Mirror’s Edge: Catalyst will have multiplayer features, according to DICE’s Patrick Bach. Just don’t expect any live competitive modes. Bach states that live multiplayer was “something we discussed quite a bit,” but the team “decided to separate you physically. But there’s always a connection to other players.”
Bach explains: “We have asynchronous play in the multiplayer component…an asynchronous connection where your actions will affect my world.”
One of main Mirror’s Edge protagonist Faith’s objectives has her hacking a billboard to eliminate the corporate advertising presence from the city of Glass. When done, the hacked billboards will appear in your friend’s game as well, letting you leave a footprint in their world. Also, when setting up a Dash race, your friends leaderboard scores will be on the objective in your game.
Bach states on the matter: “Players do not always have the time to play together at the same time, especially if they’re not in the same room. But when I play my game, your game should affect mine.”
The Mirror’s Edge team’s discussions about synchronous multiplayer did not get very far. “We talked about what would happen if we put other players in your world. Well, you’ll probably get a lot of a**holes. Trolling is a big part of the gaming community. Some find it very funny, others not so funny. We tried to separate it so it’s people you want in your world, but they will not be able to mess with you. They’ll be able to affect it.”
Mirror’s Edge: Catalyst will release on February 23, 2016. The game will be available on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. Stay tuned to Gamespresso for all of our E3 coverage.