Yesterday we reported that a large group of gamers is planning to boycott Battlefield 3 over EA’s decision to release exclusive content with a specific pre-order version of the game that will only be available at certain retailers.
The argument is that those who pre-order the Battlefield 3 Limited Edition: Physical Warfare Pack version will get in-game items that may give them an advantage when playing online. Most notable is a muzzle-flash suppressor for sniper rifles, as well as special shotgun ammo which is “sure to tear through anything in its path.”
EA had planned to do something similar with Battlefield: Bad Company before a similar boycott erupted and the idea was canned.
Now EA has posted an official response, aiming to clarify some of the confusion.
Update
There has apparently been some confusion as to which retailers will be stocking which version of the game.
As it currently stands, many local retailers will be getting the Limited Edition on pre-order. This Limited Edition will give them free access to the Back to Karkand DLC which will be released at a later date. This Limited Edition has been confirmed for some time, and is not the subject of the boycott currently underway.
A second Limited Edition has been announced by EA called the Battlefield 3 Physical Warpack Limited Edition. This version of the game will grant players the exclusive in-game items. It will also give them free access to the Back to Karkland DLC. It will be available exclusively at BTGames locally. Therefore, if you order a Limited Edition anywhere other than BTGames, you will not get the Physical Warpack content, just the free Back to Karkand DLC.
Original
Q: Is the Physical Warfare Pack available in all regions, or just in the UK?
A: It will be available worldwide at select retailers. It was first announced in the UK. Exact details for other countries and retailers will be announced at a later date.
MyGaming has confirmed with EA that the Limited Edition in question will be exclusive to BTGames. Sorry for those who pre-ordered it somewhere else, or for other retailers that were hoping to sell large numbers on pre-order.
Q: Will Physical Warfare Pack imbalance the game?
A: The three exclusive items in the Physical Warfare Pack were specifically chosen not to be overpowered or imbalance or break the game in any way.
Although it is a little hard to imagine how a muzzle flash suppressor on a sniper rifle won’t give players a very clear advantage.
Q: Why do I want the Physical Warfare Pack?
A: Owning these items will give you a more varied arsenal, but it will not give you a significant advantage on the battlefield.
Q: Is the Back to Karkand expansion pack exclusive to pre-orders?
A: No. You can also buy it separately if you do not pre-order Battlefield 3. Back to Karkand will be available the exact same date after the launch of Battlefield 3 no matter if you pre-ordered or buy it separately.
However, EA has stated that the additional items will be exlusive to pre-orders of the Physical Warfare Pack Limited Edition.
Q: When will the Back to Karkand expansion pack be released?
A: We have not yet announced the Back to Karkand expansion pack release date.
Q: How much does the Back to Karkand Expansion pack cost?
A: We have not yet announced a price. However, it will be included in the Limited Edition at no extra charge.
Q: Do I have to choose between Back to Karkand and the Physical Warfare Pack as my pre-order bonus?
A: No. There is no way you can pre-order Battlefield 3: Limited Edition and not end up with the Back to Karkand expansion pack at no extra charge. On top of this, select retailers all over the world will carry the Physical Warfare Pack. Exact details for other countries and retailers will be announced at a later date.
Q: Why do you offer pre-order bonus items?
A: Because we believe in rewarding our core fanbase with special offers — such as giving them the Back to Karkand expansion pack at no extra charge.
Battlefield 3 is due out on PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 in October this year.
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