Home News Battlefield 2042 Gameplay Unveiled in New EA Labs Reveal

Battlefield 2042 Gameplay Unveiled in New EA Labs Reveal

Author: Brooklyn Feb 20,2025

EA Unveils Battlefield Labs and Battlefield Studios for Next-Gen Battlefield Game

EA has offered the first official glimpse of its upcoming Battlefield game, alongside details regarding player testing and its unique development structure. A short pre-alpha gameplay video was released as part of the announcement of "Battlefield Labs," a program designed to gather player feedback.

Simultaneously, EA introduced "Battlefield Studios," a collective of four studios collaborating on the project: DICE (Stockholm), Motive, Ripple Effect, and Criterion. Each studio is contributing specific expertise:

DICE (Sweden): Multiplayer development.
Motive: Single-player missions and multiplayer maps.
Ripple Effect: Attracting new players to the franchise.
Criterion: Single-player campaign.

The new Battlefield marks a return to traditional linear single-player campaigns, a departure from the multiplayer-only approach of Battlefield 2042. EA emphasizes that Battlefield Studios is entering a crucial development phase, seeking player feedback to refine the game before launch. Battlefield Labs will test various aspects of the game, though not all elements will be fully realized. Participation requires signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).

Battlefield Labs is designed to bring in playtesters for the new Battlefield. Concept art credit: Electronic Arts.

EA stated its confidence in the game's progress, even at the pre-alpha stage. Testing will initially focus on core gameplay pillars, progressing to weapon, vehicle, and gadget balance, and ultimately integrating these elements within maps, modes, and squad play. Conquest and Breakthrough modes will be tested, alongside refinements to the class system.

Initial invitations to Battlefield Labs will be limited, with servers in Europe and North America. EA plans to expand participation significantly over time. It's important to note that while EA is heavily investing in this new Battlefield title, the studio previously closed Ridgeline Games, which was developing a standalone single-player Battlefield game.

September's reveal included concept art hinting at ship-to-ship and helicopter combat, alongside natural disaster elements. The game's return to a modern setting, referencing the popular Battlefield 3 and 4 era, aims to recapture the series' core appeal while expanding its offerings to attract a broader audience. This marks a significant shift from Battlefield 2042, which faced criticism for its Specialists and large-scale maps. The new game will feature 64-player maps and will not include Specialists.

With EA CEO Andrew Wilson describing the project as "one of the most ambitious projects in [EA's] history," the pressure is on to deliver a successful title. The "Battlefield Studios" tagline, "We’re all in on Battlefield," underscores EA's commitment. The release date, platforms, and final title remain unannounced.