Call of Duty®: Advanced Warfare - Gold Edition - contact@rockpapershotgun.com (Philippa Warr)

I wouldn't lie to you. Not scribbled on a press image, anyway.

Over the holidays I started playing Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare multiplayer. After initially mistaking it for a “shooting people in the back” simulator wherein I had accidentally signed up to play the exciting role of “sole target” I started to pick into it a bit further, upping my KD ratio and experimenting with a bunch of the loadout perks and options. I think an 8 kill streak is my current most impressive achievement and I’m kind of in love with my Steel Bite variation on the ARX-160. It makes me feel like a weaponised Pat Butcher.

But another thing I started to pick into at the same time was my own behaviour when starting any new multiplayer FPS game – hi Titanfall, Counter-Strike, CoD… I get exceedingly grumpy for about the first 10 hours. It’s for this reason I prefer to grapple with multiplayer in a quiet room where people who think I’m a reasonable member of society can’t hear me wailing about the unfairness of it all, swearing about IMPOSSIBLE odds and declaring that I never liked videogames anyway and that I’m going to go and have a calming walk (all the while queuing for another round).

With that in mind, here are the five stages of an FPS multiplayer experience*:

… [visit site to read more]

Call of Duty®: Advanced Warfare - Gold Edition - Valve
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare envisions a powerful future, where both technology and tactics have evolved to usher in a new era of combat for the franchise. Power Changes Everything.

Enhance your experience with 14 new exoskeleton and 8 personalization packs.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown - contact@rockpapershotgun.com (RPS)

It’s a pleasant fantasy to think that holidays mean long weeks of playing games, but in reality there’s trains and planes to be boarded, family to be visited, lives to be unavoidably lived. Gaming during holidays is therefore similar to gaming at any other time, about stealing moments to sneak away to a quiet corner and catch up on backlogs or curl up with comforts. Some of you told us what you played over the break yesterday, but here’s what RPS played between the parsnips and presents.

… [visit site to read more]

Counter-Strike 2 - Valve
The Steam Holiday Encore Sale starts today! We brought back 40 of the most popular deals to give you one last chance to pick them up while they are on sale. Only 2 days left to take advantage of huge savings on thousands of games throughout our store.

Steam Holiday Encore Deals include:


Participating in the 2014 Steam Holiday Sale will also earn you exclusive Holiday Sale Trading Cards. Collect all 10 cards during the sale to earn the Holiday Sale 2014 Badge, backgrounds and emoticons! This is your last chance to craft the 2014 Holiday Sale Badge.

The Steam Holiday Sale runs until 10AM PST, January 2nd.

Call of Duty®: Advanced Warfare - Gold Edition - brian.miggels
*Please note, some of these changes have been implemented prior to 12/18/14.

In-Game Updates:
  • Matchmaking improvements.
  • Connectivity improvements.
  • Removed skull HUD element from System Hack Scorestreak UI effect.
  • Adjusted the score value the System Hack Scorestreak.
  • Increased the timing between kills to count Multikills.
  • Addressed rare issue where CTF flag was not being returned immediately.
  • Fixed rare crash issue when switching profiles.
  • Adjusted the time limit expiration for Red Baron gear after challenge has been completed.
  • Fixed various out of map exploits.
  • Fixed Momentum mantle prompt overlapping with 2X indicator
  • Fixed issue with the “Taking” icon overlapping the flag icons in Momentum Splitscreen.
  • Fixed issue with the Reinforcement icon overlapping HUD while playing in Splitscreen.
  • Added “RELOAD”, “LOW AMMO”, and “NO AMMO” HUD notifications on all Weapon Loot.
  • Fixed stretched weapon loot icon in Killcam feeds.
  • Fixed issue where 1st players progress in Exo Survival would be lost when signing into a Splitscreen local play.
  • Fixed Lynx ammo count issue.
  • Fixed Care Package trap module exploit.
  • Fixed threat indicator issue with friendly MDL projectiles and the Crossbow Bolts
  • Fixed Goliath pod down on planted bomb.
  • Fixed Goliath getting stuck issues.
  • Fixed Goliath players out of world exploit.
  • Fixed issue where the Ameli - Chicanery Elite variant would remain locked after permanent unlock via Prestige.
  • Fixed rare issue where MDL projectiles would not explode.
  • Fixed an exploit where the Minimap would be visible when you paused during a Killcam, Fixed issue where players being invited into a bonus playlist while the game is still installing, which would cause a crash when loading Atlas Gorge.
  • Fixed issue when rapid supply package from a supply drop appear locked and expired.
  • Fixed rare visual affect issue when ADS with the Sniper, ACOG, Variable Zoom, and Ballistic scopes would not appear correctly.

Security and Anti-Cheat Updates:
  • Updated Security features.
  • Multiple fixes for invalid player data, which allowed custom "super" classes.
  • Added offensive emblem policy message to emblem editor main page and save pop-up.
  • Added additional enforcement for offensive player-created emblems.

Store Updates:
  • Polish and fan requested improvements.

Emblem Updates:
  • General Emblem Editor polish and fan requested improvements. Including colors, layers, etc.
  • Added ability to set an emblem as your clan emblem.

UI Updates:
  • Updated Playlist Menu.
  • Fixed issues with localization copy in the in-game store.
  • Updated sorting of Character Gear within Customization menu.
  • Fixed issues with invites between Multiplayer and Exo Survival modes that would exclude Splitscreen party leader is unable to invite anyone to their party.
  • Fixed issue where newly unlocked items were not showing up in the new items list.
  • Safe Area adjustments for Spectator HUD.
  • Added categories to Armory. (All Loot, Redeemable Loot, Time Limited Loot, and Permanent Loot)
  • Fixed issue where Armory Page Count displays incorrectly and added time remaining information for all Time Limited Loot Items.
  • Fixed an issue where the scoreboard on the after action report was not highlighting the active player.
  • Added indication of how many modules a Scorestreak can have based on player’s rank level.
  • Fixed an issue where the “Completed” text would show up on locked calling cards, after scrolling over an unlocked/completed calling card.
  • Updated Multiplayer Main Menu to include Friends list option by default.
  • Updated Prestige menu flow experience and information displayed.
  • Added the ability to customize Scorestreaks within the Scorestreaks selection menu.

Clan Updates:
  • Fixed an issue where Clan Wars Bonus XP was not being awarded.
  • Widened the Clan Invite Details window to accommodate long clan names.
  • Added warning message when transferring ownership of Clan.
  • Added Clan member position display label to the Clan Roster

Challenge Updates:
  • Added new Supply Drop Daily Challenges.
  • Fixed Far Sighted” challenge requiring four long shot medals instead of the three to complete
  • Fixed an issue with the “Super Star” challenge, where it did not prompt the player that 6 or more people are needed to complete the challenge.
  • Fixed an issue with the “Crushing Victory” challenge where it would not track properly when there are less than 6 players in the match.

Weapon Balancing Updates (Note: Adjustments affect base weapon and all loot variants):
  • Bal27: damage reduced, max damage range decreased, recoil adjusted
  • HBRa3: max damage range decreased
  • ASM1: max damage range increased
  • MP11: max damage range increased
  • EM1: damage increased
  • EPM3: damage increased, ads time decreased
  • XMG: damage increased, lockdown mode increased
  • Ameli: damage increased
  • Pytaek: damage increased
Call of Duty®: Advanced Warfare - Gold Edition - brian.miggels
*Please note, some of these changes have been implemented prior to 12/18/14.

In-Game Updates:
  • Matchmaking improvements.
  • Connectivity improvements.
  • Removed skull HUD element from System Hack Scorestreak UI effect.
  • Adjusted the score value the System Hack Scorestreak.
  • Increased the timing between kills to count Multikills.
  • Addressed rare issue where CTF flag was not being returned immediately.
  • Fixed rare crash issue when switching profiles.
  • Adjusted the time limit expiration for Red Baron gear after challenge has been completed.
  • Fixed various out of map exploits.
  • Fixed Momentum mantle prompt overlapping with 2X indicator
  • Fixed issue with the “Taking” icon overlapping the flag icons in Momentum Splitscreen.
  • Fixed issue with the Reinforcement icon overlapping HUD while playing in Splitscreen.
  • Added “RELOAD”, “LOW AMMO”, and “NO AMMO” HUD notifications on all Weapon Loot.
  • Fixed stretched weapon loot icon in Killcam feeds.
  • Fixed issue where 1st players progress in Exo Survival would be lost when signing into a Splitscreen local play.
  • Fixed Lynx ammo count issue.
  • Fixed Care Package trap module exploit.
  • Fixed threat indicator issue with friendly MDL projectiles and the Crossbow Bolts
  • Fixed Goliath pod down on planted bomb.
  • Fixed Goliath getting stuck issues.
  • Fixed Goliath players out of world exploit.
  • Fixed issue where the Ameli - Chicanery Elite variant would remain locked after permanent unlock via Prestige.
  • Fixed rare issue where MDL projectiles would not explode.
  • Fixed an exploit where the Minimap would be visible when you paused during a Killcam, Fixed issue where players being invited into a bonus playlist while the game is still installing, which would cause a crash when loading Atlas Gorge.
  • Fixed issue when rapid supply package from a supply drop appear locked and expired.
  • Fixed rare visual affect issue when ADS with the Sniper, ACOG, Variable Zoom, and Ballistic scopes would not appear correctly.

Security and Anti-Cheat Updates:
  • Updated Security features.
  • Multiple fixes for invalid player data, which allowed custom "super" classes.
  • Added offensive emblem policy message to emblem editor main page and save pop-up.
  • Added additional enforcement for offensive player-created emblems.

Store Updates:
  • Polish and fan requested improvements.

Emblem Updates:
  • General Emblem Editor polish and fan requested improvements. Including colors, layers, etc.
  • Added ability to set an emblem as your clan emblem.

UI Updates:
  • Updated Playlist Menu.
  • Fixed issues with localization copy in the in-game store.
  • Updated sorting of Character Gear within Customization menu.
  • Fixed issues with invites between Multiplayer and Exo Survival modes that would exclude Splitscreen party leader is unable to invite anyone to their party.
  • Fixed issue where newly unlocked items were not showing up in the new items list.
  • Safe Area adjustments for Spectator HUD.
  • Added categories to Armory. (All Loot, Redeemable Loot, Time Limited Loot, and Permanent Loot)
  • Fixed issue where Armory Page Count displays incorrectly and added time remaining information for all Time Limited Loot Items.
  • Fixed an issue where the scoreboard on the after action report was not highlighting the active player.
  • Added indication of how many modules a Scorestreak can have based on player’s rank level.
  • Fixed an issue where the “Completed” text would show up on locked calling cards, after scrolling over an unlocked/completed calling card.
  • Updated Multiplayer Main Menu to include Friends list option by default.
  • Updated Prestige menu flow experience and information displayed.
  • Added the ability to customize Scorestreaks within the Scorestreaks selection menu.

Clan Updates:
  • Fixed an issue where Clan Wars Bonus XP was not being awarded.
  • Widened the Clan Invite Details window to accommodate long clan names.
  • Added warning message when transferring ownership of Clan.
  • Added Clan member position display label to the Clan Roster

Challenge Updates:
  • Added new Supply Drop Daily Challenges.
  • Fixed Far Sighted” challenge requiring four long shot medals instead of the three to complete
  • Fixed an issue with the “Super Star” challenge, where it did not prompt the player that 6 or more people are needed to complete the challenge.
  • Fixed an issue with the “Crushing Victory” challenge where it would not track properly when there are less than 6 players in the match.

Weapon Balancing Updates (Note: Adjustments affect base weapon and all loot variants):
  • Bal27: damage reduced, max damage range decreased, recoil adjusted
  • HBRa3: max damage range decreased
  • ASM1: max damage range increased
  • MP11: max damage range increased
  • EM1: damage increased
  • EPM3: damage increased, ads time decreased
  • XMG: damage increased, lockdown mode increased
  • Ameli: damage increased
  • Pytaek: damage increased
Call of Duty®: Advanced Warfare - Gold Edition - brian.miggels
Scorestreak Updates:
  • Fixed an issue where the System Hack Graphic would remain on Broadcaster’s Screen, even after system hack event was over.
  • Fixed issue with Care package drone delivery if System Hack is activated at beginning of delivery.
  • Fixed issue with not being able to kill care package drone.
  • Fixed issue where all medals earned while operating a Scorestreak would not appear on players screen.
  • Fixed rare issue of players losing the ability to activate Scorestreaks when killed while moving a turret.
  • Fixed an issue where the player could have his weapon dropped after returning from controlling a Scorestreak.
  • Fixed issue where player wouldn’t be able to trigger game objects while using the ripped turret.
  • Fixed an issue with the Paladin where Friend or Foe overlay would remain on if you joined a Paladin Scorestreak and immediately exited Scorestreak.
  • Fixed issue where the player would get credited with assault drone challenges when they used a Map Based Scorestreak

Broadcaster UI Updates:
  • Addressed rare issue with eSports Broadcaster HUD disappearing.
  • Added the bomb planting/defusing UI to the Broadcaster UI.
  • Adjusted scoreboard placement when viewing through Broadcaster.
  • Fixed issue where the bomb icon in the Broadcaster UI wouldn’t disappear when the bomb carrier planted the bomb.
  • Fixed issue where the match summary in the After Action Report wouldn’t update with Scoreboard for the broadcaster.
  • Updated HUD outlines for Broadcaster.
  • Fixed issue where Aim Down Sights overlays weren’t being displayed for Sniper Scopes.
  • Removed player rank information from being displayed in the Fullscreen scoreboard and the overhead names.
  • Added objective information to the Broadcaster scoreboard. This information appears in the gray bar beneath the teams’ scores.
  • CODVision is now brighter and easier to see. Added Broadcaster HUD UI elements including active player info, in-game scoreboard/status, mini-map highlights player with satellite (Uplink), persistent weapon info, and objective information in First Person Mode.
  • Added functionality for broadcaster settings to be remembered between rounds.
  • Added a subtitle to the broadcaster scoreboard that displays the current Hardpoint’s timer; or the current round number in Capture the Flag, Search & Destroy, and Uplink.
  • The primary timer in the broadcaster scoreboard is now yellow once the bomb has been planted. Will switch to red when timer reaches 10 seconds.

eSports Settings Changes:
  • Search and Destroy Silent Plant = Enabled
  • Spectating POV = First Person Only
  • Battle Chatter = Disabled
  • Uplink Respawn Delay = 5 Seconds
  • Hardpoint Respawn Delay = 2.5 Seconds
  • Team Kill Penalty = None
  • Friendly Fire = Enabled
  • Explosive Delay = None

Ranked Play Updates:
  • Addressed issue where players where dropping multiple divisions after a match in Ranked Play.
  • Addressed rare issue with wins counting as losses in Ranked Play.
  • Remove Join in Progress.
  • Turning on Skill Based Matchmaking.
  • Turning off friendly fire.
  • Fixed issue where the player wouldn’t lose division points from abandoning the match by using the system close application option.
  • Initialize disconnect penalty as soon as the match starts.
  • Utilize latest eSports rule set:
    • Primary Weapons - All Specials
    • Secondary Weapons - All Launchers
    • Attachments - Tracker, Grenade Launcher, Akimbo
    • Wildcards - Bombardier
    • Exo Ability - Ping
    • Exo Launcher - Tracking Drone, Explosive Drone
    • Scorestreaks - UAV, Orbital Care Package, System Hack
    • Scorestreaks Modules - Bombing Run Care Package Upgrade, XS1 Goliath Recon, and All Support Modules.

Game Mode Specific Updates (Note: Adjusted score amounts for various events and objective modes.)
  • Search & Destroy:
    • Fixed rare Search & Destroy Killcam issue.
    • [Broadcaster] Added various Search & Destroy UI improvements.
    • [Broadcaster] Fixed the bug where the “Target A” and “Target B” in-world icons wouldn’t disappear when the bomb was planted.
  • Capture the Flag:
    • Removed the text that duplicates the information presented by the flag icons.
    • Adjusted spawn logic in Capture the Flag to make it less likely for players to spawn near their own flag.
    • [Broadcaster] Added a timer that displays the time remaining until the flag automatically resets when the flag is on the ground.
  • Uplink:
    • [Broadcaster] Added various Uplink UI improvements.
    • Added distance limitation to passing the Satellite Drone in Uplink. This prevents the players from passing it across the entire map. Also adjusted the required throw angle.
    • Fixed spawn points issue in uplink.
  • Hardpoint:
    • [Broadcaster] Added various Hardpoint UI improvements.
    • Altered Spawn logic to prevent cluster spawning near the Hardpoint.
    • Fixed rare Hardpoint location disappearing issue in Private Match.
    • [Broadcaster] Adjusted so that the broadcaster will now see a “Defend” icon appear on the HUD when the spectated player is standing in the Hardpoint.
  • Momentum:
    • [Broadcaster] Changed the team scores to display a list of flags with the current state of the flags.
    • [Broadcaster] The objective bar now displays the current state of the contested flag, and displays a bar that illustrates the current capture progress.

Map Specific Updates (Note: Many of the following updates apply to all maps, and are directly improved based on the findings of our security team and via community response to exploits.)
  • Fixed player out of world exploits throughout. [Applies to Exo Survival.]
  • Fixed Aerial Assault Drone and Recon Drone out of world exploits throughout.
  • Fixed rare spectate cam issue.
  • Fixed rare Tactical Insertion exploit in Infected.
  • Fixed Warbird out-of-bounds exploit.
  • Fixed various clipping issues with the Goliath.

Exo Survival Global Updates:
  • Fixed issues with the score number in the Exo survival after action report.
  • Fixed an issue where players would get “Share Package” medals using a partners Goliath Scorestreak.
  • Fixed automatic revive issues at the start of the next round.
Call of Duty®: Advanced Warfare - Gold Edition - brian.miggels
Scorestreak Updates:
  • Fixed an issue where the System Hack Graphic would remain on Broadcaster’s Screen, even after system hack event was over.
  • Fixed issue with Care package drone delivery if System Hack is activated at beginning of delivery.
  • Fixed issue with not being able to kill care package drone.
  • Fixed issue where all medals earned while operating a Scorestreak would not appear on players screen.
  • Fixed rare issue of players losing the ability to activate Scorestreaks when killed while moving a turret.
  • Fixed an issue where the player could have his weapon dropped after returning from controlling a Scorestreak.
  • Fixed issue where player wouldn’t be able to trigger game objects while using the ripped turret.
  • Fixed an issue with the Paladin where Friend or Foe overlay would remain on if you joined a Paladin Scorestreak and immediately exited Scorestreak.
  • Fixed issue where the player would get credited with assault drone challenges when they used a Map Based Scorestreak

Broadcaster UI Updates:
  • Addressed rare issue with eSports Broadcaster HUD disappearing.
  • Added the bomb planting/defusing UI to the Broadcaster UI.
  • Adjusted scoreboard placement when viewing through Broadcaster.
  • Fixed issue where the bomb icon in the Broadcaster UI wouldn’t disappear when the bomb carrier planted the bomb.
  • Fixed issue where the match summary in the After Action Report wouldn’t update with Scoreboard for the broadcaster.
  • Updated HUD outlines for Broadcaster.
  • Fixed issue where Aim Down Sights overlays weren’t being displayed for Sniper Scopes.
  • Removed player rank information from being displayed in the Fullscreen scoreboard and the overhead names.
  • Added objective information to the Broadcaster scoreboard. This information appears in the gray bar beneath the teams’ scores.
  • CODVision is now brighter and easier to see. Added Broadcaster HUD UI elements including active player info, in-game scoreboard/status, mini-map highlights player with satellite (Uplink), persistent weapon info, and objective information in First Person Mode.
  • Added functionality for broadcaster settings to be remembered between rounds.
  • Added a subtitle to the broadcaster scoreboard that displays the current Hardpoint’s timer; or the current round number in Capture the Flag, Search & Destroy, and Uplink.
  • The primary timer in the broadcaster scoreboard is now yellow once the bomb has been planted. Will switch to red when timer reaches 10 seconds.

eSports Settings Changes:
  • Search and Destroy Silent Plant = Enabled
  • Spectating POV = First Person Only
  • Battle Chatter = Disabled
  • Uplink Respawn Delay = 5 Seconds
  • Hardpoint Respawn Delay = 2.5 Seconds
  • Team Kill Penalty = None
  • Friendly Fire = Enabled
  • Explosive Delay = None

Ranked Play Updates:
  • Addressed issue where players where dropping multiple divisions after a match in Ranked Play.
  • Addressed rare issue with wins counting as losses in Ranked Play.
  • Remove Join in Progress.
  • Turning on Skill Based Matchmaking.
  • Turning off friendly fire.
  • Fixed issue where the player wouldn’t lose division points from abandoning the match by using the system close application option.
  • Initialize disconnect penalty as soon as the match starts.
  • Utilize latest eSports rule set:
    • Primary Weapons - All Specials
    • Secondary Weapons - All Launchers
    • Attachments - Tracker, Grenade Launcher, Akimbo
    • Wildcards - Bombardier
    • Exo Ability - Ping
    • Exo Launcher - Tracking Drone, Explosive Drone
    • Scorestreaks - UAV, Orbital Care Package, System Hack
    • Scorestreaks Modules - Bombing Run Care Package Upgrade, XS1 Goliath Recon, and All Support Modules.

Game Mode Specific Updates (Note: Adjusted score amounts for various events and objective modes.)
  • Search & Destroy:
    • Fixed rare Search & Destroy Killcam issue.
    • [Broadcaster] Added various Search & Destroy UI improvements.
    • [Broadcaster] Fixed the bug where the “Target A” and “Target B” in-world icons wouldn’t disappear when the bomb was planted.
  • Capture the Flag:
    • Removed the text that duplicates the information presented by the flag icons.
    • Adjusted spawn logic in Capture the Flag to make it less likely for players to spawn near their own flag.
    • [Broadcaster] Added a timer that displays the time remaining until the flag automatically resets when the flag is on the ground.
  • Uplink:
    • [Broadcaster] Added various Uplink UI improvements.
    • Added distance limitation to passing the Satellite Drone in Uplink. This prevents the players from passing it across the entire map. Also adjusted the required throw angle.
    • Fixed spawn points issue in uplink.
  • Hardpoint:
    • [Broadcaster] Added various Hardpoint UI improvements.
    • Altered Spawn logic to prevent cluster spawning near the Hardpoint.
    • Fixed rare Hardpoint location disappearing issue in Private Match.
    • [Broadcaster] Adjusted so that the broadcaster will now see a “Defend” icon appear on the HUD when the spectated player is standing in the Hardpoint.
  • Momentum:
    • [Broadcaster] Changed the team scores to display a list of flags with the current state of the flags.
    • [Broadcaster] The objective bar now displays the current state of the contested flag, and displays a bar that illustrates the current capture progress.

Map Specific Updates (Note: Many of the following updates apply to all maps, and are directly improved based on the findings of our security team and via community response to exploits.)
  • Fixed player out of world exploits throughout. [Applies to Exo Survival.]
  • Fixed Aerial Assault Drone and Recon Drone out of world exploits throughout.
  • Fixed rare spectate cam issue.
  • Fixed rare Tactical Insertion exploit in Infected.
  • Fixed Warbird out-of-bounds exploit.
  • Fixed various clipping issues with the Goliath.

Exo Survival Global Updates:
  • Fixed issues with the score number in the Exo survival after action report.
  • Fixed an issue where players would get “Share Package” medals using a partners Goliath Scorestreak.
  • Fixed automatic revive issues at the start of the next round.
Call of Duty®: Advanced Warfare - Gold Edition - contact@rockpapershotgun.com (Alice O'Connor)

What happens if I press- oh no! Graham! It's doing that purple beam again.

More than any Call of Duty in a long time, I fancy a crack at Advanced Warfare. I want to see how those exosuits and zany futuristic weapons shake up what was already a pretty fast for a modern FPS, but I’m not curious enough to splash out – strewth! – 40. Thankfully, the multiplayer side is free to play on Steam this weekend, so I’m downloading that now. One minor issue: the download is 36.5GB, so you might not have much time left to play by the time that’s finished.

… [visit site to read more]

Call of Duty®: Advanced Warfare - Gold Edition - Valve
Save up to 25% and play Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare multiplayer for free as part of this week's Weekend Deal*!

*Free multiplayer ends Sunday at 1PM Pacific Time, discount offer ends Monday at 10AM Pacific Time

...