EA's Next Battlefield Game: A Return to Form
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 follows the release of a pre-alpha gameplay glimpse and the unveiling of "Battlefield Labs," a new player testing initiative designed to gather feedback and shape the game's development.
The development is being spearheaded by "Battlefield Studios," a collaborative effort involving four studios: DICE (multiplayer), Motive (single-player and multiplayer maps), Ripple Effect (new player acquisition), and Criterion (single-player campaign). This marks a significant investment, with EA stating that the teams are entering a crucial development phase and actively seeking player input on core gameplay elements.
Battlefield Labs will focus on testing core mechanics, including combat, destruction, weapons, vehicles, gadgets, and map design. Classic modes like Conquest and Breakthrough will be tested, alongside explorations of new ideas and refinements to the class system. Participation requires signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).
The new Battlefield will return to a modern setting, drawing inspiration from the highly-regarded Battlefield 3 and 4 eras, addressing criticisms leveled at Battlefield 2042. Unlike its predecessor, the new game will abandon the Specialist system and revert to 64-player maps, focusing on core Battlefield gameplay.
EA CEO Andrew Wilson described the project as one of EA's most ambitious endeavors, reflecting the substantial resources dedicated to its creation. Vince Zampella, Head of Respawn and Group GM for EA Studios Organization, emphasized the importance of regaining the trust of core Battlefield players while simultaneously expanding the franchise's appeal to a wider audience.
While EA hasn't disclosed launch platforms or the game's official title, the commitment to player feedback and the return to a more traditional Battlefield formula suggest a determined effort to recapture the series' former glory.
