Battlefield Studios has introduced an innovative platform called Battlefield Labs, designed to foster a deeper collaboration between the gaming community and developers in shaping the future of the Battlefield franchise. This exciting initiative was announced in partnership with Electronics Art (EA) on February 3, 2025, marking a new era of player involvement in game development.
Players Will Have a More Direct Influence on Future Battlefield Games
The essence of Battlefield Labs is to involve players in testing game concepts, mechanics, and features for upcoming Battlefield titles. As the development of the next game enters a critical phase, the involvement of the community is seen as pivotal. "This game has so much potential. To find that potential, with us being pre-alpha, now is the time to test the experiences our teams have been building for our upcoming launch," stated Vince Zampella, Head of Respawn & Group GM for EA Studios Organization.
Battlefield Studios plans to invite a select group of players from Europe and North America to participate in the initial phase of Battlefield Labs. While no specific release date has been set, interested individuals can sign up now via the provided link. Even those not selected for the testing phase will stay updated through regular community reports from the development team.
The collaboration extends across various studios within Battlefield Studios, including DICE, the originators of the Battlefield series; Ripple Effect, led by franchise veterans; Motive, creators of Star Wars Squadrons and Dead Space; and Criterion, renowned for their racing games and contributions to the Battlefield franchise.
Features and Mechanics to Test in Battlefield Labs
Participants in Battlefield Labs will not get access to the entire game but will engage with specific "pieces of an unfinished puzzle." This approach allows for timely incorporation of player feedback into the final product. The initial focus will be on testing core elements such as combat and destruction, followed by balance and feedback for weapons, vehicles, and gadgets. Eventually, these elements will converge in the testing of maps, modes, and squad play.
Two existing game modes, Conquest and Breakthrough, will also be part of the testing phase. In Conquest mode, players engage in large-scale battles to capture Control Points (flags) from enemy teams, with victory determined by the depletion of the opposing team's tickets. Breakthrough mode pits attackers against defenders, with the former attempting to capture sectors while the latter tries to hold them off, using a similar ticket system with additional mechanics for ticket restoration.
Furthermore, Battlefield Studios aims to refine the class system of future Battlefield games. Despite the progress made, the team values player feedback immensely. "We tirelessly playtest, but your feedback will supercharge our development as we strive to hit that perfect note between form, function, and feel," the team emphasized.