EA Unveils Battlefield Labs: First Official Gameplay Revealed

EA has unveiled the first official glimpse of the upcoming Battlefield game, accompanied by an announcement about player testing and the game's development structure. This brief preview of pre-alpha gameplay footage was part of a video introducing Battlefield Labs and a call for playtesters.

EA also introduced Battlefield Studios, the collective name for the four studios involved in the project. These include the main developer DICE in Stockholm, Sweden, which is focusing on the multiplayer component; Motive, known for the Dead Space remake and Star Wars: Squadrons, tasked with creating single-player missions and multiplayer maps; Ripple Effect, formerly DICE LA, aimed at bringing new players into the franchise; and Criterion, previously involved with Need For Speed, now working on the single-player campaign.

The new Battlefield game marks a return to a traditional linear single-player campaign, a shift from the multiplayer-only approach seen in 2021's Battlefield 2042. EA emphasized that the development teams are now in a critical phase, seeking player feedback to refine and prioritize features before the game's release. Through Battlefield Labs, EA will test various aspects of the game, though participants must agree to a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).

EA expressed pride in the game's current state, even in pre-alpha, and highlighted the importance of player feedback in enhancing the game's core elements such as combat, destruction, weapons, vehicles, gadgets, maps, modes, and squad play. The testing will also cover classic modes like Conquest and Breakthrough, as well as exploring new ideas and refining the class system 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 more regions. This comes after EA shut down Ridgeline Games, which was developing a standalone single-player Battlefield game.

In September, EA shared more details and concept art, confirming the game's return to a modern setting following previous entries set in World War I, World War II, and the near future. The concept art hinted at ship-to-ship and helicopter combat, as well as natural disasters like wildfires.

Vince Zampella, Head of Respawn & Group GM for EA Studios Organization, emphasized the importance of returning to the essence of Battlefield, referencing the success of Battlefield 3 and 4. He stressed the need to regain the trust of core players while expanding the game's universe to offer diverse experiences within the Battlefield franchise.

The next Battlefield game faces significant pressure following the mixed reception of Battlefield 2042, which eventually adjusted to a 64-player format and removed the controversial Specialists feature. EA CEO Andrew Wilson described the new project as one of the most ambitious in the company's history, with the "Battlefield Studios" tagline underscoring their full commitment to the franchise.

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