Does Brink use GFWL or Steamworks?

Question

I heard in some previews that Brink would have used Steamworks but today I went on an online store and the PC cover shows the logo Game For Windows Live.

Can you clarify which is the truth? I am asking this because I am not a big fan of GWFL (to say it softly) and I would buy probably only if it use Steam infrastructure for matchmaking, ladders, server browsing and so on.

Asked by Drake

Answer

See the Brink FAQ being maintained on the Steam forums:

Q. Is BRINK a GFWL title?

Nope. BRINK is a Steamworks title. BRINK carries the 'Games for Windows' moniker, which is different to GFWL. For a game to be certified for GFW, it has to meet the following requirements:

• An "Easy Install" option that installs the title on a PC in the fewest possible steps and mouse clicks
• Compatibility with the Windows Vista/ 7 Games Explorer
• Installs and runs properly on x64 versions of Windows Vista/ 7 and is compatible with 64-bit processors (though the game itself can be 32-bit)
• Supports normal and widescreen resolutions, such as 4:3 aspect ratio (800 x 600, 1024 x 768), 16:9 aspect ratio (1280 x 720, 1920 x 1080), and 16:10 aspect ratio (1280 x 800, 1440 x 900, 1680 x 1050, 1920 x 1200)
• Supports parental controls and family settings features in Windows Vista/ 7
• Supports launching from Windows Media Center

Q. Can I activate a retail copy through Steam?

BRINK uses Steamworks so retail copies can be activated through Steam.

Answered by DMA57361

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What are ranks?

Question

Some abilities in Brink can only be purchased if your "rank" is high enough. All I know is that at some point, for some reason, I got to rank 2.

Are ranks level milestones? How can I see my progress towards the next rank?

(I've tried to register for my online stats, but they'll only be refreshed in 15 hours for some reason. I also can't see anything about rank there.)

Answer

Yes. The requirements are as follows:

• Rank 1: 0 XP (Level 0 through 4), the Rank you start as.
• Rank 2: 15,250 XP (Level 5 through 9)
• Rank 3: 60,750 XP (Level 10 through 14)
• Rank 4: 148,000 XP (Level 15 through 19)
• Rank 5: 300,000 XP (Level 20)

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When a player is revived, do they get their buffed health back?

Question

When an injured player takes cover to heal, their health only refills up to the next pip marker - usually if you're covering for health this means your health was very low, and so you heal to no buffs (until a Medic comes along and re-buffs your health for you).

But, when a Medic revives an incapacitated player, do they return with unbuffed health, or with any additional pips intact?

Answer

Just tested it out on 360. You will return with unbuffed health. Does not matter if another medic revives you, or you self-revive.

Would actually make for a nice ability for a medic, come to think of it. Being able to revive/buff in one go would save a pip, but be pretty situational.

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