The next installment in the Battlefield franchise remains officially unnamed, with no confirmed release date or full-length trailer. However, EA is already inviting players to participate in a pre-alpha playtesting initiative called Battlefield Labs, giving select participants an early hands-on experience and the opportunity to provide feedback. Sign-ups for this initiative are now live, with playtests scheduled in the coming weeks and months.
First Look at Pre-Alpha Gameplay
As part of the Battlefield Labs announcement, EA surprised fans with a brief 10-second pre-alpha gameplay snippet, offering a glimpse into what participants will experience. The footage showcases urban combat with soldiers running through a city street, evoking strong Battlefield 3 vibes with its dusty environments and modern military aesthetic. Notably absent are the controversial specialists from Battlefield 2042, signaling a return to classic class-based warfare.
EA describes this early build as a test of Battlefield’s “core pillars,” including combat, destruction, vehicles, and weapons in familiar modes like Breakthrough and Rush, as well as new concepts yet to be fully detailed. The destruction physics in the clip appear to be a notable upgrade, with debris and structural damage adding a sense of realism that could rival The Finals, a multiplayer shooter developed by ex-DICE veterans known for its impressive environmental destruction.
EA Introduces Battlefield Studios
Alongside the Battlefield Labs initiative, EA has introduced Battlefield Studios, a new brand representing the four development teams collaborating on the franchise:
- DICE – Focused on multiplayer and core gameplay systems.
- Criterion – Leading development on the single-player campaign.
- Motive – Contributing to multiplayer maps and single-player missions.
- Ripple Effect – Working on an unspecified “new experience.” Speculation points toward a battle royale or a persistent open-world mode.
This structure mirrors Activision’s approach to Call of Duty, with multiple studios handling different aspects of the franchise. However, EA clarified that these teams will not be exclusive to Battlefield, as Criterion will continue working on the Need for Speed franchise, and Motive remains committed to developing an Iron Man game.
A Promising Yet Cautious Approach
While the return to the Battlefield 3 and Battlefield 4 formula is promising, EA’s approach raises some concerns. Despite the hype, Battlefield Labs playtests will be under a strict NDA, meaning participants cannot share their experiences publicly. This secrecy mirrors EA’s approach with Skate playtests, making it difficult for the general player base to gauge whether the new game is truly a return to form.
For a series that has struggled to regain trust after Battlefield 2042’s rocky launch, the best approach would be to show, not just tell. Until more substantial gameplay footage is released, players remain cautiously optimistic about what the next Battlefield has in store.
Sign Up for Battlefield Labs
Players interested in participating in the pre-alpha playtests can sign up now through EA’s official Battlefield Labs portal. While details remain scarce, this initiative signals EA’s intent to incorporate community feedback early in development—hopefully leading to a Battlefield experience that truly resonates with fans.
