EA Unveils Battlefield Labs and Battlefield Studios: A New Era for the Franchise
EA has offered the first official look at its upcoming Battlefield game, simultaneously announcing Battlefield Labs – a player testing initiative – and Battlefield Studios, the collective name for the four studios collaborating on the project.
A short pre-alpha gameplay video accompanies the announcement, showcasing early development footage. The video also details the ambitious structure of Battlefield Studios, which comprises DICE (Stockholm, focusing on multiplayer), Motive (single-player missions and multiplayer maps), Ripple Effect (player acquisition), and Criterion (single-player campaign). This marks a significant investment, with four studios dedicated to the franchise after the closure of Ridgeline Games last year.
The new Battlefield returns to a modern setting, a departure from the futuristic setting of Battlefield 2042 and previous iterations set in World War I and II. This decision reflects a return to the core gameplay elements that defined Battlefield 3 and 4, as confirmed by Vince Zampella, Head of Respawn & Group GM for EA Studios Organization. Concept art previously released hints at ship-to-ship and helicopter combat, as well as natural disaster elements.
Battlefield Labs will involve extensive playtesting, focusing on core combat, destruction, weapon and vehicle balance, and map design. Conquest and Breakthrough modes will be tested, alongside refinements to the class system. Participation requires signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). Initial testing will be limited to a few thousand players in Europe and North America, expanding to tens of thousands later.
The game aims to address the criticisms levelled at Battlefield 2042, particularly concerning the Specialist system and large-scale maps. The new Battlefield will feature 64-player maps and forgo the Specialist system entirely. EA CEO Andrew Wilson has described the project as one of EA's most ambitious, reflecting the significant investment and collaborative effort.
While a release date, platforms, and official title remain unannounced, EA's commitment to the franchise is evident, with Zampella emphasizing the goal of regaining player trust and expanding the Battlefield universe to attract a broader audience.
