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

EA has offered the first official glimpse of the new Battlefield game, alongside details about its player testing program, Battlefield Labs, and its development structure. A short pre-alpha gameplay video accompanied the announcement.

EA also unveiled Battlefield Studios, encompassing four studios collaborating on the new title: DICE (Stockholm), Motive, Ripple Effect, and Criterion. DICE is leading multiplayer development; Motive is handling single-player missions and multiplayer maps; Ripple Effect focuses on attracting new players; and Criterion is developing the single-player campaign.

The new Battlefield marks the return of a traditional linear single-player campaign, a departure from the multiplayer-only Battlefield 2042. EA's Battlefield Studios teams are in a crucial development phase, seeking player feedback on core elements before release. Battlefield Labs will test various aspects, though not all will be fully realized, and participation requires signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).

EA emphasizes the game's progress, even in its pre-alpha stage, and highlights the importance of player feedback in refining combat, destruction, weapons, vehicles, gadgets, maps, modes, and squad play. Conquest and Breakthrough modes will be tested, alongside exploration of new ideas and improvements to the class system.

Initial testing will involve a few thousand players in Europe and North America, expanding to tens of thousands across more regions. It's noteworthy that while four studios are dedicated to this Battlefield, EA previously closed Ridgeline Games, a studio working on a standalone single-player Battlefield title.

September saw EA reveal details and concept art for the untitled game, confirming a return to a modern setting after previous installments set in World War I, World War II, and the near future. Concept art hinted at ship-to-ship and helicopter combat, along with natural disasters like wildfires.

Vince Zampella, Head of Respawn and Group GM for EA Studios Organization, cited Battlefield 3 and 4 as inspirations, aiming to recapture the series' core appeal while expanding its reach. The return to a modern setting addresses criticisms of Battlefield 2042, particularly its Specialists and large-scale maps. The new Battlefield will utilize 64-player maps and forgo the Specialist system.

Following Battlefield 2042's reception, significant pressure rests on this new installment. EA CEO Andrew Wilson described it as one of EA's most ambitious projects, reflecting the substantial investment and collaborative effort of Battlefield Studios, whose tagline is "We’re all in on Battlefield." Zampella emphasized regaining the trust of core players while expanding the franchise's appeal.

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