EA Unveils Battlefield Labs: First Official Gameplay Revealed

EA has given fans an exciting first look at the new Battlefield game, revealing details about player testing and the development framework through a video announcement. This sneak peek into the pre-alpha stage of Battlefield gameplay is part of the introduction of what EA calls Battlefield Labs, along with a call to arms for playtesters to join the development process.

Meanwhile, EA unveiled Battlefield Studios, an umbrella brand encompassing four studios dedicated to the development of the new game. These include DICE in Stockholm, Sweden, known for its work on the series, Motive, the studio behind 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 Need for Speed to this new project.

DICE is tasked with crafting the multiplayer aspects, while Motive is focusing on both single-player missions and multiplayer maps. Ripple Effect aims to attract new players to the franchise, and Criterion is working on the single-player campaign. This marks a return to a traditional linear single-player campaign, a departure from the multiplayer-only approach of Battlefield 2042.

As the development cycle reaches a "critical" phase, EA emphasizes the importance of player feedback. Through Battlefield Labs, EA plans to test nearly every aspect of the game, though not all elements shown will be finalized. Playtesters will need to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to participate.

EA expressed pride in the game's current state, even at the pre-alpha stage, and highlighted the importance of player feedback in refining the game's core elements such as combat and destruction. The testing will begin with foundational gameplay elements and progress to more complex features like weapons, vehicles, gadgets, maps, modes, and squad play. Key modes like Conquest and Breakthrough will be tested, alongside exploring new ideas and refining classic elements like the class system (Assault, Engineer, Support, and Recon) for deeper strategic gameplay.

Initial testing will involve a few thousand participants in Europe and North America, with plans to expand to tens of thousands across additional regions. It's notable that while EA is investing heavily in this project, it closed Ridgeline Games last year, a studio working on a standalone single-player Battlefield game.

In September, EA shared more details and the first concept art for the new Battlefield, confirming a return to a modern setting after exploring various historical and futuristic periods. 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 as seen in Battlefield 3 and 4. He emphasized the nostalgia and the goal to recapture the series' peak, while also expanding the universe to offer more diverse experiences within the franchise.

The new game aims to correct course from the mixed reception of Battlefield 2042, which struggled with its Specialists and large 128-player maps. The next Battlefield will focus on 64-player maps and will not include Specialists, aiming to align more closely with fan expectations.

With significant resources and multiple studios dedicated to the project, the pressure is on to deliver a successful entry. EA CEO Andrew Wilson has described it as one of the "most ambitious projects in [EA's] history," and Zampella reiterated EA's commitment to expanding the Battlefield universe while earning back the trust of core players.

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