Electronic Arts (EA) announced today that the next installment in the Battlefield franchise is slated for release within its fiscal year 2026, spanning from April 2025 to March 2026. This announcement accompanied the unveiling of Battlefield Labs, a new player testing initiative designed to gather feedback and shape the game's development. A brief pre-alpha gameplay glimpse was shared as part of this announcement.
Battlefield Labs will allow for extensive player testing and innovation, focusing on core gameplay elements. EA emphasized the importance of player feedback in refining combat, destruction, weapons, vehicles, gadgets, maps, modes, and squad play. Conquest and Breakthrough modes will be tested, along with exploring potential improvements to the class system. Participation requires signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).
The development of the new Battlefield is a collaborative effort between four studios under the newly formed Battlefield Studios umbrella: DICE (Stockholm), Motive (Montreal), Ripple Effect (U.S.), and Criterion (UK). DICE is leading multiplayer development, Motive is focusing on single-player missions and multiplayer maps, Ripple Effect is tasked with attracting new players, and Criterion is handling the single-player campaign. EA describes this phase of development as "critical."
This new Battlefield marks a return to a modern setting after the series' excursions into World War I, World War II, and the near future. Concept art previously released hinted at ship-to-ship and helicopter combat, alongside natural disaster elements like wildfires. The game will also revert to 64-player maps and forgo the Specialist system present in Battlefield 2042. This decision reflects a response to player feedback regarding Battlefield 2042's reception. Vince Zampella, Head of Respawn and Group GM for EA Studios Organization, cited Battlefield 3 and 4 as inspirations for the return to core Battlefield gameplay.
EA CEO Andrew Wilson has described the project as one of EA's most ambitious endeavors, highlighting the significant investment and collaborative effort across multiple studios. The Battlefield Studios tagline, “We’re all in on Battlefield,” underscores this commitment. Zampella emphasized the goal of regaining the trust of core Battlefield players while also expanding the franchise's appeal to a wider audience. Launch platforms and the game's official title remain unannounced.
