Battlefield Goes Back to 64 Players and Modern Combat for 2025 Release
EA has officially revealed the first details of the next Battlefield game, with a return to the modern warfare setting that made earlier titles in the series fan favourites. In an exclusive interview with IGN, Vince Zampella, Head of Respawn and General Manager at EA Studios, shed light on the new direction for the series, following the mixed reception of Battlefield 2042.
Back to Battlefield’s Roots
After the futuristic and large-scale battles in Battlefield 2042 failed to meet fan expectations, EA is taking the franchise back to its roots. Battlefield 2042’s introduction of specialists and its increase to 128-player matches on expansive maps were criticised by players, and the game has a Metascore of 68, reflecting these frustrations. To address these concerns, EA’s next Battlefield instalment will scale back to a more compact experience, featuring better-designed maps and traditional 64-player matches, much like the highly regarded Battlefield 3 and Battlefield 4. The classic class system, a fan favourite, will also be making a comeback.
A Collaborative Development Effort
The development of the new Battlefield is a collaborative effort between four studios: DICE, Motive, Ripple Effect, and Criterion. Zampella stressed that EA is focused on winning back the trust of the Battlefield community while aiming to attract new players as well. Despite Battlefield 2042’s shortcomings, the development team has gained valuable insights and is determined to deliver a polished and engaging experience from the start.
Release in 2025 with Community Involvement
Although an official title and release date for the game have not been confirmed, EA is targeting a 2025 launch. To engage the community, EA plans to introduce a community program next year that will involve players in the development process. Whether this will take the form of a closed beta or another type of participation is yet to be revealed.
The Battlefield community has responded to these announcements with cautious optimism. Many players are hopeful that the return to classic features, such as the traditional server browser and naval combat that defined Battlefield 4, will bring the franchise back to its former glory.