Last Updated on October 1, 2024
EA Teases the Upcoming Battlefield Game: A Return to Modern Warfare
Electronic Arts (EA) has recently begun discussing the next installment in the Battlefield series, which is set to hit the shelves in 2025. This new game aims to return the franchise to its contemporary roots, departing from the Specialists or hero characters introduced in Battlefield 2042.
Moreover, EA has unveiled the first piece of concept art for this highly anticipated title, which clearly draws inspiration from Battlefield 4. While the initial artwork does not provide an abundance of details, it depicts attack helicopters in the background alongside a city—presumably located in Europe—being ravaged by wildfires and conflict.
Vince Zampella, who took on the role of franchise lead in 2021 after significant restructuring following the lackluster launch of Battlefield 2042, expressed his vision for the forthcoming game in an interview with IGN. He emphasized the need to return to the essence of what made Battlefield a memorable experience, citing the enduring appeal of Battlefield 3 and 4 as a benchmark.
Reflecting on the series’ highlights, Zampella remarked, “When you look back at the pinnacle of Battlefield, it was during the Battlefield 3 and 4 era, which centered around modern warfare. We need to simplify and master our core elements before exploring additional possibilities. For many players, myself included, the nostalgia connected to those titles runs deep.”
Another aspect of Battlefield 2042 was its ambitious approach to expanding game maps and increasing player limits to 128. However, DICE, the series’ developer, has since reverted to the beloved 64-player format. Although Zampella did not confirm this player count decisively for the new game, he strongly hinted that the gameplay environments will be reminiscent of earlier Battlefield titles.
The insights gained from the challenges faced during Battlefield 2042’s launch are also being integrated into the next game’s development. Zampella made it clear that ensuring a strong initial release is a top priority. “Our aim is to deliver a polished game from day one,” he stated.
To achieve this, the development team plans to include the gaming community early in the process, striving to restore the trust of its core players. Zampella mentioned that players could anticipate opportunities to participate in gameplay testing next year, potentially reviving the Battlefield Community Test Environment that was instrumental in the success of both Battlefield 4 and Battlefield 1.
Interestingly, while Zampella did not confirm speculations about a free-to-play mode reminiscent of Warzone, he acknowledged that a key objective for the next installment is to provide a variety of experiences within the Battlefield universe.
“It’s about enhancing what Battlefield is,” he stated. “We need to focus on our core audience—the dedicated Battlefield players who have supported us over the years. It’s crucial that we regain their trust and then expand our reach to engage new players. Our goal is to create an experience where players can explore more within the Battlefield ecosystem without needing to turn to other games.”
Fans can look forward to the official announcement of the next Battlefield title, which is expected to be revealed next year.