Battlefield 1's New Rent-a-Server Program Won't be Available at Launch

Electronic Arts has announced that Battlefield 1, like past games in the shooter series, will have a "rent-a-server" program that players can use to host their own private or public matches with customized rulesets. However, EA is changing things up this year--and it sounds like it will be for the better.

In a blog post, EA explained that Battlefield 1 servers will be available to rent "close after launch" through the in-game store. Pricing was not specified. The big change with Battlefield 1 is that, in the past, EA worked with third-party companies to provide servers, but this time, the publisher is handling that itself.

EA explained that this should benefit players in a number of ways, one of which is EA will be able to "secure the quality of the actual hardware."

"Since the servers come from the same provider, it will give everyone the same uniform experience. Furthermore, if you have questions or need help, you will be able to reach out to EA Support directly instead of third-party support," the company explained.

As was the case in the past, Battlefield 1 players who rent a server can customize the server to their liking. They can determine the server's name and choose the maps and modes playable on it, among other things. EA cautioned that it "might" restrict the number of modes available at launch and instead roll them out later based on feedback and "other circumstances."

"But you can expect that we'll keep adding customization options and UI design throughout 2016," it said.

Battlefield 1's official release date is October 21, but EA/Origin Access subscribers can start playing a portion of the game's multiplayer and single-player modes tomorrow, October 13. People who buy the $80 Early Enlister Edition can jump in on October 18, while everyone can start playing a few days later.

Keep checking back with GameSpot in the days ahead for more on Battlefield 1.