EA Says Next Battlefield Is 'Expected' Fiscal Year 2026

Electronic Arts (EA) announced today that the next installment in the Battlefield franchise is slated for release within its fiscal year 2026, spanning from April 2025 to March 2026. This announcement accompanied the unveiling of Battlefield Labs, a new player testing initiative designed to gather feedback and refine the game before launch. The initiative offers a glimpse into pre-alpha gameplay, showcasing the collaborative efforts of four EA studios: DICE (Stockholm), Motive, Ripple Effect, and Criterion.

DICE is leading multiplayer development, while Motive contributes to single-player missions and multiplayer maps. Ripple Effect focuses on attracting new players to the franchise, and Criterion is handling the single-player campaign. EA describes this phase of development as "critical," emphasizing the importance of player feedback in shaping the final product. Battlefield Labs will test core gameplay elements, including combat, destruction, weapons, vehicles, and gadgets, as well as classic modes like Conquest and Breakthrough. The initiative will also explore new ideas and refine existing systems like the class system.

This ambitious project marks a significant investment for EA, involving four dedicated studios. This follows the closure of Ridgeline Games in 2024, a studio previously working on a standalone single-player Battlefield title. The new Battlefield will return to a modern setting, drawing inspiration from the popular Battlefield 3 and 4 eras, incorporating elements such as ship-to-ship and helicopter combat, and incorporating natural disasters into gameplay. The game will also address criticisms of Battlefield 2042, abandoning the Specialist system and reverting to 64-player maps. EA CEO Andrew Wilson has described the project as one of EA's most ambitious endeavors. Vince Zampella, Head of Respawn and Group GM for EA Studios Organization, has emphasized the importance of regaining the trust of core Battlefield players while simultaneously expanding the franchise's appeal to a wider audience. Platform details and the official title remain unannounced.