EA has unveiled the first official glimpse of the upcoming Battlefield game, showcasing pre-alpha gameplay footage as part of an announcement about player testing and the game's development structure. This sneak peek is included in a video that introduces Battlefield Labs, a new initiative aimed at involving playtesters in the game's development process.
Alongside this, EA introduced Battlefield Studios, an umbrella term for the four studios collaborating on the new Battlefield 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 gather player feedback to refine and prioritize elements before the game's release. Participants in Battlefield Labs will be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).
"Even in pre-alpha, we are proud of where the game is at," EA stated. "We tirelessly playtest, but your feedback will supercharge our development as we strive to hit that perfect note between form, function, and feel."
The testing will start with core gameplay elements like combat and destruction, progressing to weapon, vehicle, and gadget balance, and ultimately focusing on maps, modes, and squad play. EA plans to test classic modes like Conquest and Breakthrough, while also exploring new ideas and refining the class system (Assault, Engineer, Support, and Recon) to enhance 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 more across additional regions. It's noteworthy that while EA is heavily investing in Battlefield with four studios, it closed Ridgeline Games last year, which was developing a standalone single-player Battlefield game.
In September, EA shared more details and concept art for the untitled Battlefield game, confirming a return to a modern setting after 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, highlighted the importance of returning to the essence of Battlefield, referencing the success of Battlefield 3 and 4. "I mean, if you look back to the peak or the pinnacle of Battlefield, it's that Battlefield 3... Battlefield 4 era where everything was modern," he said. "And I think we have to get back to the core of what Battlefield is and do that amazingly well, and then we'll see where it goes from there."
The shift back to a modern setting is a strategic move following the mixed reception of Battlefield 2042, which introduced controversial features like Specialists and large 128-player maps. The next Battlefield will revert to 64-player maps and abandon the Specialist system.
With significant investment and high expectations, EA CEO Andrew Wilson described the new Battlefield as one of the "most ambitious projects in [EA's] history." The Battlefield Studios' tagline, "We’re all in on Battlefield," underscores the company's commitment. Zampella emphasized the goal of not only regaining the trust of core players but also expanding the franchise to offer diverse experiences within the Battlefield universe.
EA has yet to announce a release date, launch platforms, or a final title for the new Battlefield game.
