EA Announces Next Battlefield Game Slated for Fiscal Year 2026

EA has announced that the next installment in the beloved Battlefield series is slated for release within its fiscal year 2026, spanning from April 2025 to March 2026. This news came as part of EA's financial report for the third quarter of its current fiscal year, ending March 2025. Alongside the release window, EA provided a first official look at the pre-alpha gameplay of the new Battlefield game, highlighting their new initiative, Battlefield Labs.

Battlefield Labs is designed to foster player-driven testing and innovation, inviting playtesters to help shape the game's development. EA emphasized that this is a "critical" phase, urging players to join in and provide feedback on various aspects of the game, from core combat and destruction to weapons, vehicles, gadgets, maps, modes, and squad play. Key game modes like Conquest and Breakthrough will be tested, alongside the traditional class system of Assault, Engineer, Support, and Recon, aiming to enhance strategic depth.

The development of the new Battlefield is being handled by four studios under the umbrella of Battlefield Studios. DICE in Sweden is focusing on multiplayer components, Motive Studio is working on both single-player missions and multiplayer maps, Ripple Effect is tasked with attracting new players, and Criterion is developing the single-player campaign. This collaborative effort underscores EA's commitment to revitalizing the franchise.

Last year, EA shut down Ridgeline Games, which was developing a standalone single-player Battlefield game, signaling a shift in focus. The new game will return to a modern setting, reminiscent of the acclaimed Battlefield 3 and 4, moving away from the historical and futuristic settings of recent titles. Concept art has hinted at ship-to-ship and helicopter combat, as well as natural disasters like wildfires, adding new layers to the gameplay experience.

Following the mixed reception of Battlefield 2042, which introduced controversial features like Specialists and 128-player maps, the next Battlefield aims to realign with fan expectations. The game will revert to 64-player maps and abandon the Specialist system, focusing on a more traditional and focused gameplay experience. EA CEO Andrew Wilson has described the project as one of the "most ambitious" in the company's history, reflecting the high stakes and significant investment in the franchise's future.

Vince Zampella, Head of Respawn & Group GM for EA Studios Organization, emphasized the importance of returning to the core elements that made Battlefield 3 and 4 successful, while also expanding the game's universe to retain and attract players. The goal is to create a comprehensive Battlefield experience where players can find diverse gameplay without leaving the franchise.

As of now, EA has not disclosed the final title or the launch platforms for the new Battlefield game. However, with the collective efforts of Battlefield Studios and the introduction of Battlefield Labs, anticipation is building for what could be a pivotal moment for the series.