 every time I want to switch servers D;

**htj**

johnscott10 wrote:
htj wrote:Could somebody explain this in stupid-terms for us illiterate cavemen? What exactly is meant by a server browser and how will this affect the game?

Pretty much the server browser does what it says, its a browser which lists the servers of said game. The majority of PC game multiplayer modes use them, such as TF2 and Black Ops. It doesnt affect the game in anyway but EA are using a system in BF3 which requires you to quit the game fully before logging into a new server instead of say jumping back a screen or two to the server browser.

I see. Hypothetically, would this affect co-op gaming? Or rather, gaming with your friends. Would it be impossible to select the same server, instead being luck of the draw?