Battlefield Labs: Shaping the Future of Battlefield, Together!
Do you have strong opinions about Battlefield? Put them to good use in Battlefield Labs. Play early, share your thoughts, and help make a better game for everyone.
What Exactly is this Battlefield Labs Initiative?
Okay, picture this: you're knee-deep in a Battlefield match, and you think to yourself, "Wouldn't it be awesome if this was different?" or "Man, I wish they'd change that!" Well, folks, Battlefield Labs is EA's way of turning those "what ifs" into reality. It's a brand-spanking-new community testing program designed to let you, the players, get your hands on the next Battlefield game before it hits the shelves. This isn't some quick peek behind the curtain, either. We're talking about a deep dive into the core of the game, where your feedback can actually shape the final product. Yep, you heard that right – your opinions will directly influence the development of the game.
Why is Electronic Arts Embarking on this Battlefield Labs Project?
Let's be honest, the launch of Battlefield 2042 was a bit of a bumpy ride. It didn't quite hit the mark for many players, and EA felt that sting. They realized that to make a truly great Battlefield game, they needed to listen to the folks who actually play it – the community. Battlefield Labs is their way of saying, "We hear you, and we want to build this game with you." They're aiming for a Battlefield experience that resonates with the fans, one that captures the magic of the franchise's glory days while also pushing the boundaries of what's possible. They are betting big on this, even having four separate studios collaborate.
A Deep Dive into Battlefield Labs: What's in it For You?
Battlefield Labs isn't just about playing the game early. It's about being part of the development process. You'll get to test out various aspects of the game, provide feedback on what works and what doesn't, and help the devs fine-tune the experience. You'll be testing pre-alpha content, so expect some rough edges, but that's part of the process. Your feedback during this crucial stage will help them polish the game into something truly special. They want to cross-collaborate with players like never before!
How to Enlist in Battlefield Labs: Your Path to Early Access
Alright, recruits, here's the drill on how to sign up for Battlefield Labs:
Visit the Official Battlefield Website: Make your way to the official Battlefield website. You'll find a dedicated section for Battlefield Labs there. Be prepared for a potential wait, as there's a queue system in place due to the high level of interest. But EA says that your queue position doesn't influence your chances of being invited.
Sign Up and Cross Your Fingers: Register for the program using your EA Account. Keep in mind that spots are limited, so not everyone who signs up will get in. Think of it as a golden ticket to the Battlefield factory.
Play and Provide Feedback: If you're among the chosen few, you'll receive an invitation to participate in the testing. You'll get to play an early build of the next Battlefield game. Your job? Play the heck out of it and then tell EA exactly what you think. Be honest, be critical, and don't hold back. They want the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Submit Feedback Through a Private Discord Channel: There will be a special Discord channel just for testers to share their thoughts and suggestions directly with the developers.
What Will You Be Testing in Battlefield Labs? It is Ambitious!
EA has stated that they'll be putting "almost everything" under the microscope in Battlefield Labs. This includes, but is not limited to:
Core Combat Loops: The fundamental mechanics of how you fight in the game.
Destruction: One of Battlefield's signature features. Get ready to level some buildings and see how it feels.
Weapons, Vehicles, and Gadgets: From rifles to tanks to high-tech gadgets, you'll get to try them all and provide feedback on their balance and feel.
Maps and Modes: Explore new maps and familiar modes like Conquest and Breakthrough. Your feedback will help shape the flow and design of these environments. They are even looking at new ideas!
Squad Play: Battlefield is all about teamwork. You'll get to test out how squads function and provide input on how to make it even better.
Class System: The classic Battlefield classes (Assault, Engineer, Support, and Recon) will be under scrutiny. You'll help determine if they need tweaking or a complete overhaul to make for deeper and more strategic gameplay.
The Masterminds Behind the Operation: Battlefield Studios
The development of this new Battlefield title is a monumental task, and it's being handled by a powerhouse team known as Battlefield Studios. This collective is comprised of four talented studios, each bringing their unique expertise to the table:
DICE (Stockholm, Sweden): The original creators of the Battlefield franchise. They're the backbone of the operation and are primarily focused on crafting the multiplayer experience.
Motive (Montreal, Canada): Known for their work on the critically acclaimed Dead Space remake and Star Wars: Squadrons, Motive is developing single-player content and also helping with multiplayer maps.
Ripple Effect (Los Angeles, USA): Formerly known as DICE LA, this studio is tasked with creating a new, unannounced Battlefield experience designed to bring new players into the fold.
Criterion (Guildford, UK): Renowned for their work on the Need For Speed series, Criterion has shifted gears and is now supporting the development of the single-player campaign.
At the helm of this operation is Vince Zampella, Head of Respawn & Group GM for EA Studios Organization. He's a veteran of the industry, having co-founded Respawn Entertainment and played a key role in the development of the Call of Duty franchise. Zampella has expressed a desire to return to the core elements that made Battlefield so beloved, drawing inspiration from titles like Battlefield 3 and 4.
When Can You Expect to Deploy into Battlefield Labs?
EA has indicated that the first phase of testing for Battlefield Labs will commence "in the coming weeks." However, they're taking a measured approach to rolling out the program. Initially, only "a few thousand" participants with servers located in Europe and North America will be invited. Over time, they plan to expand the testing to include "tens of thousands" of players and support for additional territories. There will not be a rigid testing schedule, but EA will communicate directly with those invited to the test sessions.
PC Specifications for Battlefield Labs: Gear Up!
For those of you planning to participate in Battlefield Labs on PC, here are the minimum and recommended system requirements to ensure a smooth experience:
System Requirements:
CPU: Intel Core i5-8400 / AMD Ryzen 5 2600
GPU: Nvidia RTX 2060 / AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT 6GB
Memory: 16GB
Storage: Minimum 30GB
System Requirements:
CPU: Intel Core i7-10700 / AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
GPU: Nvidia RTX 3060Ti / AMD Radeon RX 6700-XT
Memory: 16GB
Storage: Minimum 30GB
Battlefield Labs: A New Era for the Franchise
Battlefield Labs represents a significant shift in how EA is approaching the development of Battlefield. It's a commitment to community involvement and a recognition that player feedback is crucial to creating a truly great game. By participating in Battlefield Labs, you're not just getting a sneak peek at the next Battlefield game – you're becoming part of its development DNA. This is your chance to make your voice heard and help shape the future of the franchise. EA will publish public recaps of what is learned in the testing phases, so everyone can stay informed.
Important Notes and Clarifications
NDA: Everyone invited to participate in Battlefield Labs will be required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). This means you won't be able to share any details, screenshots, or videos of the game with anyone outside of the testing program.
Modern Setting Confirmed: The new Battlefield game will return to a modern-day setting after the near-future setting of Battlefield 2042.
64-Player Focus: The next Battlefield will focus on 64-player matches, which were generally preferred by the community over the 128-player battles in Battlefield 2042.
No More Specialists: The controversial Specialist system from 2042 is gone. The next game will return to a more traditional class-based system.
Natural Disasters: Concept art suggests that natural disasters, such as wildfires, will play a role in the new game.
Ship-to-Ship and Helicopter Combat: The concept art also hints at these types of combat being featured.
Ridgeline Games Closure: While EA is heavily investing in Battlefield with four studios, they did shut down Ridgeline Games, which was working on a single-player Battlefield project.
Project Scope: EA's CEO has called the next Battlefield one of the "most ambitious projects" in the company's history.
Battlefield 3 and 4 as Inspiration: Vince Zampella has referenced these games as inspiration, wanting to capture the "peak of Battlefield-ness."
