Electronic Arts (EA) has officially announced that the next installment in the renowned Battlefield series is slated for release during their fiscal year 2026, spanning from April 2025 to March 2026. This eagerly awaited announcement came alongside EA's financial results for the third quarter of the current fiscal year, ending March 2025.
This week, EA offered fans a first official glimpse into the new Battlefield game through a video presentation that introduced Battlefield Labs, a new initiative designed to involve players in the development process. The brief pre-alpha footage showcased what EA described as a critical phase in the game's development, emphasizing the importance of player feedback to refine and enhance the gaming experience.
EA also unveiled Battlefield Studios, the collective name for the four studios dedicated to crafting the upcoming title. These studios include DICE in Stockholm, Sweden, focusing on multiplayer components; Motive, known for the Dead Space remake and Star Wars: Squadrons, which is handling single-player missions and multiplayer maps; Ripple Effect (formerly DICE LA) in the U.S., tasked with bringing new players into the franchise; and Criterion in the UK, previously involved with Need for Speed, now focusing on the single-player campaign.
Through Battlefield Labs, EA plans to test various elements of the game, from core combat and destruction mechanics to weapon, vehicle, and gadget balance. The initiative will also explore iconic game modes like Conquest and Breakthrough, alongside new ideas and improvements to the class system, aiming for deeper and more strategic gameplay.
Despite the excitement, it's important to note that EA shut down Ridgeline Games last year, a studio that was developing a standalone single-player Battlefield game. This decision underscores the company's focus on the multiplayer aspects of the franchise.
In September, EA shared additional details and concept art for the untitled game, confirming its return to a modern setting after exploring World War I, World War II, and the near future in previous entries. The concept art hinted at ship-to-ship and helicopter combat, as well as natural disasters like wildfires, suggesting a diverse and dynamic gameplay environment.
Vince Zampella, Head of Respawn and Group GM for EA Studios Organization, emphasized the importance of returning to the roots of what made Battlefield great, specifically referencing the beloved Battlefield 3 and 4. He expressed a desire to recapture the essence of those games while expanding the universe to offer varied experiences within the Battlefield ecosystem.
The next Battlefield game aims to correct the course following the mixed reception of Battlefield 2042, which faced criticism for its Specialist characters and expansive 128-player maps. The upcoming title will revert to supporting 64 players per map and will not feature the Specialist system, focusing instead on a more traditional class-based gameplay.
With EA CEO Andrew Wilson labeling the project as one of the "most ambitious projects in [EA's] history," and significant resources allocated to its development, the pressure is on to deliver a game that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of the core Battlefield community and attracts new players. As of now, EA has yet to announce the specific launch platforms or the final title for the new Battlefield game.
