Electronic Arts has unveiled the first glimpses of gameplay from its upcoming Battlefield installment, alongside a new community testing initiative to incorporate player insights during development. On Monday, the company released pre-alpha gameplay footage featured in a video that outlines Battlefield Labs, a program designed for player testing and feedback. EA noted that the game has progressed into a “critical phase” of development, wherein player input will be utilized to enhance the final product prior to its launch.
Initial Gameplay Reveal
Near the conclusion of the video promoting Battlefield Labs, EA showcased pre-alpha gameplay that highlighted an intense urban combat scene with environments that players can destruct.
While the next Battlefield title has yet to receive an official name or release date, EA indicated that it is entering a vital stage of its development process.
“Even in pre-alpha, we are proud of where the game is at. We tirelessly playtest, but your feedback will supercharge our development as we strive to hit that perfect note between form, function, and feel,” the company stated in its announcement.
Introduction of Battlefield Labs for Community Engagement
EA provided an overview of Battlefield Labs, a community-focused program that will allow the company to share concepts and experiences with players for testing purposes.
“We will test (almost) everything but not everything you see will be complete. To ensure that your feedback has impact, players will experience, under NDA, different pieces of an unfinished puzzle so we have time to incorporate your feedback into the final product,” EA explained.
The program will initially focus on testing core combat mechanics and destruction elements, followed by gathering player feedback on various aspects such as weapons, vehicles, gadgets, maps, modes, and squad play. EA also confirmed that popular Battlefield modes, Conquest and Breakthrough, would be included in the Battlefield Labs testing.
In a related announcement, EA disclosed the formation of Battlefield Studios, an assembly of four internal studios—Dice, Criterion, Motive, and Ripple Effect—that will collaborate on the next-generation military shooter. These studios will operate under a unified banner for the new Battlefield title.
Additionally, EA confirmed that Criterion Games, known for the Need for Speed series, would now concentrate fully on Battlefield, with work on the racing franchise temporarily halted.