EA has unveiled the first official glimpse of the upcoming Battlefield game, spotlighting its development and player testing initiatives. The brief pre-alpha gameplay footage was showcased in a video that introduced Battlefield Labs, a new testing platform, and a call for playtesters to join the development process.
Alongside this, EA 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. Participants in Battlefield Labs will be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).
EA expressed pride in the game's pre-alpha state and highlighted the importance of player feedback in enhancing the game's core elements, such as combat and destruction. The testing will cover essential gameplay aspects like weapons, vehicles, gadgets, maps, modes, and squad play, including the iconic Conquest and Breakthrough modes. Additionally, Battlefield Labs will serve as a space to experiment with new ideas and refine the class system to foster deeper strategic gameplay.
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 return to a modern setting following 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 Battlefield, referencing the success of Battlefield 3 and 4. He stressed the need to reconnect with core fans while expanding the game's universe to offer varied experiences within the Battlefield franchise.
The next Battlefield game aims to correct the course after the mixed reception of Battlefield 2042, which faced criticism for its Specialists and large 128-player maps. The new game will revert to 64-player maps and eliminate the Specialists feature. With significant investment and multiple studios involved, EA CEO Andrew Wilson described it as one of the company's most ambitious projects.
While EA has not yet announced a release date, launch platforms, or a final title for the new Battlefield, the focus remains on delivering a game that resonates with both long-time fans and new players.
