EA Says Next Battlefield Is 'Expected' Fiscal Year 2026

Electronic Arts (EA) announced today that the next installment in the Battlefield franchise is slated for release within its fiscal year 2026, spanning from April 2025 to March 2026. This announcement accompanied the unveiling of Battlefield Labs, a new player testing initiative designed to gather feedback and shape the game's development. A brief pre-alpha gameplay glimpse was shared as part of this announcement.

EA also introduced Battlefield Studios, a collective encompassing four studios contributing to the new Battlefield game: DICE (Stockholm), Motive, Ripple Effect, and Criterion. DICE is leading multiplayer development, Motive is handling single-player missions and multiplayer maps, Ripple Effect is focused on attracting new players, and Criterion is developing the single-player campaign. These teams are currently in a crucial development phase, actively seeking player input through Battlefield Labs. Participation in Battlefield Labs requires signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).

EA emphasized the importance of player feedback in refining core gameplay elements, including combat, destruction, weapons, vehicles, gadgets, and maps. Classic game modes like Conquest and Breakthrough will be tested, alongside explorations of new ideas and improvements to the class system. This iterative approach aims to strike a balance between form, function, and feel.

It's noteworthy that this new Battlefield marks a shift from the controversial Battlefield 2042, which received criticism for its Specialists system and large-scale maps. The upcoming game will return to a modern setting, drawing inspiration from the well-received Battlefield 3 and 4, and will feature a 64-player limit, abandoning the Specialists system. Concept art previously revealed hints at ship-to-ship and helicopter combat, and the inclusion of natural disasters like wildfires. EA's commitment to this project is substantial, involving four studios and representing a significant investment. The goal is to recapture the trust of loyal fans while simultaneously expanding the Battlefield universe to attract a broader player base. Specific launch platforms and the official game title remain unannounced.