EA has provided the first official glimpse into the upcoming Battlefield game, spotlighting its development progress and player testing initiatives. This reveal includes a brief look at pre-alpha gameplay, introduced as part of a video that also unveiled Battlefield Labs, a new testing platform, and a call for playtesters.
EA also introduced Battlefield Studios, an umbrella term for the four studios collaborating on the new title. These include DICE in Stockholm, Sweden, focusing on multiplayer development; Motive, known for the Dead Space remake and Star Wars: Squadrons, handling single-player missions and multiplayer maps; Ripple Effect, formerly DICE LA, tasked with attracting new players to the franchise; and Criterion, previously involved with Need For Speed, now working on the single-player campaign.The new Battlefield game marks a return to a traditional single-player linear campaign, a departure from the multiplayer-only approach of 2021's Battlefield 2042. EA emphasized that the development teams are entering a critical phase and are eager to incorporate player feedback to refine the game before its release. Battlefield Labs will facilitate this by testing various game elements, though not all features will be fully developed. Participants in these tests will need to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).
Initial testing will be limited to a few thousand participants in Europe and North America, with plans to expand to tens of thousands across more regions. This comes after EA's decision to shut down Ridgeline Games, which was developing a standalone single-player Battlefield game.
In September, EA shared more details and concept art, confirming the game's modern setting, a shift from previous entries set in World War I, World War II, and the near future. 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, emphasized the importance of returning to the essence of what made Battlefield 3 and 4 successful, citing nostalgia and the need to reconnect with core fans. The new game aims to address the criticisms faced by Battlefield 2042, particularly regarding the controversial Specialists and large 128-player maps, opting instead for 64-player maps and a more traditional class system.
With significant investment and high expectations, EA CEO Andrew Wilson described the project as one of the most ambitious in the company's history. Zampella reiterated the commitment to expanding the Battlefield universe, aiming to retain core players while attracting new ones by offering diverse experiences within the franchise.
EA has yet to announce a release date, launch platforms, or a final title for the new Battlefield game.
