EA Unveils Battlefield Labs: First Look at New Gameplay

EA has unveiled the first official glimpse of the new Battlefield game, introducing it as part of an announcement about player testing and the game's development structure. This brief pre-alpha gameplay reveal comes alongside the introduction of Battlefield Labs, a new initiative aimed at engaging playtesters in the development process.

EA also introduced Battlefield Studios, an umbrella brand encompassing the four studios working on the game: DICE in Stockholm, Sweden, responsible for the multiplayer component; Motive, known for the Dead Space remake and Star Wars: Squadrons, which is developing single-player missions and multiplayer maps; Ripple Effect, formerly DICE LA, focused on attracting new players to the franchise; and Criterion, previously involved with Need For Speed, now tasked with the single-player campaign. The new Battlefield marks a return to a traditional single-player linear campaign, a departure from the multiplayer-only approach of Battlefield 2042 in 2021.

EA emphasized that the Battlefield Studios teams are entering a critical phase of development and are eager to gather player feedback to refine the game before its release. Through Battlefield Labs, EA plans to test various elements of the game, though not all features shown will be finalized. Participants in the testing will be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).

"Even in pre-alpha, we are proud of where the game is at," EA stated. "We tirelessly playtest, but your feedback will supercharge our development as we strive to hit that perfect note between form, function, and feel. This is an unprecedented moment for Battlefield. We will start by testing the pillars of play, like core combat and destruction. Then transition to balance and feedback for our weapons, vehicles, and gadgets, ultimately leading to where all these pieces come together in our maps, modes, and squad play."

EA also confirmed that classic modes like Conquest and Breakthrough will be part of the testing, emphasizing the heart and soul of the all-out warfare experience. Additionally, Battlefield Labs will explore new ideas and refine traditional elements like the class system (Assault, Engineer, Support, and Recon) to enhance strategic gameplay.

Initial testing will be limited to a few thousand participants in Europe and North America, with plans to expand to tens of thousands across additional regions over time. This comes despite EA's decision to shut down Ridgeline Games last year, which was developing a standalone single-player Battlefield game.

In September, EA shared further details and the first concept art for the untitled Battlefield game, confirming its return to a modern setting after previous entries set in World War I, World War II, and the near future. The concept art hinted at features like ship-to-ship and helicopter combat, as well as natural disasters such as wildfires.

Vince Zampella, Head of Respawn and Group GM for EA Studios Organization, highlighted the nostalgia and peak of the franchise during the Battlefield 3 and 4 era. He expressed the importance of returning to the core elements of Battlefield while expanding the universe to attract both new and returning players.

Following the mixed reception of Battlefield 2042, which introduced controversial features like Specialists and 128-player maps, the next Battlefield aims to correct course by sticking to 64-player maps and removing Specialists. The pressure is high on the upcoming title, with EA CEO Andrew Wilson calling it one of the most ambitious projects in the company's history. The involvement of multiple studios underscores EA's significant investment in the franchise, with the tagline "We’re all in on Battlefield."

Zampella emphasized the importance of regaining the trust of core Battlefield players while expanding the game's offerings to keep players engaged within the Battlefield universe without needing to seek different experiences elsewhere.

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