Map Packs? Bah! Battlefield 3 Changes the Game with Three Themed Expansion Packs

Eschewing the normal practice of releasing intermittent “piecemeal” map packs, DICE intends to deliver three completely new experiences to Battlefield 3 players this year in the form of a trio of expansion packs, delivering new game modes, “innovative” gameplay, and unique environments with each release. It’s maps plus!

Judging by the official descriptions, each of these three expansion packs will focus on a particular aspect of Battlefield 3 gameplay. For instance, in June EA and DICE will release Battlefield 3: Close Quarters, an infantry-only expansion that promises an intensified experience for the foot soldier, complete with new weapons, assignments and unique dog tags.

Fall will see the release of Battlefield 3: Armored Kill. It’s a vehicle-based expansion, so expect new tanks, ATVs, some mobile artillery, and massive maps, including what the official release calls “the biggest map in Battlefield history”. The plane swapping videos will never end.

Finally, winter brings Battlefield 3: End Game. DICE isn’t ready to spill the beans on this one yet, so feel free to wildly speculate. Perhaps there’ll be a boss fight against a giant robot. Maybe we’ll all get kitten backpacks.

Via press release Battlefield 3 executive producer Patrick Bach said, “Instead of delivering piecemeal map packs, we’re giving players a completely new experience with every themed expansion pack to keep the action fresh. Our expansions are designed to excite our large and active fan base while attracting new recruits with gameplay that is dynamic and unpredictable every time.”

Kitten backpacks that change color every time you play?

This whole thing sounds like a reaction to Activision’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 content season, which rolls out new maps on a regular basis throughout the year. Where Battlefield 3 is going, they don’t need maps.

Well, not just maps.