Summary
- Two missions were originally cut from Battlefield 3's campaign, focusing on Hawkins' capture and escape.
- Battlefield 3's campaign was criticized for lack of narrative cohesion and emotional engagement.
- Fans hope future Battlefield titles will focus on engaging, story-driven content alongside multiplayer.
David Goldfarb, a former designer of Battlefield 3, has revealed that two missions were cut from the game's single-player campaign before its release. Launched in 2011, Battlefield 3 is widely regarded as one of the premier titles in the Battlefield franchise, celebrated for its dynamic campaign and exhilarating multiplayer experience.
The game received extensive acclaim from both players and critics, particularly for its visually impressive graphics, expansive multiplayer battles, and the groundbreaking Frostbite 2 engine. While the multiplayer component was lauded universally, the campaign received more mixed feedback. It followed a linear narrative across global military conflicts, yet many felt it lacked a strong narrative thread and emotional depth.
David Goldfarb, previously with DICE, recently disclosed on Twitter that the campaign for Battlefield 3 was originally more extensive than what was released. The two omitted missions would have centered around Hawkins, a character notable for her role as a jet pilot in the "Going Hunting" mission. These missions would have showcased Hawkins being shot down, captured, and then focusing on her escape and eventual reunion with Dima, potentially making her a standout character in the Battlefield series.
Battlefield 3 Cut Two Campaign Missions
The disclosure of these cut missions has sparked renewed interest in Battlefield 3's single-player aspect, often considered its weakest link, especially when juxtaposed against its acclaimed multiplayer modes. Critics frequently noted that the campaign leaned too heavily on scripted sequences and lacked diversity in mission design. The inclusion of these missions, with their emphasis on survival and character development, could have provided a more immersive and varied experience, addressing some of the game's most significant critiques.
This revelation has prompted fans to reminisce about Battlefield 3 and speculate on the future of the franchise. The discussion about cut content and the importance of single-player campaigns has intensified, especially following Battlefield 2042's decision to exclude a campaign mode. Fans are now expressing a strong desire for future Battlefield titles to prioritize compelling, story-driven content that enhances the series' renowned multiplayer offerings.