Battlefield 3’s online competitive play advancing with new ‘Matches’ feature

DICE is looking to take the next step in "advancing online competitive play" in Battlefield 3 with a new "Matches" feature that will allow players to coordinate competitive multiplayer sessions with their friends and squad members.

With the new feature, Battlefield 3 players will be able to select the time, server, game settings, and roster for their Matches creating a "controlled and definitive environment for competitive play".

In order to coordinate Matches for PC, PS3, and Xbox 360 you must be actively renting a dedicated server. Matches are completely customizable with an extensive list of settings available like friendly fire, 3D spotting, health regeneration, and much more to cater to exact specifications.

Teams can be formed from the list of friends and platoon members. A team leader for the rival team is assigned who in turn also chooses a roster for the opposing team.

Warm-up phases, where no kills or points are counted, can take place before the Match and the game will stay in this state until all players are out of the pause menu. After the match, all stats will be viewable on Battlelog.

"With Matches, Battlefield 3 players will be able to create, control, and track directly competitive online play," DICE wrote. "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."