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 next Battlefield title, alongside details about its player testing program, "Battlefield Labs," and the newly formed "Battlefield Studios." This collaborative effort unites four studios – DICE, Motive, Ripple Effect, and Criterion – to revitalize the franchise.

A short pre-alpha gameplay video accompanies the announcement, showcasing early development footage.

Battlefield Studios' Structure:

• DICE (Stockholm): Multiplayer development.
• Motive: Single-player missions and multiplayer maps.
• Ripple Effect: Player acquisition and onboarding.
• Criterion: Single-player campaign.

The new Battlefield marks a return to a traditional, linear single-player campaign, a departure from the multiplayer-only focus of Battlefield 2042. EA is emphasizing player feedback during this crucial development phase, utilizing Battlefield Labs to test core gameplay mechanics, including combat, destruction, weapons, vehicles, gadgets, and maps. Conquest and Breakthrough modes are confirmed, alongside refinements to the class system.

Battlefield Labs will initially invite a few thousand players from Europe and North America, expanding to tens of thousands globally. Participation requires signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).

A Modern Setting and Course Correction:

The new Battlefield returns to a modern setting after exploring World War I, World War II, and near-future scenarios. Concept art hints at ship-to-ship and helicopter combat, alongside natural disaster elements. This shift aims to recapture the essence of the Battlefield 3 and 4 era, addressing criticisms of Battlefield 2042, such as the Specialist system and large-scale maps. The new game will feature 64-player maps and abandon the Specialist system.

EA's significant investment in the project, involving multiple studios, underscores its commitment to the franchise's resurgence. The "Battlefield Studios" tagline, "We’re all in on Battlefield," reflects this renewed dedication. While aiming to regain the trust of core Battlefield fans, EA also seeks to expand the franchise's appeal to a wider audience.

EA has yet to announce a release date, platforms, or the official title for the new Battlefield game.