EA has unveiled the first official glimpse of the upcoming Battlefield game, highlighting player testing and the game's development framework. This brief look at the pre-alpha gameplay is part of a video introducing Battlefield Labs, alongside a call for playtesters.
EA also introduced Battlefield Studios, an umbrella brand encompassing the four studios working on the new title. These include DICE in Stockholm, Sweden, responsible for the multiplayer component; Motive, known for the Dead Space remake and Star Wars: Squadrons, focusing on single-player missions and multiplayer maps; Ripple Effect (formerly DICE LA) in the U.S., aiming to attract new players to the franchise; and Criterion in the UK, previously involved with Need for Speed, now tasked with the single-player campaign.The new Battlefield game will feature a traditional single-player linear campaign, marking a return to this format after Battlefield 2042, which was multiplayer-only.
EA emphasized that the Battlefield Studios teams are entering a crucial development phase and are seeking player feedback to prioritize, improve, and refine elements before the game's release. Through Battlefield Labs, EA plans to test various aspects of the game, though not all features shown will be finalized. Participants must agree to a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).
Battlefield Labs aims to engage playtesters for the new Battlefield. Concept art credit: Electronic Arts.
EA expressed pride in the game's pre-alpha state and highlighted the importance of playtesting. They plan to start by testing core gameplay elements like combat and destruction, then move on to balancing weapons, vehicles, and gadgets, and finally integrate these into maps, modes, and squad play. Classic modes like Conquest and Breakthrough will be tested, along with exploring new ideas and refining the class system (Assault, Engineer, Support, and Recon) for more strategic gameplay.
Initial playtest invites will be limited to a few thousand participants in Europe and North America, with plans to expand to tens of thousands across additional regions. This comes after EA shut down Ridgeline Games, which was developing a standalone single-player Battlefield game.
In September, EA shared more details and concept art for the untitled Battlefield game, confirming a return to a modern setting. The concept art hinted at ship-to-ship and helicopter combat, as well as natural disasters like wildfires. Vince Zampella, Head of Respawn & Group GM for EA Studios Organization, referenced the peak of the series with Battlefield 3 and 4, emphasizing a return to the core elements that defined those games.
The shift back to a modern setting aims to correct course after Battlefield 2042, which faced criticism for its Specialists and large 128-player maps, eventually reverting to 64-player maps. The upcoming game will not feature Specialists.
Given the challenges faced with Battlefield 2042, the pressure is high on the next installment. EA CEO Andrew Wilson has described it as one of the "most ambitious projects" in EA's history, reflecting the significant investment in the game. The Battlefield Studios' motto, "We’re all in on Battlefield," underscores this commitment.
Zampella highlighted the focus on expanding the Battlefield universe to offer varied experiences without players needing to leave the franchise, aiming to regain the trust of core players and attract new ones.
EA has yet to reveal a release date, launch platforms, or a final title for the new Battlefield game.
