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

EA has unveiled the first official glimpse of the new Battlefield game, showcasing pre-alpha gameplay footage as part of an announcement regarding player testing and the game's development structure. This sneak peek comes alongside the introduction of Battlefield Labs, an initiative designed to engage playtesters and gather crucial feedback during the game's development process.

EA also introduced Battlefield Studios, the collective name for the four studios contributing to the new Battlefield title. These include DICE in Stockholm, Sweden, which is focusing on the multiplayer aspect; Motive, known for the Dead Space remake and Star Wars: Squadrons, tasked with developing single-player missions and multiplayer maps; Ripple Effect, formerly DICE LA, aiming to attract new players to the franchise; and Criterion, previously involved with Need For Speed, now working on the single-player campaign. This marks a return to a traditional linear single-player campaign, following Battlefield 2042's multiplayer-only approach.

As the development cycle enters a critical phase, EA is keen on obtaining player feedback to prioritize, refine, and enhance various aspects of the game. Through Battlefield Labs, EA will test core gameplay elements, including combat and destruction mechanics, before moving on to balance and feedback for weapons, vehicles, and gadgets. The testing will also cover iconic modes like Conquest and Breakthrough, and explore new ideas to refine the class system, aiming to deepen strategic gameplay.

Initial testing will be limited to a few thousand participants, with servers in Europe and North America. EA plans to expand invitations to tens of thousands more players, extending support to additional territories. This extensive testing phase underscores EA's commitment to the franchise, despite the closure of Ridgeline Games last year, which was working on a standalone single-player Battlefield title.

In September, EA shared further details and concept art, confirming the game's modern setting—a departure from the World War I, World War II, and near-future themes of previous titles. The concept art hinted at ship-to-ship and helicopter combat, as well as natural disasters like wildfires. Vince Zampella, Head of Respawn and Group GM for EA Studios Organization, emphasized returning to the "core of what Battlefield is," referencing the peak era of Battlefield 3 and 4.

The new Battlefield represents a course correction after the mixed reception to Battlefield 2042, which introduced unpopular features like Specialists and large 128-player maps. The next game will revert to 64-player maps and abandon the Specialist system, aiming to recapture the essence of classic Battlefield gameplay.

With significant pressure on the next installment following 2042's challenges, EA CEO Andrew Wilson has described it as one of the "most ambitious projects" in the company's history. The involvement of multiple studios underlines EA's substantial investment in the franchise. Vince Zampella emphasized the goal of not only satisfying core Battlefield fans but also expanding the game's universe to offer diverse experiences within the Battlefield ecosystem.

While EA has not yet disclosed the release date, launch platforms, or the final title for the new Battlefield, the ongoing development and testing phases signal a dedicated effort to meet the expectations of both long-time fans and new players.