The highly anticipated next Battlefield installment has officially revealed key information, following earlier speculation. While some details previously surfaced, the official confirmation is welcome news for eager fans.
The primary announcement revolves around the official launch date, coupled with specifics regarding the forthcoming beta phase.
Mark your calendars! The next Battlefield will be available on October 10 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. This signifies a departure from the recent trend where multiplayer shooters are typically released across console generations. Pricing details have yet to be disclosed by Electronic Arts.
The open beta is also on the horizon. Spanning two weekends, the beta will feature an early access period from August 7-8. Public access for the first weekend will run from August 9-10, with the second weekend taking place from August 14-17.
During the multiplayer showcase, developers from the Battlefield Studios collaborative provided an overview of the core gameplay elements. Early looks were provided on launch maps, including the Cairo cityscape named Siege of Cairo, and Empire State. A total of nine maps will be featured at launch, including a reimagining of Operation Firestorm. The popular Portal mode from Battlefield 2042 is also confirmed to be returning.
With the Battlefield release date locked in, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 currently aiming for a November release (speculated), the new Battlefield appears poised to launch first. Currently, Battlefield is generating significant player enthusiasm. However, the Black Ops 7 multiplayer reveal is scheduled for Gamescom in the latter half of August, suggesting that the Black Ops 7 beta won’t likely appear until October.
Adding another layer, EA seems to be emulating elements of the Call of Duty business strategy with the next Battlefield. In addition to the core, premium AAA release, there will be a free-to-play component. EA hopes that the overall popularity of the game will translate into player spending on cosmetic items.
The upcoming beta will give most gamers their initial hands-on time with the next Battlefield. However, DICE has conducted limited testing under their Battlefield Labs initiative. Feedback from these tests has generally been very encouraging, which is a positive signal moving forward to the beta phase.