Anthem has a multiplayer social space after all - check out this video tour
BioWare managed to add a multiplayer hub to Anthem in the last few weeks of development.
Since Anthem's reveal, BioWare's vision has always been for multiplayer to happen in the open world and in missions, but not at home base. Fort Tarsis, the game's main hub, is a deliberately solo experience where players get to understand the story, meet characters, and make choices.
Because of this, the developer did not have a way for players to be part of the social gatherings popular in other multiplayer loot shooters. Anthem, being the freshest entry into the genre, naturally drew a lot of criticisms for not offering players a social space.
It seems BioWare has listened, because Anthem is indeed getting a social hub at launch. Called Launch Bay, the space was unveiled by lead producer Michael Gamble overnight with a short teaser.
As you'd expect, the place lets you meet other players, show off your accomplishments, and generally have a good time. It also features gameplay-critical features like the Forge, where you can customise Javelins, and a new way to get contracts (quests).
The Launch Bay supports 16 players per session, and you'll be able to access it at the end of missions. Gamble said you'll be given a choice: return to Tarsis or the Launch Bay.
Sadly, the Launch Bay won't be available in the Anthem demos, but that's not totally surprising.
Gamble, who's been very active on Twitter, also confirmed that Anthem has gone gold, roughly a month away from the official release date.
If you're curious about Anthem, BioWare is hosting two demos; the first of which kicks off tomorrow. We rounded up every bit of detail in one handy Anthem demo page.