Brink update aims to combat lag

Brink developer Splash Damage has released an update which it hopes will combat the lag some players have reported.

A configuration change to the Xbox 360 version (to be made to the PlayStation 3 version once Sony turns the PlayStation Network back on) alters the number of human players when matchmaking for campaign and most freeplay modes to eight total human players.

This new configuration allows those connecting to and hosting matches (particularly those with lower upstream bandwidth) to more reliably find and connect to quality hosts via the match-making process – resulting in less lag and more fun, Splash Damage said.

This change is being rolled out today and will be available worldwide.

Brink still supports eight versus eight on all maps via a new Big Teams configuration in freeplay and through custom settings in private matches.

Splash Damage is releasing an incremental update for PC players via Steam that addresses AI, GPU and server issues. The full Brink release notes are on Steam now. The developer said today many of these fixes are being included in the full update for the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions.

Brink's first downloadable content will be offered free as a "thank you for supporting Brink and for your continued feedback".

This DLC launches in June and offers additional maps and new content.

Brink has suffered a troubled launch, with many players complaining about lag. With PSN still down, the PS3 version of the multiplayer-focused shooter remains bots only. The game disappeared entirely from Steam yesterday for UK gamers, preventing people from buying it. At the time of writing, it is still mysteriously absent from Steam. Splash Damage and Bethesda said yesterday they were looking into the problem.

Eurogamer's Brink review turned up an 8/10.