EA Unveils Battlefield Labs: First Official Gameplay Revealed

EA has unveiled the first official glimpse of the upcoming Battlefield game, showcasing pre-alpha gameplay footage as part of an announcement focused on player testing and the game's development structure. This reveal was part of a video introducing EA's "Battlefield Labs" initiative, which is a call for playtesters to join in shaping the game's future.

Each studio has a specific role in the game's development: DICE is crafting the multiplayer component, Motive is developing single-player missions and multiplayer maps, Ripple Effect is focused on attracting new players to the franchise, and Criterion is working on 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.

As the development cycle reaches a critical phase, EA's Battlefield Studios are eager for player feedback to refine and enhance the game before its release. Through Battlefield Labs, EA will test various aspects of the game, though participants will need to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to join the testing process.

EA expressed pride in the game's current state, even in its pre-alpha stage, emphasizing the importance of player feedback to perfect the game's form, function, and feel. The testing will begin with core elements like combat and destruction, progressing to weapons, vehicles, gadgets, and ultimately integrating these into maps, modes, and squad play. Classic modes like Conquest and Breakthrough will be tested, alongside new ideas and refinements to 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 more regions. It's noteworthy that while EA is heavily investing in Battlefield with four studios, it closed Ridgeline Games last year, which was developing a standalone single-player Battlefield game.

In September, EA shared more details and concept art for the untitled Battlefield game, confirming a return to a modern setting after exploring 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, highlighted the importance of returning to the essence of Battlefield, referencing the success of Battlefield 3 and 4, and even the nostalgia of Battlefield 1942.

The shift back to a modern setting is a strategic move following the mixed reception of Battlefield 2042, which introduced controversial features like Specialists and large 128-player maps. The next Battlefield will revert to 64-player maps and abandon the Specialist system, aiming to realign with fan expectations.

With the stakes high after Battlefield 2042's challenges, EA CEO Andrew Wilson has described the new project as one of the "most ambitious projects in [EA's] history." The involvement of multiple studios underscores EA's significant investment in the franchise. Vince Zampella emphasized the goal of not only regaining the trust of core Battlefield players but also expanding the game's universe to offer diverse experiences within the Battlefield ecosystem.

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