EA Unveils Battlefield Labs: First Official Gameplay Revealed

EA has provided the first official glimpse of the upcoming Battlefield game, unveiling it alongside details about player testing and the game's development structure.

The brief look at pre-alpha Battlefield gameplay was part of a video introducing Battlefield Labs, EA's initiative to gather player feedback through testing.

EA also introduced Battlefield Studios, an umbrella branding for the four studios collaborating on the new title. These include DICE in Stockholm, Sweden, focusing on multiplayer development; Motive, known for the Dead Space remake and Star Wars: Squadrons, working on single-player missions and multiplayer maps; Ripple Effect (formerly DICE LA) in the U.S., tasked with attracting new players to the franchise; and Criterion in the UK, previously involved with Need For Speed, now focusing on the single-player campaign.

The new Battlefield game marks a return to a traditional single-player linear campaign, a departure from the multiplayer-only approach of Battlefield 2042 released in 2021.

EA emphasized that the Battlefield Studios teams are entering a crucial development phase, seeking player input on what to prioritize, improve, and refine. Battlefield Labs will test various elements, though not everything shown will be final. Participants are required to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).

EA expressed pride in the game's current pre-alpha state and highlighted the importance of player feedback in enhancing the game's form, function, and feel.

The testing will start with core elements like combat and destruction, progressing to weapons, vehicles, gadgets, maps, modes, and squad play. Key modes like Conquest and Breakthrough will be tested, alongside exploring new ideas and refining traditional elements like the class system to deepen 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 closed Ridgeline Games, which was developing a standalone single-player Battlefield game, and laid off its staff.

In September, EA shared more details and concept art, 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, and 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 reconnect with core fans and expand the game's universe to offer diverse experiences within Battlefield.

The new Battlefield aims to correct course from the issues faced by Battlefield 2042, which initially struggled with features like Specialists and 128-player maps, later adjusting to 64 players. The upcoming game will stick to 64 players and exclude Specialists.

EA CEO Andrew Wilson described the new Battlefield as one of the most ambitious projects in the company's history, reflecting the significant investment through the involvement of multiple studios. The tagline for Battlefield Studios is, "We’re all in on Battlefield."

Zampella reiterated the commitment to expanding the Battlefield universe to retain and attract players, ensuring a variety of experiences within the franchise.

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