EA Unveils Battlefield Labs: First Official Gameplay Revealed

EA has unveiled the first official glimpse of the upcoming Battlefield game through a video announcement that highlights player testing and the game's development framework. The brief pre-alpha gameplay footage was part of a reveal centered around what EA refers to as "Battlefield Labs," alongside a call for playtesters to join the development process.

Simultaneously, EA introduced "Battlefield Studios," an umbrella term for the four studios currently working on the new title. These studios include DICE in Stockholm, Sweden, the primary developer for the series, Motive, known for the Dead Space remake and Star Wars: Squadrons, Ripple Effect (formerly DICE LA) in the U.S., and Criterion in the UK, which has shifted focus from the Need for Speed series to this project.

DICE is tasked with developing the multiplayer component, while Motive focuses on single-player missions and multiplayer maps. Ripple Effect aims to bring new players into the Battlefield franchise, and Criterion is working on the single-player campaign. This new installment marks the return of a traditional linear single-player campaign, a feature absent in the multiplayer-focused Battlefield 2042 released in 2021.

EA emphasized that the development teams are entering a critical phase, seeking player feedback to refine and prioritize elements before the game's release. Through Battlefield Labs, EA plans to test various aspects of the game, though not all features will be complete. Participants will need to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to take part.

Battlefield Labs is designed to engage playtesters for the new Battlefield game. Concept art credit: Electronic Arts.

EA expressed pride in the game's pre-alpha state, stating, "We tirelessly playtest, but your feedback will supercharge our development as we strive to hit that perfect note between form, function, and feel." The testing will start with core gameplay elements like combat and destruction, progressing to weapon, vehicle, and gadget balance, 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, a studio that was developing a standalone single-player Battlefield game.

In September, EA shared more details and concept art for the untitled game, confirming a return to a modern setting after previous entries set in 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. He emphasized the need to reconnect with core fans and expand the game's universe to offer diverse experiences within the Battlefield franchise.

The next Battlefield game faces significant expectations following the mixed reception of Battlefield 2042, which eventually adjusted to a 64-player format and removed the controversial Specialists feature. EA CEO Andrew Wilson described the new project as one of the "most ambitious projects in [EA's] history," underscoring the company's substantial investment in the franchise.

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