EA responds to Battlefield 3 Physical Warfare Pack DLC concerns

Exclusive content is one thing, but when it may affect the balance of the multiplayer experience for one of the most anticipated games of the year, then people are bound to get upset. Such is the case with the Physical Warfare Pack, a pre-order exclusive for the upcoming Battlefield 3, which will only be available from selected retailers.

The Physical Warfare Pack will include the Type 88 light machine gun with bipod, the SKS sniper rifle flash suppressor for those sneaky Recon players, and armour-piercing ammo for the DAO-12 semi-automatic shotgun, as well as day-one access to the DAO-12. Besides early access to the shotgun itself, the rest of the Physical Warfare Pack is all 'proper' exclusive, not just for a limited time, hence the concerns that the content with affect the all-important balance of the multiplayer game.

To address these concerns, EA DICE has put together a little Q&A session via the official game blog. Here is the Q&A in its entirety:

Q: Is the Physical Warfare Pack available in all regions, or just in the UK?

It will be available worldwide at select retailers. It was first announced in the UK. Exact details for other countries and retailers will be announced at a later date.

Will Physical Warfare Pack imbalance the game?

The three exclusive items in the Physical Warfare Pack were specifically chosen not to be overpowered or imbalance or break the game in any way.

Why do I want the Physical Warfare Pack?

Owning these items will give you a more varied arsenal, but it will not give you a significant advantage on the battlefield.

Is the Back to Karkand expansion pack exclusive to pre-orders?

No. You can also buy it separately if you do not pre-order Battlefield 3. Back to Karkand will be available the exact same date after the launch of Battlefield 3 no matter if you pre-ordered or buy it separately.

When will the Back to Karkand expansion pack be released?

We have not yet announced the Back to Karkand expansion pack release date.

How much does the Back to Karkand Expansion pack cost?

We have not yet announced a price. However, it will be included in the Limited Edition at no extra charge.

Do I have to choose between Back to Karkand and the Physical Warfare Pack as my pre-order bonus?

No. There is no way you can pre-order Battlefield 3: Limited Edition and not end up with the Back to Karkand expansion pack at no extra charge. On top of this, select retailers all over the world will carry the Physical Warfare Pack. Exact details for other countries and retailers will be announced at a later date.

Why do you offer pre-order bonus items?

Because we believe in rewarding our core fanbase with special offers -- such as giving them the Back to Karkand expansion pack at no extra charge.

So, having gone through EA DICE's reasoning on the matter, how do you feel about exclusive content like this that could have a direct impact on the game? Does it bother any of you, or are these upset gamers just being petty? Give us your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below.

We have attempted to contact EA South Africa to find out if the Battlefield 3 Physical Warfare Pack will be available locally, and if so, from which retailers. As soon as we have an answer, y'all will be the first to hear about it.