EA has unveiled the first official glimpse of the new Battlefield game, accompanied by an announcement about player testing and the game's development framework. This brief look at pre-alpha gameplay is part of a video that introduces what EA refers to as Battlefield Labs, alongside a call for playtesters to join the process.
Simultaneously, EA introduced Battlefield Studios, an umbrella brand encompassing the four studios involved in the game's development. These studios include DICE in Stockholm, Sweden, responsible for the multiplayer aspect; Motive, known for the Dead Space remake and Star Wars: Squadrons, focusing on single-player missions and multiplayer maps; Ripple Effect, formerly DICE LA, tasked with bringing new players into the Battlefield franchise; and Criterion, previously working on Need For Speed, now developing the single-player campaign.The new Battlefield game marks the return of a traditional single-player linear campaign, a departure from the multiplayer-only approach of 2021's Battlefield 2042. EA emphasized that the collective teams at Battlefield Studios are entering a "critical" development phase, seeking player feedback to prioritize, improve, and refine the game before its release. Battlefield Labs will test nearly everything, though not all content shown will be complete, and participants must agree to a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).
Battlefield Labs aims to engage playtesters for the new Battlefield. Concept art credit: Electronic Arts.
EA expressed pride in the game's pre-alpha state, stating, "We tirelessly playtest, but your feedback will supercharge our development as we strive to hit that perfect note between form, function, and feel." The testing will start with core elements like combat and destruction, progressing to weapon, vehicle, and gadget balance, and ultimately integrating these into maps, modes, and squad play. EA also confirmed testing of Conquest and Breakthrough modes, the essence of the all-out warfare experience, while exploring new ideas and refining the class system (Assault, Engineer, Support, and Recon) for deeper strategic gameplay.
Initial invites to Battlefield Labs will be limited to a few thousand participants in Europe and North America, with plans to expand to tens of thousands across more territories. It's noteworthy that while EA is dedicating four studios to this project, it closed Ridgeline Games last year, a studio that was developing a standalone single-player Battlefield game.
In September, EA shared more details and the first concept art of the untitled Battlefield game, confirming a return to a modern setting after previous entries 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 core elements of Battlefield, referencing the success of Battlefield 3 and 4. He emphasized the need to reconnect with the core fanbase while expanding the game's universe to offer varied experiences within Battlefield.
The new Battlefield game aims to correct the course after the mixed reception of Battlefield 2042, which eventually adjusted to a 64-player format and removed the controversial Specialists feature. With significant investment and multiple studios involved, EA CEO Andrew Wilson described it as one of the "most ambitious projects in [EA's] history." The pressure is on to deliver a game that not only satisfies long-time fans but also attracts new players to the franchise.
EA has yet to announce a release date, launch platforms, or a final title for the new Battlefield game.
