First Official Look at New Battlefield Gameplay as EA Reveals Battlefield Labs

EA Unveils Battlefield Labs and Battlefield Studios: A Return to Form

EA has offered the first official look at its upcoming Battlefield game, alongside details about its player testing program, Battlefield Labs, and the newly formed Battlefield Studios.

A short pre-alpha gameplay video accompanies the announcement, showcasing the game's progress. The video's release coincides with a call for playtesters.

Battlefield Studios unites four EA studios: DICE (Stockholm, focusing on multiplayer), Motive (single-player and multiplayer maps), Ripple Effect (new player acquisition), and Criterion (single-player campaign). This collaborative effort marks a significant investment, following the closure of Ridgeline Games in 2024.

The new Battlefield returns to a traditional linear single-player campaign and a modern setting, drawing inspiration from the highly-regarded Battlefield 3 and 4. Concept art hints at ship-to-ship and helicopter combat, alongside natural disaster elements. The game will feature 64-player maps, abandoning the 128-player format and Specialist system of Battlefield 2042.

Battlefield Labs will test core gameplay elements, including combat, destruction, weapons, vehicles, gadgets, Conquest, and Breakthrough modes. The playtest will also explore refinements to the class system (Assault, Engineer, Support, and Recon) to enhance strategic gameplay. Participation requires signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).

Initial testing will involve a few thousand players in Europe and North America, expanding to tens of thousands globally over time. EA aims to regain player trust after the mixed reception of Battlefield 2042, expanding the Battlefield universe to offer diverse experiences within a single franchise.

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