EA Unveils Battlefield Labs: First Official Gameplay Revealed

EA has unveiled the first official glimpse of the upcoming Battlefield game, showcasing pre-alpha gameplay as part of an announcement about player testing and the game's development structure.

The brief look at the pre-alpha stage is featured in a video that introduces EA's Battlefield Labs and a call for playtesters.

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

DICE is responsible for developing the multiplayer aspect of the new Battlefield, while Motive is working on single-player missions and additional multiplayer maps. Ripple Effect is focused on attracting new players to the franchise, and Criterion is tasked with crafting the single-player campaign.

Following the multiplayer-only approach of Battlefield 2042 in 2021, the new Battlefield will feature a traditional linear single-player campaign.

EA has indicated that the Battlefield Studios teams are now entering a critical development phase, seeking player feedback to refine the game before its release. Through Battlefield Labs, EA plans to test various elements, although not all features shown will be final. Participants in these tests must sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).

EA expressed pride in the game's current pre-alpha state, emphasizing the importance of player feedback to enhance the development process, aiming to balance form, function, and feel.

The testing will begin with core gameplay elements such as combat and destruction, progressing to weapon, vehicle, and gadget balance, and ultimately focusing on maps, modes, and squad play. EA will also test classic modes like Conquest and Breakthrough, alongside exploring new ideas and refining the class system to deepen strategic gameplay.

Initially, a few thousand participants will be invited to test the game on servers in Europe and North America, with plans to expand to tens of thousands more across additional regions over time. This comes despite EA's decision to close Ridgeline Games last year, which was developing a standalone single-player Battlefield game.

In September, EA shared more details and concept art for the untitled Battlefield game, confirming a return to a modern setting after previous iterations 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 and Group GM for EA Studios Organization, referenced the peak of the series with Battlefield 3 and 4, emphasizing a return to the core elements that made those games successful. He highlighted the nostalgia associated with those titles and the need to reconnect with long-time fans.

The shift back to a modern setting is seen as a strategic move after the mixed reception to Battlefield 2042, which introduced Specialists and 128-player maps but later scaled back to 64 players. The next game will not feature Specialists, aiming for a more focused experience.

The pressure is high for the new Battlefield, which EA CEO Andrew Wilson has described as one of the company's most ambitious projects. The involvement of multiple studios underscores EA's significant investment in the franchise, with the goal of expanding the Battlefield universe to retain and attract players.

Zampella reiterated the commitment to the core Battlefield experience while expanding the game's offerings to keep players engaged within the franchise.

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