Battlefield 3 gets eSport-focused Matches mode

You'll need your own dedicated server to set it up, though.

DICE has announced "Matches" mode for Battlefield 3, an update tailored towards eSports which will allow teams to schedule and arrange competitions on their own dedicated servers.

Matches, which will work across PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 and currently has no specific release date, will be configured through Battlelog. Match options are customisable, and can include friendly fire, 3D spotting, squad-leader spawning, kill cam, health regeneration and a list of weapon unlocks that will be made available to players.

Players then select rosters for the match from their lists of friends and platoon members. A team captain for the opposing team is also declared, who then assigns players to the other team.

Once a match has begun, players are entered into a warm-up phase until each player declares themselves ready.

A bevy of statistics will be made available on Battlelog once the match has finished.

Earlier this week VideoGamer.com's very own Dave Scammell protested that Battlefield 3 has gone back to the 90s since DICE introduced dedicated servers to the console version of the game.