EA has just dropped the first official peek at the next Battlefield game in a move that’s sparking excitement and anticipation among fans. In a recent announcement, EA showcased what they’re calling Battlefield Labs—a dedicated initiative inviting players to participate in early testing of core gameplay elements. This sneak peek comes as part of a broader reveal that also introduced Battlefield Studios, the collective umbrella for the four development teams working on the new Battlefield.
The revamped Battlefield project sees contributions from EA’s key studios: DICE in Sweden is crafting the multiplayer experience; Motive is developing both single-player missions and multiplayer maps; Ripple Effect is focused on bringing in new players; and Criterion, formerly known for Need For Speed, is shaping the single-player campaign. Notably, the new Battlefield marks a return to a traditional single-player linear campaign—a welcome shift after Battlefield 2042’s multiplayer-only approach.
According to EA, the Battlefield Studios teams have now entered a “critical” phase in development, and player feedback is set to play a pivotal role in refining everything from core combat mechanics and destructible environments to weapon balance, vehicles, and gadgets. EA’s call to arms invites dedicated playtesters to join Battlefield Labs, where almost every facet of the game will be scrutinized—though not all content will be in its final form. Participants will need to sign a non-disclosure agreement to provide feedback on features like Conquest and Breakthrough modes, as well as innovative tweaks to the classic class system.
This early playtesting initiative, initially limited to a few thousand participants on servers in Europe and North America, is expected to expand to tens of thousands globally. The strategic move is aimed at rebuilding trust with longtime Battlefield fans, especially after the mixed reception of Battlefield 2042’s ambitious features, such as oversized 128-player maps and the controversial Specialist system. Instead, the new Battlefield is steering back to the core gameplay that made titles like Battlefield 3 and Battlefield 4 legendary.
Adding fuel to the fire, recent concept art revealed in September hinted at a modern setting with thrilling ship-to-ship and helicopter combat, alongside environmental challenges like wildfires—elements that are sure to reignite the nostalgic appeal of past Battlefield eras. EA CEO Andrew Wilson has labeled the project as one of the “most ambitious” in the company’s history, while head of Respawn and Group GM Vince Zampella emphasized the need to satisfy the core Battlefield community while expanding the franchise’s universe.
While no release date, launch platforms, or final title have been announced yet, the message is clear: EA is all in on Battlefield. As the development gears up and the feedback from Battlefield Labs rolls in, the gaming world eagerly awaits the next evolution of one of the most storied franchises in first-person shooter history.
