Battlefield Labs Unveiled: Fostering Collaboration Between Community and Developers
Battlefield Studios, in partnership with Electronics Art (EA), has launched an innovative platform known as Battlefield Labs. Announced on February 3, 2025, this initiative aims to involve the gaming community directly in the development of future Battlefield titles. Players and developers will collaborate closely, testing game concepts, mechanics, and features to shape the next generation of the franchise.
According to the official statement, the upcoming Battlefield game is in a crucial development phase that will greatly benefit from community input. Players will be at the forefront, testing new elements and providing valuable feedback to enhance the gaming experience. This marks a significant shift towards more inclusive and transparent game development.
Battlefield Studios plans to invite a select group of players from Europe and North America to participate in the initial phase of Battlefield Labs. Although an exact release date hasn't been set, interested individuals can sign up now at this link.
Vince Zampella, Head of Respawn & Group GM for EA Studios Organization, emphasized the potential of the game at this pre-alpha stage. "Battlefield Labs empowers our teams to test the experiences we've been building for our upcoming launch," Zampella stated, highlighting the importance of early community involvement.
While not every player will have the opportunity to join the testing phase, Battlefield Studios has promised to keep the broader community engaged through regular updates. This ensures that everyone can follow the progress and contribute indirectly to the game's development. The studio also plans to continue collaborating with the community for future Battlefield titles.
Battlefield Studios is a collaborative effort involving DICE, the creators of the Battlefield franchise; Ripple Effect, led by franchise veterans developing a new series experience; Motive, known for Star Wars Squadrons and Dead Space; and Criterion, recognized for their work on racing games and significant contributions to Battlefield.
Features and Mechanics to Test in Battlefield Labs
Participants in Battlefield Labs will not have access to the entire game but will test specific components. Battlefield Studios described these as "different pieces of an unfinished puzzle," allowing time to integrate player feedback into the final product. The studio has outlined the key areas of focus for testing:
The initial phase will concentrate on the "pillars of play," including core combat and destruction mechanics. Subsequent testing will cover balance and feedback for weapons, vehicles, and gadgets, culminating in how these elements integrate within maps, modes, and squad play. Two existing modes, Conquest and Breakthrough, will also be part of the testing, with players encouraged to suggest improvements.
In Conquest mode, players engage in large-scale battles to capture Control Points (flags) from opposing teams. Teams start with a set number of tickets, and the match ends when one team's tickets are depleted. Tickets decrease when a team member respawns or when the enemy controls more flags.
Breakthrough mode assigns teams as attackers or defenders. Attackers aim to capture sectors on the map, while defenders strive to halt their progress. A similar ticket system to Conquest is used, but attackers can replenish tickets by securing a sector. Eliminating remaining enemy soldiers after securing a sector grants an additional three tickets.
Furthermore, Battlefield Studios is keen on refining the class system in future Battlefield games. Despite their pride in the current progress, the team values player feedback to achieve the ideal balance of form, function, and feel. "We tirelessly playtest, but your feedback will supercharge our development," the studio remarked, underscoring the importance of community input.
