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

EA Unveils Battlefield Labs and Battlefield Studios for the Next Battlefield Game

EA has offered a first look at its upcoming Battlefield game, alongside details about its player testing program, "Battlefield Labs," and the newly formed "Battlefield Studios." This collaborative effort unites four studios to develop the next installment in the franchise.

A short pre-alpha gameplay video accompanies the announcement, showcasing early development stages.

Battlefield Studios comprises DICE (Stockholm, focusing on multiplayer), Motive (single-player and multiplayer maps), Ripple Effect (player acquisition), and Criterion (single-player campaign). This marks the end of Criterion's work on Need for Speed.

The new Battlefield will feature a traditional linear single-player campaign, a departure from the multiplayer-only Battlefield 2042. EA is currently in a crucial development phase and seeks player feedback via Battlefield Labs. This program will test various aspects of the game, from core combat and destruction to weapons, vehicles, and gadgets, including Conquest and Breakthrough modes. The class system (Assault, Engineer, Support, and Recon) will also undergo refinement for deeper strategic gameplay. Participation requires signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).

Initial testing will involve a few thousand players in Europe and North America, expanding to tens of thousands later. This significant investment follows the closure of Ridgeline Games, a studio previously working on a standalone single-player Battlefield title.

The new Battlefield returns to a modern setting after exploring World War I, World War II, and a near-future setting. Concept art hints at ship-to-ship and helicopter combat, along with natural disasters. The game aims to recapture the essence of Battlefield 3 and 4, addressing criticisms of Battlefield 2042, such as the Specialist system and large-scale maps. The new game will feature 64 players per map and will not include Specialists.

EA CEO Andrew Wilson described the project as one of EA's most ambitious endeavors. Vince Zampella emphasized the importance of regaining the trust of core Battlefield players while expanding the franchise's appeal to a wider audience.

A release date, platforms, and official title remain unannounced.