EA's Battlefield Labs Reveals First Official Gameplay

EA has provided the first official preview of the new Battlefield game through an announcement focused on player testing and development structure.

A short look at pre-alpha Battlefield gameplay is included in a video introducing what EA refers to as Battlefield Labs, along with a call for playtest participants.

In addition, EA unveiled Battlefield Studios—an overarching brand covering the four studios now developing the new Battlefield. These include DICE, the main series developer based in Stockholm, Sweden; Motive, known for the Dead Space remake and Star Wars: Squadrons; Ripple Effect, a U.S. studio previously known as DICE LA; and Criterion, a UK studio that has recently concluded its work on Need for Speed.

DICE in Sweden is building the multiplayer component. Motive is developing single-player missions and multiplayer maps. Ripple Effect is tasked with attracting new players to the franchise, while Criterion is focused on the single-player campaign.

As previously confirmed, the new Battlefield reintroduces a traditional linear single-player campaign, moving away from the multiplayer-only approach of 2021’s Battlefield 2042.

EA stated that the combined Battlefield Studios teams are entering a "crucial" development stage and are seeking player feedback to prioritize, enhance, and refine the game before launch. Battlefield Labs will allow EA to test nearly every element, though not all content shown will be final. Participants must sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to join.

“Even during pre-alpha, we're pleased with the game's current state,” EA said. “We consistently run playtests, but your input will help accelerate development as we fine-tune the balance between form, function, and overall feel.

“This marks an unprecedented chapter for Battlefield. We'll first test foundational elements like core combat and destruction. Then we'll move to balancing weapons, vehicles, and gadgets, gradually integrating these components into maps, modes, and squad-based gameplay.

“Yes, we will test Conquest and Breakthrough—the cornerstone of our all-out warfare experience. However, BF Labs will also serve as a space to innovate, experiment, and refine key Battlefield features like the class system (Assault, Engineer, Support, and Recon), encouraging deeper strategic engagement.”

Initial invites will be limited to several thousand participants, with servers based in Europe and North America. Over time, EA plans to expand to tens of thousands more testers and support additional regions. It's worth noting that despite four studios now working on Battlefield, EA closed Ridgeline Games last year—a Seattle-based team developing a story-driven single-player Battlefield title—and laid off all its employees.

In September, EA shared new details and initial concept art for the upcoming untitled Battlefield game. IGN confirmed that Battlefield will return to a modern setting after recent entries explored World War I, World War II, and a near-future timeline. Concept art hints at ship-to-ship and helicopter combat, as well as natural disasters such as wildfires.

At the time, Vince Zampella, Head of Respawn & Group GM for EA Studios Organization, referenced Battlefield 3 and 4 in an interview with IGN. "Looking back at the series’ peak, I'd say it was the Battlefield 3... Battlefield 4 era when the setting was modern,” he stated.

“We need to recapture the essence of what makes Battlefield unique and deliver that experience at a high level. From there, we'll explore future directions. Personally, I view Battlefield 3 and 4 as the high point of the franchise. So for players, for me, and even the teams, it’s a nod to the classics—though 1942 deserves a mention too."

The shift back to a modern setting marks a strategic change following Battlefield 2042, which eventually stabilized but was heavily criticized for additions like Specialists—character roles that made the game feel more like a hero shooter. Additionally, the large-scale 128-player maps were unpopular among fans who preferred tighter combat design. Battlefield 2042 later scaled back to 64 players per map, and the next installment will follow suit. Specialists have also been removed.

The upcoming Battlefield faces significant pressure after Battlefield 2042’s missteps. EA CEO Andrew Wilson has described the project as one of the "most ambitious in [EA's] history," and given the number of studios involved, it represents a major commitment. The Battlefield Studios tagline emphasizes: “We’re all in on Battlefield.”

"We're definitely increasing our investment in Battlefield,” Zampella told IGN in a 2024 interview. “We're expanding the scope of the franchise. We must deliver the core experience that long-time players expect—they've supported us for years, and we need to regain their trust. Then we'll broaden the appeal, drawing more players into the Battlefield universe so they can enjoy varied experiences without leaving the series. We're widening the range of what we offer."

EA has not yet announced a release date, platforms, or the final title for the new Battlefield.