Destructible environments and alterations on multiplayer maps have long been an element of first-person shooters. However, in many cases, these changes are superficial, simply giving you a bit of visual eye candy without actually adding to the game play. Battlefield 4’s “Levolution” is poised to change this concept. The term, a portmanteau for level evolution, uses various optional events and actions on the multi-player maps to change the shape of the battlefield over the course of the round. Sometimes the changes are small and require the players to specifically take advantage of the changes. Other times, the changes are so significant, they change the way that particular map is played.

Levolution In-Depth

Battlefield 4’s lead multiplayer designer explains many of the specifics of Levolution. The main focus on Levolution is to mix up the experiences a player has, even if he’s played the multiplayer map several times. Since the evolution is triggered by player actions, the objectives won’t always come into play, or a different mix will happen each time.

Paracel Storm is an example of a map that features these options prominently. It uses the weather as a major part of the Levolution, as this map features an extensive ocean and beachfront. Things start off quiet and calm, but the weather can pick up and make the seas choppy and difficult to work around.

Visibility is also decreased for infantry and airborne units, affecting the types of vehicles used throughout the level. The landscape changes from ground to sea, forcing infantry units to hop into vehicles and battle it out that way. For a Battlefield 4 commander, adjusting tactics when Levolution comes into play is going to be a major part of the game play experience. The Levolution trailer shows these details in detail, allowing you to enjoy the level of work that has gone into it.

Impact Across the Board

Battlefield 4 may be the first game to truly implement this level of evolution in their multiplayer maps, but it certainly won’t be the last. Game companies, especially in the first-person shooter arena, are always looking for a way to one-up each other. They also want to deliver a quality multiplayer experience that gains a lot of traction. While single-player campaigns get plenty of attention, it’s the multiplayer that drives the community and many of the sales.

There’s nothing quite like playing with your friends for a few hours every night, after all. If Levolution takes hold, there are many ways this feature can be implemented. It’s not restricted to FPS games, either, as strategy and simulation games would also benefit from the replay value afforded by this concept. It might take some time to rear its head in other games, but it will be seen again. Battlefield 4 is projected to sell 14 million copies, according to Sterne Agee analyst, Arvind Bhatia, so the influence of Levolution will be observed by many industry designers, GameSpot reports.