The next installment in the iconic Battlefield series is set to launch during EA's fiscal year 2026, which spans from April 2025 to March 2026. This announcement came alongside EA's financial results for the third quarter of its current fiscal year, ending March 2025. In a move to engage the community early, EA has released a first official look at the new Battlefield game, showcasing pre-alpha gameplay as part of an announcement about player testing and the development setup.
EA introduced Battlefield Labs, a new initiative designed to foster player-driven testing and innovation. This initiative is part of the broader effort to refine the game ahead of its expected fiscal year 2026 release. The brief glimpse into the game's development was accompanied by a call for playtesters, signaling EA's commitment to incorporating player feedback into the development process.
EA has also unveiled Battlefield Studios, an umbrella branding for the four studios dedicated to the new Battlefield game. These include DICE in Stockholm, Sweden, focusing on multiplayer; Motive, known for the Dead Space remake and Star Wars: Squadrons, working on single-player missions and multiplayer maps; Ripple Effect, formerly DICE LA, tasked with bringing new players into the franchise; and Criterion, previously involved with Need For Speed, now focusing on the single-player campaign.
As the development cycle enters a critical phase, EA is keen on gathering player feedback to prioritize, improve, and refine the game before its release. Battlefield Labs will serve as a testing ground for almost everything, though not all elements will be complete. Participants will need to agree to a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to join the testing.
EA expressed pride in the game's current state, even in pre-alpha, and emphasized the importance of player feedback in enhancing the game's form, function, and feel. The testing will start with core elements like combat and destruction, progressing to balance and feedback for weapons, vehicles, and gadgets, and ultimately integrating these into maps, modes, and squad play. Classic modes like Conquest and Breakthrough will be tested, alongside new ideas and improvements to the class system (Assault, Engineer, Support, and Recon) to deepen strategic gameplay.
It's important to note that while EA is dedicating significant resources to this new Battlefield game, it shut down Ridgeline Games last year, which was working on a standalone single-player Battlefield game. In September, EA shared more details and concept art, confirming a return to a modern setting after previous games 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 & Group GM for EA Studios Organization, highlighted the importance of returning to the core elements that defined the peak of the series with Battlefield 3 and 4. He emphasized the need to reconnect with the core fanbase while expanding the game's universe to offer more experiences within Battlefield, aiming to retain players without them needing to leave the franchise.
The next Battlefield game represents a significant investment for EA, especially following the mixed reception of Battlefield 2042. EA CEO Andrew Wilson described it as one of the "most ambitious projects in [EA's] history." The game will revert to 64-player maps and will not feature the controversial Specialists system, focusing instead on a more traditional Battlefield experience.
As anticipation builds, EA has yet to announce the launch platforms or the final title for the new Battlefield game. The pressure is on to deliver a game that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of its dedicated fanbase.
