EA's Battlefield franchise is set to expand with a major new installment, which the company describes as one of its most ambitious projects to date. Despite the lukewarm reception of Battlefield 2042, the series remains popular, and EA has high hopes for the upcoming game.
High Expectations and Ambitious Goals
During EA's latest earnings briefing, CEO Andrew Wilson emphasized that developing the new Battlefield game is a top priority for the company. "The community is energized by what our teams are doing and excited for what comes next. This is not just one of our top priorities, it is also one of the most ambitious projects in our history," Wilson said. He highlighted that EA has assembled the best team and provided the necessary resources and technology to deliver an epic Battlefield experience.
A Collaborative Effort
This new Battlefield game, referred to as a "Battlefield universe" by EA, is being developed by the largest team in the franchise's history. Contributions are coming from DICE, Motive, Criterion, and Ripple Effect. The game will encompass both multiplayer and single-player experiences, aiming to create a comprehensive Battlefield universe.
Free-to-Play Mode and Release Timeline
Earlier this year, reports indicated that the next Battlefield game would feature a free-to-play battle royale mode developed by Ripple Effect. However, the new game, which has yet to be officially named, is not expected to be released until 2025 at the earliest. Last August, Wilson mentioned that the upcoming Battlefield game would be a "reimagination" of the franchise.
Challenges and Changes
EA's journey to this new installment has not been without challenges. Earlier this year, the company closed Ridgeline Games, which was working on a narrative experience for the Battlefield franchise. Following the closure, Marcus Lehto, Halo co-creator and former head of Ridgeline, did not have "anything positive to say" about EA.