Battlefield 6 Targeting FY2026 Release

EA's Next Battlefield Game: A Return to Roots

Electronic Arts (EA) has announced that the next installment in the Battlefield franchise is slated for release within its fiscal year 2026, spanning April 2025 to March 2026. This announcement followed the release of a pre-alpha gameplay glimpse and the unveiling of "Battlefield Labs," a new player-testing initiative designed to gather crucial feedback during development.

Battlefield Labs will allow EA to test various game aspects, including core combat, destruction, weapons, vehicles, gadgets, maps, modes, and squad play. Conquest and Breakthrough modes, central to the Battlefield experience, will also undergo rigorous testing. The initiative will also explore innovative gameplay ideas and refine existing elements like the class system. Participation requires signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).

The development of this new Battlefield title is a collaborative effort involving four studios under the "Battlefield Studios" umbrella:

• DICE (Stockholm): Developing the multiplayer component.
• Motive: Contributing to single-player missions and multiplayer maps.
• Ripple Effect: Focusing on attracting new players to the franchise.
• Criterion: Working on the single-player campaign.

This marks a significant investment for EA, representing what CEO Andrew Wilson described as one of the company's "most ambitious projects." The development team is currently in a critical phase, emphasizing the importance of player feedback in shaping the final product.

The upcoming Battlefield game will return to a modern setting, a departure from the series' recent forays into World War I, World War II, and the near future. This decision reflects a response to the criticism surrounding Battlefield 2042, particularly its Specialist system and large-scale maps. The new game will revert to 64-player maps and eliminate Specialists. Concept art suggests the inclusion of ship-to-ship and helicopter combat, along with natural disaster elements like wildfires.

EA's commitment to the next Battlefield is evident in its investment and the collaborative approach of Battlefield Studios. The goal is to recapture the essence of classic Battlefield titles like Battlefield 3 and 4 while expanding the franchise's appeal to a wider audience. While platforms and the official title remain unannounced, the anticipation for this return to form is high. The focus is clearly on rebuilding trust with core fans and delivering a compelling experience.

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