"EA's Next Battlefield Game Set for Fiscal Year 2026"

The next installment in the iconic Battlefield series is set to launch during EA's fiscal year 2026, which spans from April 2025 to March 2026. This announcement came alongside EA's financial results for the third quarter of its current fiscal year, ending March 2025. In a move to engage the community early, EA has released a first official look at the game, showcasing pre-alpha gameplay as part of the introduction to Battlefield Labs, a new initiative designed for player-driven testing and innovation.

EA has also introduced Battlefield Studios, an umbrella term for the four studios collaborating on the new game. These include DICE in Stockholm, Sweden, focusing on multiplayer; 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. As the development enters a critical phase, EA is keen on gathering player feedback through Battlefield Labs, where various game elements will be tested, though not all features will be complete. Participants will need to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to join the testing.

EA expressed pride in the game's current state, even in pre-alpha, and emphasized the importance of player feedback in refining the game's core elements such as combat, destruction, weapons, vehicles, gadgets, maps, modes, and squad play. The testing will also cover classic modes like Conquest and Breakthrough, while exploring new ideas and enhancing the class system to deepen strategic gameplay.

It's noteworthy that despite the significant investment in the new Battlefield, EA shut down Ridgeline Games last year, which was developing a standalone single-player Battlefield game. In September, EA shared more details and concept art, confirming a return to a modern setting after previous games 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 successful era of Battlefield 3 and 4. This move aims to reconnect with the core fanbase and expand the franchise's appeal to new players, offering a broader range of experiences within the Battlefield universe.

The next Battlefield game faces high expectations following the mixed reception of Battlefield 2042, which eventually adjusted to a more traditional 64-player format and moved away from the controversial Specialists system. EA CEO Andrew Wilson has described the new project as one of the "most ambitious projects in [EA's] history," underscoring the company's significant commitment to the franchise. The game's final title and launch platforms remain undisclosed, but the anticipation is palpable as EA aims to reclaim its position in the competitive gaming landscape.