EA Unveils Battlefield Labs and a Glimpse of the Next Battlefield Game
EA has offered the first official look at its upcoming Battlefield title, alongside details about its player testing program, Battlefield Labs, and the development structure behind the game.
A short pre-alpha gameplay video was released as part of the announcement, showcasing early game footage. This announcement also revealed Battlefield Studios, the collective name for the four studios collaborating on the project: DICE (Stockholm), Motive, Ripple Effect (formerly DICE LA), and Criterion.
The development roles are divided as follows: DICE is handling multiplayer development; Motive is working on single-player missions and multiplayer maps; Ripple Effect is focused on attracting new players to the franchise; and Criterion, having completed its work on Need for Speed, is developing the single-player campaign.
The new Battlefield marks a return to a traditional linear single-player campaign, a departure from the multiplayer-only approach of Battlefield 2042.
EA is currently in a crucial development phase and is seeking player feedback to prioritize improvements before release. Battlefield Labs will allow for testing of various aspects of the game, though not all elements will be fully realized. Participation requires signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).
EA emphasized the importance of player feedback in refining core gameplay elements such as combat, destruction, weapons, vehicles, gadgets, maps, modes, and squad play. Conquest and Breakthrough modes will be tested, along with potential 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 later.
It's notable that while EA has committed significant resources to this Battlefield title, Ridgeline Games, a studio working on a separate single-player Battlefield game, was shut down last year.
The new Battlefield will return to a modern setting after previous installments in World War I, World War II, and the near future. Concept art has hinted at naval and aerial combat, as well as natural disaster elements. Vince Zampella, Head of Respawn and Group GM for EA Studios Organization, cited Battlefield 3 and 4 as inspirations, aiming to recapture the essence of those titles.
This marks a course correction after the mixed reception of Battlefield 2042, which initially faced criticism for its Specialists system and large 128-player maps. The new game will feature 64-player maps and will not include Specialists.
EA CEO Andrew Wilson has described the project as one of EA's most ambitious, reflecting the significant investment and involvement of multiple studios. Zampella has stated the aim is to regain the trust of core Battlefield fans while also expanding the franchise's appeal to a broader audience.
EA has yet to announce a release date, platforms, or the official title for the new Battlefield.
