EA is giving the reins to Motive Studio for the nextBattlefield,a move which forecasts at least some moderate upheaval to DICE’s time-worn formula. Between that and several buzz-word laden interviews given on the franchise’s future, the followup toBattlefield 2042may surprise its fans with how much of a departure is in store.
Battlefield 2042is one of the most recent in a pattern of live-service games under-delivering and over-promising at launch, leaving its day-one players spurned, only to right the ship down the line via feedback-assisted updates. Two and a half years after launch, many consider the game in a fairly healthy state. A commitment to seasonal content and some deeply discounted sales prices have helped keep its player base numbers bolstered, though regardless of how much post-launchsupportBattlefield 2042gets, it is a game that is getting long in the tooth, which means it’s time for the next installment.
Battlefield’s Changing of the Guard
A new game at this point inBattlefield 2042’s timeline may not have been EA’s initial plan. Between the live-service model and the advent of theBattlefield Portal, this newest foundation portended the desire for it to have remained evergreen, with the publisher chasing a model akin toDestiny 2. Not all titles can have a decade-long lifespan however, and coming out of the gates sputtering as it did, it makes sense that EA is taking thelessons learned fromBattlefield 2042and giving one of its lesser known studios a chance to leave a mark on the series.
EA’s choice in studio for the nextBattlefieldseems solid. Motive’s work onStar Wars Squadronshighlights a team that can deliver a well-balanced competitive experience, and its more recent foray into single-player with theDead Spaceremake shows off its narrative and set-piece design chops. A recent interview with Patrick Klaus, Motive’s Studio General Manager, expounded on plans for “a universe across both multiplayer and single-player experiences.” By all accounts,the nextBattlefieldwill emphasize the series' previously neglected single-player campaign, perhaps in a way that works in conjunction with the multiplayer side.
A Natural Levelution for EA
Rumors abound regarding the nextBattlefield,with varying degrees of veracity. The supposed release date is at some point in 2025, with some speculation claiming it will launch with a free-to-play battle royale or extraction shooter mode. During an earnings call on May 24, EA CEO Andrew Wilson mentioned he had been playing the nextBattlefieldinternally with the Motive team, trumpeting its tremendous live-service potential.GivenBattlefield 2042’s sordid state at launch, one could be forgiven for being skeptical that EA is doubling down on the live-service model, but there is plenty to suggest that it has learned a great deal from theBattlefield 2042debacle, not least of which is the impressive turnaround on the game.
To Chase Trends or to Create Them
The landscape for competitive shooters is changing. The aforementioned extraction shooter sub-genre appears to be gaining ground, with indie and AAA studios alike, jockeying for a prominent role in the emerging niche. It will be an interesting cycle for the heavy-hitters likeBattlefieldandCall of Duty, as they adapt to recent trends, throwing the considerable heft of their resources and pedigree into new and exciting ideas.
One thing that remains starkly evident is the reinforced commitment to creating a thriving live-service game. Success for Motive in thenewBattlefieldwill require an embracing of those new ideas, while not foregoing the formula that made the franchise great.Battlefield 2042took risks with its sweeping changes to the specialist system, and while it arguably missed the mark, it should not dissuade Motive from taking similar chances with the nextBattlefield.
Battlefield 2042
WHERE TO PLAY
Battlefield 2042 is a first-person shooter that marks the return to the iconic all-out warfare of the franchise. With the help of a cutting-edge arsenal, engage in intense, immersive multiplayer battles.Lead your team to victory in both large all-out warfare and close-quarters combat on maps from the world of 2042 and classic Battlefield titles. Find your playstyle in class-based gameplay and take on several experiences comprising elevated versions of Conquest and Breakthrough. Explore Battlefield Portal, a platform where players can discover, create, and share unexpected battles from Battlefield’s past and present.This game includes optional in-game purchases of virtual currency that can be used to acquire virtual in-game items.
