Electronic Arts (EA) is taking the first-person shooter franchise into a new direction with the revelation of Battlefield Labs. This initiative allows players to get involved in the development process by testing the early builds of the game and giving feedback on assorted gameplay aspects.
EA CEO Andrew Wilson recently confirmed that the company is “on track” to reveal the title at one of the biggest summer events in March 2026. Battlefield Labs is EA’s most extensive community-driven initiative. European, North American, and limited Asian players are being asked to take part in pre-alpha playtesting sessions across May.
Sessions are concentrated on gameplay fundamentals, such as weapon balance, motion mechanics, pacing in combat, and the series’ hallmark destruction mechanics. Players must sign their names on non-disclosure agreements to ensure strict confidentiality during development.
The creation of the new Battlefield game is a four-studio collaboration between EA’s DICE, Ripple Effect, Motive, and Criterion. The multi-studio project will provide a range of different expertise to the project to create a thorough and polished gaming experience. The game will include both single-player and multiplayer. In addition, the class system Assault, Engineer, Support, and Recon roles are being reassessed to further support strategic gameplay.
EA’s forward-looking approach to interacting with the community via Battlefield Labs is a sign of an intention to provide a product that will resonate with players. By integrating direct feedback into the development process, EA hopes to restore trust and enthusiasm for the Battlefield franchise, particularly after the mixed response to Battlefield 2042.
