Arma 2: Operation Arrowhead update transitions multiplayer from GameSpy matchmaking to Steam

Following the recent termination of GameSpy's hosting services, the latest update rolling out for Arma 2: Operation Arrowhead focuses on the transition of its multiplayer from GameSpy matchmaking to Steam, Bohemia Interactive announced today.

"As you may have heard, GameSpy is discontinuing its services and it was therefore of paramount importance to offer an alternative for the passionate Operation Arrowhead players who have supported our game and our company for so many years," Bohemia's announcement reads.

GameSpy, a service that provided multiplayer functionality like leaderboards and matchmaking for more than 1,000 games, was established in 1997 and acquired by free-to-play mobile game publisher Glu Mobile in August 2012. GameSpy Technology announced in April that it would shutdown hosting services as of May 31.

Those who have previously purchased a retail copy of Arma 2, including its DLC and Operation Arrowhead expansion, can now activate their CD key on Steam as product key. Bohemia implemented a system to help host and connect to servers for those who wish to play games affected by the GameSpy shutdown, but are not updated to work with Steam, including Arma 1, Arma Cold War Assault and Take On Helicopters.

Update 1.63, which is only available through Steam, also introduces numerous fixes and optimizations. The full change is available on the website.