Battlefield Studios, in collaboration with Electronics Art (EA), has introduced a revolutionary platform known as Battlefield Labs. This initiative, announced on February 3, 2025, aims to transform the development process of future Battlefield games by integrating players directly into the testing and feedback loop. With Battlefield Labs, enthusiasts can now play a pivotal role in shaping the game's evolution by testing new concepts, mechanics, and features.
The studio emphasized that the upcoming Battlefield game is at a crucial stage where community input is more valuable than ever. "The future Battlefield game is entering a critical phase in development that will benefit from collaboration with the community like never before," the announcement stated. This marks a significant shift, placing players at the forefront of game development, allowing them to explore and critique the new elements firsthand.
Battlefield Studios is set to invite a select group of players from Europe and North America to participate in the initial phase of Battlefield Labs. While an exact release date remains undisclosed, interested individuals can sign up through a provided link. Vince Zampella, Head of Respawn & Group GM for EA Studios Organization, highlighted the potential of this approach: "This game has so much potential. To find that potential, with us being pre-alpha, now is the time to test the experiences our teams have been building for our upcoming launch. Battlefield Labs empowers our teams to do that."
Although participation in Battlefield Labs is limited, the studio promises to keep the broader community engaged by regularly sharing updates from the testing phase. This ensures that even those not directly involved can follow the progress and contribute to future Battlefield titles.
Battlefield Studios, a collective of renowned developers including DICE, Ripple Effect, Motive, and Criterion, is committed to this collaborative effort. Each studio brings a unique expertise to the table, from the creators of the Battlefield franchise to those behind acclaimed titles like Star Wars Squadrons and Dead Space.
Features and Mechanics to Test in Battlefield Labs
Participants in Battlefield Labs will have the opportunity to test various aspects of the game, though they will only access parts of the unfinished product. This allows the studio to incorporate feedback effectively into the final game. The initial focus will be on core gameplay elements such as combat and destruction, followed by testing weapons, vehicles, gadgets, and how these components integrate within maps, modes, and squad play.
Two existing modes, Conquest and Breakthrough, will be part of the testing phase. In Conquest mode, players engage in large-scale battles to capture Control Points (flags) from opposing teams. The objective is to deplete the enemy's tickets, which are lost when team members respawn or when the opponent holds more flags. Breakthrough mode, on the other hand, pits attackers against defenders, with the former trying to capture sectors while the latter aims to thwart their advance. A similar ticket system is used, with attackers able to replenish their tickets by securing sectors and eliminating remaining enemy soldiers for additional points.
Furthermore, Battlefield Studios is keen on refining the class system of future Battlefield games. Despite the game's current progress, the team values player feedback immensely. "We tirelessly playtest, but your feedback will supercharge our development as we strive to hit that perfect note between form, function, and feel," they stated, underscoring their commitment to creating a game that resonates with the community's expectations.
