EA Says Next Battlefield Is 'Expected' Fiscal Year 2026

Electronic Arts (EA) announced today that the next installment in the Battlefield franchise is slated for release during its fiscal year 2026, which runs from April 2025 to March 2026. This announcement came alongside the release of a first look at pre-alpha gameplay footage and the unveiling of "Battlefield Labs," a new player testing initiative.

Battlefield Labs will allow for player-driven testing and innovation throughout development. Participants will be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). EA emphasized that while the game is still in pre-alpha, they are proud of its progress and eager to incorporate player feedback. Testing will focus on core gameplay pillars, including combat, destruction, weapons, vehicles, gadgets, maps, modes, and squad play. Conquest and Breakthrough modes will also be tested, along with refinements to the class system.

Development of the new Battlefield is being undertaken by Battlefield Studios, an umbrella group encompassing DICE (Stockholm, focusing on multiplayer), Motive (single-player missions and multiplayer maps, also working on Iron Man), Ripple Effect (player acquisition), and Criterion (single-player campaign, having completed work on Need for Speed). EA noted that the teams are entering a critical development phase.

This new Battlefield marks a return to a modern setting after the series' forays into World War I, World War II, and the near future. Concept art previously revealed hints at ship-to-ship and helicopter combat, as well as natural disasters like wildfires as potential gameplay elements. The game will also revert to 64-player maps and abandon the Specialist system from Battlefield 2042.

EA's commitment to the new Battlefield is significant, involving four studios and representing a major investment. The company aims to recapture the essence of classic Battlefield titles like Battlefield 3 and 4, while expanding the franchise's offerings to attract a wider player base. EA CEO Andrew Wilson has described the project as one of the most ambitious in EA's history. While the final title and launch platforms remain unannounced, the focus is clearly on addressing the shortcomings of Battlefield 2042 and delivering a compelling and engaging experience.