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

EA has offered the first official glimpse of the new Battlefield game, alongside details about player testing and its unique development structure. A short pre-alpha gameplay video accompanies the announcement of Battlefield Labs, an initiative seeking playtesters.

The new Battlefield marks the return of a traditional linear single-player campaign, a departure from the multiplayer-only Battlefield 2042. EA's Battlefield Studios teams are in a crucial development phase, actively seeking player feedback to prioritize improvements before release. Battlefield Labs will test various aspects of the game, though not everything will be fully realized. Participation requires signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).

Initial testing will involve a few thousand participants 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 shut down Ridgeline Games, a studio working on a standalone single-player Battlefield title.

September saw the release of concept art and details confirming a modern setting for the new game, following 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, alongside 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, citing a desire to recapture that essence. The return to a modern setting aims to address the shortcomings of Battlefield 2042, which, while eventually improved, received criticism for features like Specialists and its large-scale maps. The new Battlefield will revert to 64-player maps and eliminate Specialists.

High expectations surround the new Battlefield following Battlefield 2042's reception. EA CEO Andrew Wilson described it as one of EA's most ambitious projects, reflecting the significant investment and collaborative effort across multiple studios. Zampella emphasized the goal of re-earning the trust of core Battlefield players while expanding the franchise's reach and offerings.

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