"We scored the game with a live orchestra at Skywalker Ranch in Northern California, but the orchestra is not the primary focus of the music. The primary focus of the music is actually the Southeast Asian instrumentation, such as the gamelan orchestra. You hear taiko drums, you hear the shamisen, the biwa, the koto, bansuri, shakuhachi, just a wide array of instrumentation that has a really distinct Asian sound. And that was really exciting to me."

Another month of post-release play is in the books for SOCOM 4, and your help in tracking down issues and exploits for us has been an invaluable resource as we continue to move forward with updates. This latest patch, scheduled for deployment this morning, July 12, during our regular maintenance window, is definitely our most exciting yet! Boasting the long-awaited activation of our SOCOM Party system, we’ve made playing with your friends much more convenient. We’ve also included a number of other additions and alterations which you can read about in our patch notes below.

This isn’t all the SOCOM info we have planned for the summer of course, as you’ll want to check back with us throughout the season as we return with details regarding what to expect in our next patch as well as the official announcement and details of our upcoming downloadable content. In the meantime, enjoy the latest SOCOM revision and have fun storming enemy lines!

SOCOM 4: U.S. Navy SEALs v1.04
July 12, 2011 | TPPS: 42 MB, DLS: 11 MB

Gameplay

- Added “Party” system to primary multiplayer interface which allows players to invite other users to play with them in a persistent group until disbanded (up to 16 total players)

- Fixed bug that sometimes prevented Bomb Squad and Uplink matches to end properly despite one team winning the required number of rounds

- Players who do not have SOCOM Pro can now “Scavenge” Pro-associated weapons on the battlefield for a limited time use (does not unlock them permanently)

Weapons and Gear

- Added additional weapon “knock” to single and burst-fire modes for all weapons to limit possible rapid-fire exploits

Interface

- Games played under “Classic” rules now implement an “open” mic system for players in the Spectator lobby

- Added “open” mic functionality to all transition screens for games played under “Classic” rules

- Added “Games Played” statistics for SOCOM Pro maps

- Fixed issue that caused post-game text to display incorrectly at the end of a round or match

Technical

- Added functionality to allow all Gametypes to support independent XP bonuses

- Mics are now muted for the first five seconds of every round to reduce echo/ feedback from mass “round start” messages

- Implemented a number of stability fixes

Today we're announcing the availability of SOCOM Mobile HQ. This free Android Application helps you stay connected to the world of SOCOM even when you’re away from your PS3.

Put your career, friends and clan in your pocket and experience the new SOCOM Challenge System available exclusively for SOCOM Mobile HQ users. Each challenge is tailored to your unique player experience, with tasks ranging from being the master tactician by getting the job done in all online modes, building your kill-to-death ratio (KDR) or always being the guy with the assists.

SOCOM Mobile HQ keeps you connected and field ready:

* Prove your tactical discipline and combat skills by accepting our challenges, gaining experience and badges that represent your cunning and perseverance
* Plan and track your advancement by studying challenge history and leaderboards. Watch your experience climb as successive rounds push you further
* Review your career profile to see vital SOCOM 4 stats and rank advancement potential. Compare your progress to those around you
* Stay in contact with SOCOM 4 news and events by accessing the official Blog
* Use our convenient clan and friends features to check stats and whereabouts of your friends in the PlayStation Network
* Share your experience and progress via Facebook through our social networking feature

The application is now available in the Android Marketplace.

PlayStation and Major League Gaming are giving you two chances to show everyone what you’ve got in SOCOM 4 — and win big in the process.

MLG Boot Camp
Boot Camp gives anyone who registers and completes a match the chance to win awesome prizes regardless of skill. Registration is open now, and Boot Camp ladder play is currently running through July 13th. Registering your 6-man team on MLG’s Gamebattles.com and playing at least one match will put you in the running for both Boot Camp prizing and the Official $20,000 Ladder Tournament.  If you’re a lone soldier, check out the MLG forums where you can team up with other players of your skill level.
Boot Camp prizing includes:
 * Two-hour gaming sessions with the Zipper Interactive dev team
 * ASUS professional gaming monitors
 * Full Astro A40 Systems (SOCOM 4 Customized)
 * MLG Gunnars

Official SOCOM 4 $20k Online Ladder
Those of you with a competitive streak should use this time wisely because every battle counts towards your team’s position on the leaderboard and your chance to win money. The top teams will qualify for the finals and a share of the $20,000 prize pool.  We’re looking for the best SOCOM 4 teams to step up, so we’re putting cold hard cash on the line. Here’s the prize breakdown:
 * 1st Place Team: $8,000
 * 2nd: $4,000
 * 3rd: $3,000
 * 4th: $2,000
 * 5th: $1,000
 * 6th: $1,000
 * 7th: $500 
 * 8th: $500
 

SOCOM 4 Boot Camp Schedule:
6/24/2011: Registration begins
6/24/2011: Ladder play begins
7/13/2011: Ladder play ends (9:00PM EST)

SOCOM 4 $20,000 Ladder Tournament Schedule:
6/24/2011: Registration begins
6/24/2011: Ladder play begins
8/27/2011: Registration closes
8/28/2011: Ladder play ends
9/9/2011: Double elimination bracket tournament begins