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

EA has offered the first official look at its new Battlefield game, alongside details about player testing and its development structure. A short pre-alpha gameplay video accompanies the announcement of "Battlefield Labs," a program seeking playtesters.

EA also unveiled "Battlefield Studios," encompassing four studios collaborating on the new title: DICE (Stockholm, focusing on multiplayer), Motive (single-player missions and multiplayer maps), Ripple Effect (new player acquisition), and Criterion (single-player campaign). This marks the return of a traditional linear single-player campaign after Battlefield 2042's multiplayer-only focus.

Battlefield Studios is entering a crucial development phase, seeking player feedback to prioritize improvements before release. Battlefield Labs will test various aspects, though not all elements will be fully complete. Participation requires signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).

EA states they are proud of the game's pre-alpha state, emphasizing the value of player feedback to refine combat, destruction, weapons, vehicles, gadgets, maps, modes, and squad play. Conquest and Breakthrough modes will be tested, alongside explorations of the class system (Assault, Engineer, Support, and Recon) for strategic depth.

Initial invitations will be limited to a few thousand players in Europe and North America, expanding to tens of thousands across more regions later. It’s notable that while four studios are dedicated to this Battlefield, EA previously closed Ridgeline Games, a studio working on a standalone single-player Battlefield title.

September saw the unveiling of concept art and details, confirming a return to a modern setting after previous installments set in World War I, World War II, and the near future. The concept art hinted at ship-to-ship and helicopter combat, and natural disasters like wildfires.

Vince Zampella, Head of Respawn & Group GM for EA Studios Organization, referenced Battlefield 3 and 4 as pinnacles of the series, aiming to recapture that essence while expanding the Battlefield universe.

The modern setting marks a departure from Battlefield 2042, which, while eventually improving, faced criticism for its Specialists and large 128-player maps. The new Battlefield will feature 64-player maps and eliminate Specialists.

High expectations follow Battlefield 2042's reception. EA CEO Andrew Wilson called it one of EA's most ambitious projects, reflecting the significant investment and collaborative effort of Battlefield Studios ("We’re all in on Battlefield"). Zampella emphasized regaining player trust while expanding the franchise's offerings to attract a wider audience.

EA has yet to announce a release date, platforms, or the final title for the new Battlefield.