Fans demand German aircraft for paratroopers in Battlefield 5. However, the response from a developer is met with criticism and sparks discussions in the community about the expectations of AAA titles. Because the developer presents fans with a choice.
This is the problem at hand: When German troops attack in the Airborne mode of Grand Operations in Battlefield 5, they jump from Allied aircraft. The crew members are also clearly visible as being part of the Allies.
This situation disrupts immersion and annoys many fans.
For quite some time, players have urged DICE to finally introduce a German aircraft model and a German crew in Battlefield 5.
The developers have now commented on this demand and are presenting the fans with a choice.
What the developers say: On Twitter, senior designer Niklas Astrand addressed the fans. He explained that occasionally players complain about jumping as German soldiers from a C-47 (US plane) instead of from a JU-52 in Airborne mode.
At launch, it was decided to allow both sides to use the C-47 and instead provide more usable vehicles such as tanks, transports, fighter planes, or bombers.
The non-controllable C-47 was at least as expensive to create, if not more expensive, than any usable vehicle in the game. And it is only employed in a mode where players jump from it.
Now they want to know from the fans:
- Should the work on new vehicles be interrupted to instead build the comparable JU-52?
- Or should they deliver more usable vehicles to players and only address this German aircraft when or if there is ever time for it?
What do the fans say? Currently, the survey shows that building the German aircraft is leading with 58%. The developers’ response is not well received by the fans.
On Reddit, a new debate has arisen regarding the expectations of Battlefield 5. Fans are questioning whether it is really acceptable for a €70 AAA title to put players in such a situation.
For many, it is clear that Battlefield 5 was released too early and in an unfinished state. If the game were complete, players wouldn’t have to face such a choice.
Some emphasize that at the very least, a German crew could have been included in the plane. Instead, they feel they are being given an ultimatum and must decide whether to have further new vehicles or a German aircraft – one that many believe should have been in the game at launch and was possibly just not finished.
Many fans find the tone of the developers particularly upsetting. Fans feel the stance is aggressive. It seems as if they dared to question the developers about a missing feature and are now facing the consequences.
It creates the impression that the players are now to blame for the studio’s need to make a decision. While it could be fixed, fans are punished with waiting. The motto seems to be: Decide – No aircraft, or all other vehicles will be delayed.
Many fans also emphasize that if they can’t even manage to add an aircraft for one faction without completely interrupting work on other new vehicles – how will new factions and other new content ever stand a chance?
What do you think of the developers’ response? Does a top game meet its expectations if such details apparently have such significant consequences?
