First Official Look at New Battlefield Gameplay as EA Reveals Battlefield Labs

EA Unveils Battlefield Labs and a Glimpse of the Next Battlefield Game

EA has offered the first official look at its upcoming Battlefield title, alongside details about its player testing program, Battlefield Labs, and the development structure behind the game. A short pre-alpha gameplay video accompanies the announcement, showcasing the progress made.

The new Battlefield is being developed under the "Battlefield Studios" banner, a collaboration between four EA studios: DICE (Stockholm), Motive, Ripple Effect, and Criterion. Each studio is focusing on specific aspects:

• DICE (Stockholm): Multiplayer development.
• Motive: Single-player missions and multiplayer maps.
• Ripple Effect: Attracting new players to the franchise.
• Criterion: Single-player campaign.

This marks a return to a traditional linear single-player campaign after the multiplayer-only Battlefield 2042. EA is currently in a critical development phase and seeks player feedback through Battlefield Labs. This program will test various aspects of the game, from core combat and destruction to weapon balance and map design. Participation requires signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).

EA emphasizes the importance of player feedback in refining the game's core elements, including Conquest and Breakthrough modes, and enhancing strategic gameplay through the class system. Initial testing will involve a few thousand players in Europe and North America, expanding to tens of thousands later.

It's notable that while EA has committed significant resources to this Battlefield installment, the studio previously shut down Ridgeline Games, which was developing a standalone single-player Battlefield game.

The new Battlefield returns to a modern setting, a departure from the World War I, World War II, and near-future settings of previous titles. Concept art hints at naval and aerial combat, alongside natural disaster elements. The game aims to recapture the essence of Battlefield 3 and 4, addressing criticisms of Battlefield 2042, such as the Specialist system and large-scale maps. The new game will feature 64-player maps and will not include Specialists.

EA's investment in the project is substantial, reflecting the high stakes after Battlefield 2042's initial reception. The goal is to regain the trust of long-time fans while expanding the Battlefield universe to attract new players. A release date, platforms, and official title remain unannounced.