EA has unveiled a first look at its new Battlefield game, alongside details about its player testing program, Battlefield Labs, and its development structure, Battlefield Studios. A short pre-alpha gameplay video accompanies the announcement.

The new Battlefield marks the return of a traditional linear single-player campaign, a departure from the multiplayer-only Battlefield 2042. EA is entering a crucial development phase and seeks player feedback via Battlefield Labs to prioritize improvements before release. Participants will test various aspects, from core combat and destruction to weapons, vehicles, and gadgets, ultimately culminating in testing maps, modes, and squad play, including Conquest and Breakthrough. Battlefield Labs will also explore new ideas and refine core elements like the class system.

Initial testing will involve a few thousand players in Europe and North America, expanding to tens of thousands more and additional regions later. This large-scale effort follows the closure of Ridgeline Games, a studio previously working on a standalone single-player Battlefield title.

Concept art previously revealed a modern setting, ship-to-ship and helicopter combat, and natural disasters as gameplay elements. Vince Zampella, Head of Respawn and Group GM for EA Studios, cited Battlefield 3 and 4 as inspirations, aiming to recapture the series' core appeal while expanding its reach. The game returns to a modern setting after Battlefield 2042's futuristic setting and controversial Specialists system, opting instead for a 64-player focus and traditional classes.

The new Battlefield is a high-stakes project for EA, described as one of its most ambitious undertakings. The emphasis is on rebuilding trust with core fans while attracting new players. EA has yet to announce a release date, platforms, or the game's official title.