Battlefield: Modern Combat delayed until fall 2005

This morning, Electronic Arts issued a press release announcing that Battlefield: Modern Combat, the console version of the next installment in the Battlefield series, will feature a new single-player mode. Previously, the game was to be multiplayer-only.

The e-mail did not divulge any details on the single-player mode, but odds are it will be expansive. That's because its addition is delaying the release of the Xbox and PlayStation 2 games from this fall to fall 2005.

Though the one-year postponement will wreak havoc with gamers' holiday wish lists, EA Partners general manager Greg Richardson feels it is worth the wait. "Adding more time to the development cycle of the game will result in a more expansive feature set and a more compelling product," he said. "We are confident that this decision will result in a stronger title and continue the advancement of the Battlefield brand."

While the only reason it gave for the additions was "consumer feedback," the EA release did say the delay will also allow developer Digital Illusions to add additional multiplayer refinements, such as new maps and unspecified "additional features."

Besides being the first Battlefield to be released for consoles, Modern Combat was also one the most anticipated games announced as part of EA's Xbox Live agreement. Now, the only EA shooters coming out this year that are compatible with Microsoft's online service will be TimeSplitters: Future Perfect and GoldenEye: Rogue Agent.