Get an Official Sneak Peek at Battlefield’s New Gameplay Labs
The next Battlefield game is shaping up to be a major comeback for the franchise after the mixed reception of Battlefield 2042. EA has unveiled the first official glimpse of gameplay through its new initiative, Battlefield Labs, which invites players to participate in playtests and shape the future of the game. With four powerhouse studios—DICE, Motive, Ripple Effect, and Criterion—working together, the upcoming title promises a return to the series’ roots with a traditional single-player campaign and refined multiplayer experience. Here’s everything you need to know about what’s coming next.
What is Battlefield Labs?
Battlefield Labs is EA’s way of involving the community in the development process. Players will get early access to the game in its pre-alpha state and provide feedback on core mechanics like combat, destruction, and class systems. This initiative aims to refine the game’s balance and ensure it delivers the intense, strategic warfare that fans expect.
The initial playtests will be limited to a few thousand participants in Europe and North America, with more players invited over time. EA has emphasized that this is a critical phase of development, and player input will be essential in shaping the final product.
Return to Classic Battlefield
The next Battlefield game marks a return to a contemporary setting, reminiscent of fan-favorite titles like Battlefield 3 and Battlefield 4. After exploring historical and futuristic settings, the series is going back to its modern warfare roots, complete with helicopters, naval combat, and even natural disasters like wildfires.
Key features to look forward to include:
- A traditional single-player campaign.
- Class-based multiplayer with Assault, Engineer, Support, and Recon roles.
- Iconic modes like Conquest and Breakthrough.
Lessons Learned from Battlefield 2042
Battlefield 2042 faced criticism for its Specialist system and large-scale maps, which many felt strayed too far from the series’ core identity. EA has taken these lessons to heart, ensuring the next game focuses on tighter, more strategic gameplay. Specialists are gone, and maps will support up to 64 players, a return to the classic Battlefield experience.
Vince Zampella, head of Respawn and EA’s Studios Organization, has stressed the importance of regaining trust from the franchise’s loyal fanbase. “We need to get back to what makes Battlefield great,” he said. “Once we do that, we can expand the universe and bring in new players.”
What’s Next?
While EA hasn’t announced a release date or final title yet, the development team is hard at work to deliver a game that lives up to the legacy of Battlefield. With four studios collaborating and player feedback driving the process, the future of the franchise looks promising.
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