Can the upcoming Battlefield title revive the franchise and reestablish it as a powerhouse in the shooter genre? One can only hope. EA is undoubtedly aiming for a resounding “yes” to both these questions, and the company is pulling out all the stops to make it happen.
Yet there’s a real risk that these aspirations might crumble with a poor launch, leaving it cherished only by the loyal few who’ve stayed with Battlefield through thick and thin. As someone who has been drawn to Battlefield for years, I’m rooting for this installment not just to succeed, but to become a go-to shooter that I can dive into over and over again.
Currently, there’s a shroud of mystery surrounding the next Battlefield game. EA hasn’t officially stated if it’ll launch in 2025, but when you piece together the current timeline and activities across EA’s studios, 2025 seems to be a plausible release period.
There’s speculation that EA aims to mimic Call of Duty: Warzone’s success, potentially releasing the main, premium game towards the end of 2025, with a free-to-play battle royale mode trailing in early 2026.
We do know some form of testing is slated for early 2025. However, this will probably be closely monitored and subject to strict non-disclosure agreements, leaving us with limited insights into the game’s full breadth. The leaks suggest a modern-day theme, with a nod to Battlefield’s classic class system making a comeback.
But let’s not jump to conclusions and assume victory. While EA’s intent aligns with what players desire, there’s no certainty we’re guaranteed a stellar game. It’s these possibilities that have me eagerly anticipating the chance to play.
The beauty of Battlefield is in the amalgamation of several core elements that can be found in other games: the combined arms combat, the asymmetrical class system, the more deliberate pace, expansive maps, and sometimes, even the environmental destruction. Yet, no other shooter seamlessly integrates all these aspects the way Battlefield does. Delta Force’s recent attempt to capture this magic only underscores how rare and complex this formula is to nail.
The more often Battlefield stumbles, though, the more its distinct appeal begins to fade. We’ve all heard of former Battlefield enthusiasts who have migrated to different games, likely none would say these alternatives fully compare. They might suffice as a temporary fix, but they can’t truly replace what Battlefield uniquely offers.
