EA's Next Battlefield Game: A Return to Roots
Electronic Arts (EA) has announced that the next installment in the Battlefield franchise is slated for release within its fiscal year 2026, spanning from April 2025 to March 2026. This announcement follows the unveiling of Battlefield Labs, a new player testing initiative designed to gather feedback during the game's pre-alpha development phase.
EA showcased a brief glimpse of pre-alpha gameplay in a video announcing Battlefield Labs and its call for playtesters. Participation requires signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).
The development is being spearheaded by Battlefield Studios, a collective of four EA studios:
- DICE (Stockholm): Developing the multiplayer component.
- Motive: Contributing to single-player missions and multiplayer maps.
- Ripple Effect: Focusing on attracting new players to the franchise.
- Criterion: Working on the single-player campaign.
This collaborative effort marks a significant investment by EA, aiming to address the shortcomings of Battlefield 2042. The development team is currently in a crucial phase, prioritizing player feedback to refine core gameplay elements, including combat, destruction, weapons, vehicles, gadgets, and map design. Conquest and Breakthrough modes are confirmed, alongside exploration of new ideas and improvements to the class system.
The new Battlefield will return to a modern setting, drawing inspiration from the critically acclaimed Battlefield 3 and 4, abandoning the Specialists system and the 128-player maps of its predecessor. The game will feature a 64-player limit and incorporate elements like ship-to-ship and helicopter combat, as well as natural disasters. Concept art suggests a focus on large-scale warfare with a modern setting.
EA's commitment to the next Battlefield is substantial, involving multiple studios and a clear focus on regaining player trust after the mixed reception of Battlefield 2042. The aim is to deliver a core Battlefield experience while expanding the franchise's offerings to attract a broader audience. Platform details and the official game title remain unannounced.
