Battlefield 3 'Matches' Feature On the Way

A post on EA's website has announced and given details of the 'Matches' system, which allows players to better coordinate competitive multiplayer sessions with their friends and fellow platoon members. Players will be able to select the time, server, game settings and roster for their matches, which helps create a controlled and definitive environment for online competitive play.

Players can only coordinate matches if they are renting a dedicated server, but matches can be set up through the Battlelog for PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The player is then able to name the match, set a start time, game mode, team size and map rotation. Once this has been done, there is a set of game options which can be altered. The range of options available for this is quite extensive. It is possible to change settings for friendly fire, 3D spotting, squad-leader spawning, killcams, health regeneration and it is even possible to decide which weapons and unlocks are made available to players, along with many other settings, many of which can be seen below.

Once the game itself has been set up, the player can then select the team rosters from their friends list and platoon, and a team leader is set for the opposing team who is then able to select their roster. Before the match there is a 'warm-up phase' in which no kills or points are counted. This phase continues until all players have signalled that they are ready. Once the match is over, the results will be available on Battlelog for all related players to see.

With Matches, Battlefield 3 players will be able to create, control, and track directly competitive online play. Platoons, friends, and rivals will be able to put their teamwork to the test in controlled environments laying claim to definitive superiority and creating new grudges.

A release date for Matches, along with more information, is on the horizon. Keep your eye on this site for more information as it becomes available.