Adam VaryUpdated on: October 12, 2024 8:17 am GMT
In a significant shift for the popular Battlefield franchise, Vince Zampella, the head of EA’s Battlefield division, has announced that the next installment will return to a modern warfare setting reminiscent of the classic Battlefield 3 and 4 games. This change comes with a promise to refocus on the franchise’s core gameplay elements, which fans have expressed a desire to see return.
Return to Modern Day Warfare
During a recent interview with IGN, Zampella shared his vision for the future of Battlefield, highlighting that the upcoming game will abandon the controversial “Specialists” system introduced in Battlefield 2042. Instead, the team plans to revive the traditional class-based system that many fans feel is quintessential to the series.
>”If you look back to the peak or the pinnacle of Battlefield, it’s that Battlefield 3… Battlefield 4 era where everything was modern,” Zampella stated. “We have to get back to the core of what Battlefield is and do that amazingly well.”
First Concept Art Revealed
Alongside his announcement, Zampella unveiled the first piece of concept art for the new game. While details about specific features remain scarce, the artwork hints at a focus on “dense well-designed play spaces” rather than the expansive 128-player maps of Battlefield 2042. This return to form is designed to evoke nostalgia among players who fondly remember the franchise’s earlier titles.
- Emphasis on traditional class-based gameplay
- Concept art suggests a modern setting
- A shift towards smaller, well-structured maps
Learning from Past Mistakes
The departure from the Specialists model signals a broader commitment to listen to player feedback. Zampella acknowledged the mixed reception to Battlefield 2042, stating, “Not everybody liked it, but you got to try things. It didn’t work. It didn’t fit.” He reassured fans that the new game will not repeat the errors of its predecessor.
>”We want it to be good out of the gate,” he emphasized, suggesting that the development team is focused on quality from the start.
Upcoming Playtests
To ensure that the game meets player expectations, EA is hosting weekly internal playtests and plans to launch a public playtest program next year. These playtests will allow players to provide feedback early in the development process, something that Zampella believes is crucial for success.
Future of Battlefield
EA has indicated that the Battlefield franchise will continue to be an essential part of its future strategy. The company is looking into reintroducing “single-player experiences” to the series, which could add depth to the overall gameplay. As Zampella noted, establishing a strong foundation is vital before expanding future content.
New Direction, Old Glory
Many fans are eagerly waiting to see how Zampella and his team will blend the nostalgia of past games with modern gaming innovations. Battlefield 2042 had a rough start but has seen improvements over time. The hope is that the next installment will launch with a solid foundation and a clear understanding of what makes Battlefield unique.
- Return to class-based mechanics
- Planned public playtesting to gather feedback
- Potential for single-player modes coming back
Conclusion
The Battlefield series is getting ready for its next adventure, and Vince Zampella is focused on creating modern settings and classic gameplay. This change aims to rebuild trust with fans. By going back to what made the earlier games great and listening to what players want, there’s hope that the next Battlefield will celebrate its history and also look ahead. Fans are excited about the chance to playtest the game and see a clear plan for the future. They can’t wait for a game that not only meets their wishes but also adds new fun features to keep things interesting.
