Battlefield Returns to its Roots: Modern Warfare, 64-Player Maps, and aFocus on Classic Gameplay
September 17, 2024 -EA has announced that the next installment in the Battlefield franchise will be a return to its roots, focusing on modern warfare, classic 64-player maps, andthe revival of the beloved class system. The game is slated for release in 2025.
Vince Zampella, the co-founder ofRespawn and Infinity Ward, and now the general manager of EA’s studio organization group, confirmed the news in an interview with IGN. Zampella, who is currently overseeing the Battlefield franchise, emphasized the importance of returning to the coregameplay that made the series a success.
If you look back at the peak of Battlefield, it was Battlefield 3… Battlefield 4 era, everything was very modern, Zampella said. I think we have toget back to the core of what Battlefield is and do that as well as we can, and then we can see where it goes from there. But I think for me, that was the golden age of Battlefield, Battlefield 3 and Battlefield 4. So, I think it’s nostalgic for the players, forme, and for the team. Those were golden days… although I gotta say 1942 was pretty good too.
The announcement comes after the lukewarm reception of Battlefield 2042, which deviated from the series’ traditional gameplay with a focus on futuristic settings and a controversial Specialist system.Zampella acknowledged the challenges faced by Battlefield 2042 but insisted it wasn’t a failure.
We spent a lot of time learning how to adapt to it and get things right, he said. But we don’t want to repeat 2042. We want it to be goodfrom the start.
The upcoming Battlefield game will feature:
- Modern Warfare Setting: The game will return to a modern setting, similar to Battlefield 3 and Battlefield 4.
- Large-Scale Maps: The game will feature classic 64-player maps with a focus on large-scale, open-world environments, reminiscent of previous Battlefield titles.
- Class System: The Specialist system, which was introduced in Battlefield 2042, will be scrapped, and the traditional class system will return.
- Natural Disasters and Events: The game will feature natural disasters and events, adding an element of chaos and unpredictability to the gameplay.
Zampella also revealed that EA is taking a collaborative approach to development, bringing together DICE, Motive, Ripple Effect, and Criterion Studios to work on the game. The team is currently in the midst of full production and is conducting weekly tests to ensure thegame meets expectations.
EA plans to launch a community testing program in 2025, allowing players to provide feedback before the game’s official release.
The announcement of the new Battlefield game is a welcome change for fans of the franchise who have been yearning for a return to the series’ core gameplay. The focus on modern warfare, classic 64-player maps, and the revival of the class system suggests that EA is listening to player feedback and is committed to delivering a truly engaging and satisfying Battlefield experience.
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