EA addresses Battlefield 3 server scarcity reports

Earlier this week, reports surfaced claiming that official DICE servers for the console versions of Electronic Arts' Battlefield 3 were disappearing, leaving only privately rented destinations to play on. This is not the case, EA told GameSpot today.

"DICE is not shutting down servers," an EA representative told GameSpot this afternoon. "If DICE-managed servers appear unavailable, it is because they have been rented and customized by players. DICE will continue to add servers and will reserve a percentage of servers for players who prefer to connect through DICE-hosted servers."

DICE began renting Battlefield 3 servers for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in April for $25 per month. Gamers who rent from DICE can tailor the shooter experience in a number of ways to their liking, including determining which maps and game modes will be included in rotation, and kicking and banning players at will.

Battlefield 3 is set to expand next month with the launch of the Close Quarters downloadable content, the first of three new expansion packs for the shooter. The expansion will feature infantry-focused "vertical" gameplay with four new indoor maps and 10 new weapons that can also be used in the original version of the game.

For more on Battlefield 3, check out GameSpot's review.