EA has unveiled a first look at the new Battlefield game, coinciding with an announcement about player testing and its unique development structure. A brief glimpse of pre-alpha gameplay is featured in a video introducing "Battlefield Labs," a program seeking playtesters.

EA describes the development as entering a critical phase, emphasizing the importance of player feedback. Battlefield Labs will test various aspects of the game, though not everything will be fully realized. Participation requires signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).

Initial testing will involve a few thousand players in Europe and North America, expanding to tens of thousands and additional regions later. It's noteworthy that despite the four-studio collaboration, EA previously closed Ridgeline Games, a studio working on a standalone single-player Battlefield title.

September saw the unveiling of concept art and details, confirming a modern setting after previous iterations in World War I, World War II, and the near future. The art hinted at ship-to-ship and helicopter combat, alongside natural disasters like wildfires.

Vince Zampella, Head of Respawn and Group GM for EA Studios Organization, referenced Battlefield 3 and 4 as pinnacles of the series, emphasizing a return to the core elements that defined those titles. This marks a course correction after Battlefield 2042's reception, which initially faced criticism for features like Specialists and large-scale maps. The new Battlefield will utilize 64-player maps and omit Specialists.

High stakes surround this new Battlefield following 2042's shortcomings. EA CEO Andrew Wilson called it one of EA's most ambitious projects, reflecting the significant investment and collaborative effort. Zampella highlighted the ambition to both recapture the trust of core Battlefield players and expand the franchise's appeal to a broader audience.

EA has yet to announce a release date, platforms, or the official title for the new Battlefield game.