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

EA Unveils Battlefield Labs and Battlefield Studios: A Return to Form

EA has offered the first official look at its upcoming Battlefield game, alongside details about its player testing program, Battlefield Labs, and the newly formed Battlefield Studios.

A short pre-alpha gameplay video accompanies the announcement, showcasing the progress of the new title. This initiative aims to gather crucial player feedback during a critical development phase.

Battlefield Studios unites four EA studios: DICE (Stockholm), Motive, Ripple Effect, and Criterion. Each studio contributes specialized expertise:

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

This new Battlefield marks a return to a traditional linear single-player campaign, a departure from the multiplayer-only Battlefield 2042. EA emphasizes the importance of player feedback in shaping the game's core elements, including combat, destruction, weapons, vehicles, gadgets, maps, modes, and squad play. Conquest and Breakthrough modes are confirmed, along with refinements to the class system.

Battlefield Labs will initially invite a few thousand players from Europe and North America, expanding to tens of thousands later, with broader geographical support. Participation requires signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). While EA is heavily investing in this new title, it's important to note the closure of Ridgeline Games, a studio previously working on a standalone single-player Battlefield game, in 2024.

The new Battlefield returns to a modern setting, drawing inspiration from the critically acclaimed Battlefield 3 and 4, as confirmed by Vince Zampella, Head of Respawn & Group GM for EA Studios Organization. This shift addresses criticisms of Battlefield 2042, which initially faced backlash for its Specialist system and large-scale maps. The new game will revert to 64-player maps and eliminate Specialists.

EA CEO Andrew Wilson has described the project as one of EA's most ambitious endeavors, reflecting the significant investment and collaboration across multiple studios. The emphasis on player feedback and a return to core Battlefield gameplay signifies a renewed commitment to the franchise's success. While a release date, platforms, and title remain unannounced, EA's dedication to rebuilding trust with its fanbase is clear. Zampella envisions expanding the Battlefield universe to offer diverse experiences without requiring players to leave the franchise.