EA's Next Battlefield Game: A Return to Roots
Electronic Arts (EA) announced today that the next installment in the Battlefield franchise is slated for release within its fiscal year 2026, spanning April 2025 to March 2026. This follows the release of a pre-alpha gameplay sneak peek and the unveiling of "Battlefield Labs," a new player testing initiative designed to gather crucial feedback during development.
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Battlefield Studios, a collaborative effort encompassing DICE (Stockholm), Motive Studios, Ripple Effect, and Criterion Games, is spearheading the project. Each studio contributes specialized expertise: DICE focuses on multiplayer, Motive on single-player and multiplayer maps, Ripple Effect on attracting new players, and Criterion on the single-player campaign. This marks a significant investment, with EA emphasizing the "critical" development phase and the importance of player feedback in shaping the final product. Battlefield Labs will test core gameplay elements, including combat, destruction, weapons, vehicles, and the class system, with a focus on refining Conquest and Breakthrough modes. New ideas will also be explored.
This new Battlefield marks a strategic shift for the franchise, returning to a modern setting after forays into World War I, World War II, and the near future. Concept art hints at naval and aerial combat alongside natural disaster elements. The decision reflects a response to the criticism leveled at Battlefield 2042, particularly regarding its Specialist system and large-scale maps. The upcoming title will revert to 64-player maps and eliminate Specialists.
EA's commitment is evident, with four studios dedicated to the project, although this follows the closure of Ridgeline Games, which was developing a standalone single-player Battlefield title. The emphasis is on regaining the trust of core Battlefield players while expanding the franchise's appeal to a broader audience. EA aims to offer diverse experiences within the Battlefield universe, ensuring players don't need to look elsewhere for varied gameplay.
While platforms and the official title remain unannounced, the next Battlefield game promises a return to the series' core strengths, building upon the successes of Battlefield 3 and 4, while incorporating innovative elements and addressing the shortcomings of its predecessor. The high stakes are clear, with EA CEO Andrew Wilson describing it as one of the company's "most ambitious projects."
