Electronic Arts has finally revealed the gameplay for the next Battlefield game, announcing a community testing program to gather player feedback during development. The company shared a brief look at the game on Monday, showing off pre-test gameplay footage in a new video detailing Battlefield Labs, a player testing and feedback program. EA says the next Battlefield game has entered a “critical stage” of development, and player feedback will be used to refine the game before release.
Let’s take a look at the next battlefield first
Towards the end of the video announcing Battlefield Labs, EA debuted pre-alpha gameplay for Battlefield, showing off intense urban combat zones and destructible environments.
The next entry in the Battlefield series doesn’t yet have an official title or release schedule, but EA says the game is entering a “critical stage” in its development cycle.
“Even in pre-beta, we’re proud of where the game is today. We’re working tirelessly on playtesting, but your feedback will fuel our development as we strive to achieve the perfect balance between form, function, and feel,” the company said in a statement.
Battlefield Labs announced for player testing and feedback
In the post, EA shared details about Battlefield Labs, a community-based program where the company will share concepts and experiences with players for testing.
“We will be testing (almost) everything, but not everything you see will be complete. To ensure your feedback makes an impact, players will experience different parts of the unfinished puzzle under a nondisclosure agreement to give us time to incorporate your feedback into the final product,” EA said.
Under the plan, core combat and destruction will be tested first, followed by player feedback on weapons, vehicles, gadgets, maps, modes and squad gameplay. EA also confirmed that it will be testing the popular Battlefield modes Conquest and Breakout through BF Labs.
The company also revealed Battlefield Studios, a group of four EA studios working on the next generation of military shooters – Dice, Criterion, Motive and Ripple Effect. The four studios will be working together under one banner on the next Battlefield game.
Separately, EA confirmed on Monday that “Need for Speed” developer Criterion Games is now fully focused on “Battlefield” while development on the “Need for Speed” series is paused.