Battlefield Labs: Shaping the Future of Battlefield Through Community Collaboration
Battlefield Studios, in partnership with Electronic Arts (EA), has launched Battlefield Labs, a revolutionary player feedback platform designed to directly involve the community in shaping future Battlefield installments. Announced on February 3, 2025, this initiative marks a pivotal moment, placing players at the forefront of development.
The initiative aims to leverage community input during a crucial development phase. Selected players from European and North American servers will participate in the initial phase of Battlefield Labs, testing core gameplay mechanics and features. While a precise release date remains unannounced, interested individuals can register their interest via a provided link.
Vince Zampella, Head of Respawn and Group GM for EA Studios Organization, emphasized the importance of this pre-alpha testing phase, stating, "This game has so much potential… Battlefield Labs empowers our teams [to realize that potential]." While participation is initially limited, Battlefield Studios assures that updates will be shared with the broader community, ensuring everyone can follow the progress. Future Battlefield titles will also incorporate community feedback.
The Battlefield Studios team comprises DICE (creators of the Battlefield franchise), Ripple Effect, Motive (developers of Star Wars Squadrons and Dead Space), and Criterion (renowned for racing games and contributions to various Battlefield titles).
Testing Focus in Battlefield Labs:
The initial testing will concentrate on fundamental gameplay elements. Battlefield Studios detailed the phased approach:
- Core Combat and Destruction: Evaluating the foundational combat systems and environmental destruction.
- Weapons, Vehicles, and Gadgets: Balancing and refining weaponry, vehicles, and player gadgets.
- Maps, Modes, and Squad Play: Integrating all elements within maps, game modes (including Conquest and Breakthrough), and squad dynamics.
Conquest, a classic large-scale mode, focuses on capturing control points (flags), with a ticket system determining victory. Breakthrough features attackers and defenders vying for sector control, also utilizing a ticket-based system with unique mechanics for ticket replenishment. The class system is another area targeted for refinement.
Battlefield Studios acknowledges the extensive internal playtesting, but emphasizes the invaluable contribution of player feedback to achieve optimal gameplay balance. The goal is to create a game that perfectly blends form, function, and feel.
