Electronic Arts (EA) has confirmed that the next installment in the iconic Battlefield series will be playable in early 2025. The announcement, made during an EA Investor Day, revealed that a “community testing program” will be launched in early 2025, allowing players to get their hands on an early version of the game. This news comes hot on the heels of a recent announcement from Battlefield head Vince Zampella, confirming that the upcoming title, a follow-up to Battlefield 2049, will be set in a modern-day setting.
Zampella, drawing inspiration from the beloved Battlefield 3 and Battlefield 4, emphasized the need to return to the series’ core identity. “I mean, if you look back to the peak or the pinnacle of Battlefield, it’s that Battlefield 3 [and] Battlefield 4 era where everything was modern,” Zampella stated. “And I think we have to get back to the core of what Battlefield is and do that amazingly well, and then we’ll see where it goes from there. But I think for me, it’s that peak of Battlefield-ness is in that Battlefield 3 and 4 days.” This shift back to modern warfare also implies a return to the series’ signature 64-player maps and rounds, which cemented Battlefield’s position as a PC multiplayer powerhouse.
The move to a modern setting marks a departure from the futuristic setting of Battlefield 2049, which was met with mixed reception. The game faced criticism upon release for its numerous bugs and balance issues, leading DICE, the game’s developers, to spend months addressing community feedback and reworking maps. The return to more densely populated maps and the promised emphasis on destruction will be eagerly anticipated by Battlefield fans and first-person shooter enthusiasts alike.
EA’s decision to implement a “community testing program” is a welcome step, allowing for valuable player input and collaboration during the development process. It also provides an excellent opportunity for the team to fine-tune the game alongside the community before its official launch. EA has previously highlighted that the development team behind the upcoming Battlefield title is the largest in the franchise’s history, fueling excitement for what this new installment holds. With early access news surfacing, we can expect our first glimpse into the new Battlefield sooner rather than later.
