The story behind Battlefield 3’s legendary Jet Mission. Former DICE dev sheds new light on Going Hunting

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In the realm of video game missions, some truly stand out as unforgettable gems, and Battlefield 3 was brimming with such experiences. Missions like “Thunder Run” and “Kaffarov” were exhilarating, but none could compare to the jet mission, Going Hunting. At its release in 2011, Battlefield 3 was a marvel of technology, and this mission, in particular, showcased the prowess of the Frostbite 2 engine. The attention to detail in the cockpit, the realistic lighting effects, reflections on the canopy, and flight physics made it an immersive and cinematic experience. Even after almost 14 years have passed, we’re still discovering fascinating tidbits about its development. With Battlefield 7 looming on the horizon, let’s pause to savor one of the series’ most memorable moments.

BF3’s iconic Jet Mission, a cinematic masterpiece born from limitations

MoiDawg shared a brief note regarding Battlefield 3’s iconic jet mission, prompting David Goldfarb, one of the developers involved in the game, to share an exclusive backstage account.

Originally, we intended for this mission to be a free-flight experience; however, creating the necessary assets and maintaining high-quality standards proved challenging. Additionally, there was much discussion about player education. Ultimately, we decided to prioritize crafting an exceptional cinematic jet experience, although we did regret that free-fly wasn’t possible.

Goldfarb explained that they sought advice from several aviators initially, however, certain impractical decisions had to be made in order to offer a distinctive twist within the game. Additionally, there were debates concerning enabling players to toggle between the Weapon Systems Officer (WSO) and the pilot, but the task proved too expansive. Consequently, they innovatively combined the functions. In conclusion, despite not allowing players direct control of the jet, they successfully achieved their goal – crafting a unique and lasting experience.

In games like Battlefield 3, it’s necessary to streamline flight mechanics to keep things from becoming overly complex for players to enjoy. This often means designing missions that are either extremely challenging (to the point some may find them unenjoyable) or strictly scripted, offering a thrilling, cinematic experience for all. Although such methods might not always reflect realism, they effectively ensure an enjoyable gaming experience.

More recently, David Goldfarb disclosed various aspects from the development journey. While some points might resonate with our prior knowledge, others could be entirely fresh for enthusiasts. For instance, a proposed mission envisioned Hawkins’ character being shot down and taken captive.

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2025-02-11 22:32