EA releases Battlefield 2 tool

EA Games' mod editor tool for its popular Battlefield 2 PC game went from the closed beta stage to open beta today, and the 50.5MB file is available for download over at GameSpot DLX.

The new tool isn't completely functional at the moment (Battlefield mod coordinator Lawrence Brown warns that it's "a little rough around the edges"), but most of the core functionality is there. Future updates to the tool will include a single-player editor and a patch to allow mods to work with Battlefield 2 dedicated server files.

EA is also planning to launch a Web site for the Battlefield 2 modding community, complete with forums, tutorials on using the tool, downloadable maps, and mods as they become available.

Released on the PC in June, Battlefield 2 throws players into the middle of a hypothetical future conflict between the United States, China, and the fictional Middle Eastern Coalition (MEC). Players use an arsenal of more than 30 vehicles and state-of-the-art weaponry to bring their side to victory. Battlefield 2 is rated T for Teen and retails for $49.99.