"Battlefield Labs: Test New Games Before Release"
Battlefield Studios has launched Battlefield Labs, an innovative platform designed to enhance collaboration between the gaming community and developers, shaping the future of the Battlefield series. Dive into the details of this exciting new initiative.
Battlefield Labs Unveiled: Fostering Collaboration Between Community and Developers
Players Gain Direct Influence on Future Battlefield Games
On February 3, 2025, Battlefield Studios, in partnership with Electronics Art (EA), introduced Battlefield Labs, a pioneering effort to involve players directly in the development of future Battlefield games. This initiative allows both players and developers to test and refine game concepts, mechanics, and features.
The announcement highlighted that the upcoming Battlefield game is at a pivotal development stage, where community input could be transformative. Players will be at the heart of this process, testing new elements of the game.
Battlefield Studios plans to invite players from Europe and North America to participate in the initial phase of Battlefield Labs. While no specific launch date has been set, interested players can sign up now using this link.
Vince Zampella, Head of Respawn & Group GM for EA Studios Organization, emphasized the importance of this stage, stating, "This game has so much potential. To find that potential, with us being pre-alpha, now is the time to test the experiences our teams have been building for our upcoming launch. Battlefield Labs empowers our teams to do that."
Although not every player will have the chance to participate directly, Battlefield Studios has committed to keeping the community informed with regular updates throughout the testing phase. This ensures that even those not selected can follow the development journey. The studio also plans to continue involving the community in shaping future Battlefield titles.
"Battlefield Studios is comprised of DICE, the creators of the Battlefield franchise; Ripple Effect, a studio led by franchise veterans working on an all-new experience for the series; Motive, the developers behind the critically acclaimed Star Wars Squadrons and Dead Space; and Criterion, known for their world-class racing franchises and significant contributions to several Battlefield entries."
Features and Mechanics to Test in Battlefield Labs
Participants in Battlefield Labs will not have access to the entire game but rather "different pieces of an unfinished puzzle," allowing time for feedback to be integrated into the final product. According to a Battlefield news article, the studio has outlined the mechanics and features that will be tested during this community collaboration.
Battlefield Studios will begin by testing foundational gameplay elements such as core combat and destruction. Following this, they will focus on balancing and gathering feedback for weapons, vehicles, and gadgets, eventually integrating these elements into maps, modes, and squad play. Two existing modes, Conquest and Breakthrough, will also be part of the testing phase, offering players a chance to suggest improvements.
In Conquest mode, players engage in large-scale battles to capture Control Points (flags) from opposing teams. Each team starts with a set number of tickets, and the first to deplete their tickets loses. Tickets are lost when a team member respawns or when the enemy controls more flags.
Breakthrough mode assigns teams as attackers or defenders. Attackers aim to capture sectors on the map, while defenders try to halt their advance. A similar ticket system to Conquest is used, but attackers can replenish their tickets by securing a sector. Additionally, eliminating remaining enemy soldiers after securing a sector grants an extra three tickets.
Battlefield Studios is also keen on refining the class system for future Battlefield games. Despite their satisfaction with the current progress, they believe that player feedback is crucial. "We tirelessly playtest, but your feedback will supercharge our development as we strive to hit that perfect note between form, function, and feel," the team stated.
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