EA: Next Battlefield Game Slated for FY 2026

Electronic Arts (EA) has officially announced that the next installment in the acclaimed *Battlefield* series is slated for release during their fiscal year 2026, spanning from April 2025 to March 2026. This news came alongside the release of EA's financial results for the third quarter of their current fiscal year, ending March 2025.

In an exciting development, EA provided a first official look at the upcoming *Battlefield* game through a video that introduced "Battlefield Labs," a new initiative designed to involve players in the development process through testing and innovation. This pre-alpha glimpse into the gameplay was part of a broader call for playtesters to help shape the future of the franchise.

EA's commitment to the new *Battlefield* is underscored by the formation of "Battlefield Studios," an umbrella term for the four studios dedicated to the project. These include DICE in Stockholm, Sweden, focusing on multiplayer; Motive, known for *Dead Space* and *Star Wars: Squadrons*, working on single-player missions and multiplayer maps; Ripple Effect in the U.S., tasked with attracting new players to the franchise; and Criterion in the UK, which has shifted focus from *Need For Speed* to the single-player campaign of the new *Battlefield*.

As the development cycle enters a "critical" phase, EA is keen on gathering player feedback through Battlefield Labs. Participants in this program will test core elements such as combat, destruction, weapons, vehicles, gadgets, maps, modes, and squad play. Importantly, EA plans to revisit and refine classic modes like Conquest and Breakthrough, while also exploring new ideas and enhancing the class system to promote deeper, more strategic gameplay. All testers must agree to a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to participate.

Despite the ambitious scope of the new *Battlefield*, EA faced setbacks with the closure of Ridgeline Games, which was developing a standalone single-player *Battlefield* game. However, the focus remains strong on the new project, which is set in a modern environment, a return to the setting beloved from *Battlefield 3* and *Battlefield 4*. Early concept art suggests the inclusion of ship-to-ship and helicopter combat, as well as natural disasters like wildfires.

Vince Zampella, Head of Respawn & Group GM for EA Studios Organization, emphasized the importance of returning to the core essence of *Battlefield*, drawing inspiration from the series' peak during the *Battlefield 3* and *Battlefield 4* era. This move is seen as a course correction following the mixed reception of *Battlefield 2042*, which introduced controversial features like Specialists and large-scale 128-player maps. The new game will revert to 64-player maps and eliminate the Specialist system in favor of traditional class-based gameplay.

With significant investment and the involvement of multiple studios, the pressure is on to deliver a *Battlefield* experience that not only recaptures the hearts of long-time fans but also expands the franchise's appeal. EA CEO Andrew Wilson has described the project as one of the "most ambitious" in the company's history, reflecting a major commitment to the *Battlefield* brand.

While details such as the final title and launch platforms remain undisclosed, the anticipation for the next *Battlefield* is palpable, with EA's clear message being, "We’re all in on Battlefield."