EA's Next Battlefield Game: A Return to Roots
Electronic Arts (EA) announced today that the next installment in the Battlefield franchise is slated for release within its fiscal year 2026, spanning April 2025 to March 2026. This follows the release of a pre-alpha gameplay sneak peek, showcasing the new initiative, Battlefield Labs, designed for player-driven testing and innovation.
EA's Battlefield Labs initiative will involve extensive player testing, focusing on core gameplay elements. This includes feedback on combat, destruction, weapons, vehicles, gadgets, maps, modes, and squad play. Conquest and Breakthrough modes, staples of the series, will also undergo rigorous testing. The class system (Assault, Engineer, Support, and Recon) will be refined to enhance strategic gameplay. Participation requires signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).
The development is spearheaded by Battlefield Studios, a collaborative effort uniting four EA studios: DICE (Stockholm), Motive Studios, Ripple Effect, and Criterion Games. Each studio contributes unique expertise: DICE handles multiplayer, Motive focuses on single-player missions and multiplayer maps, Ripple Effect targets player acquisition, and Criterion crafts the single-player campaign. This collaborative approach marks a significant investment, reflecting EA's commitment to revitalizing the franchise after the mixed reception of Battlefield 2042.
The upcoming Battlefield game will return to a modern setting, drawing inspiration from the critically acclaimed Battlefield 3 and 4. This shift away from the futuristic setting of Battlefield 2042 aims to recapture the series' core identity and appeal to long-time fans. Concept art hints at naval and aerial combat, along with environmental hazards like wildfires. The game will also revert to 64-player maps and eliminate the Specialist system, addressing criticisms levied against Battlefield 2042.
EA CEO Andrew Wilson described the project as one of EA's most ambitious undertakings. Vince Zampella, Head of Respawn and Group GM for EA Studios Organization, emphasized the need to regain the trust of core Battlefield players while simultaneously expanding the franchise's reach to a broader audience. The goal is to create a more diverse and engaging Battlefield experience without sacrificing the series' core elements.
Launch platforms and the official game title remain unannounced. The high stakes and extensive development resources invested underscore EA's determination to deliver a successful and critically acclaimed Battlefield title.
