"Battlefield Labs: Pre-Release Game Testing for Players"

Battlefield Studios has introduced an innovative platform called Battlefield Labs, designed to foster collaboration between the gaming community and developers to shape the future of the Battlefield franchise. This exciting initiative, announced in partnership with Electronics Art (EA) on February 3, 2025, aims to allow players to test and provide feedback on various game concepts, mechanics, and features for upcoming Battlefield titles.

According to the announcement, the upcoming Battlefield game is entering a crucial development phase where community input is more valuable than ever. Players will be at the forefront, testing new features and mechanics, which will directly influence the game's development. Battlefield Studios is inviting a select group of players from Europe and North America to participate in the first phase of Battlefield Labs. While an exact release date hasn't been set, interested individuals can sign up now via this link.

Vince Zampella, Head of Respawn & Group GM for EA Studios Organization, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, 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 everyone can join Battlefield Labs, Battlefield Studios assures that the broader community will still be kept in the loop with regular updates throughout the testing phase. The studio is committed to ongoing collaboration with the community for future Battlefield titles.

Battlefield Studios is a collective effort from DICE, the original creators of the Battlefield franchise; Ripple Effect, a studio led by franchise veterans working on a new experience for the series; Motive, developers of the acclaimed Star Wars Squadrons and Dead Space; and Criterion, known for their racing franchises and significant contributions to previous Battlefield entries.

Features and Mechanics to Test in Battlefield Labs

Participants in Battlefield Labs will have the opportunity to test various components of the game, described as "different pieces of an unfinished puzzle." This approach allows the studio to incorporate player feedback into the final product. Battlefield Studios has outlined the initial testing focus areas:

The testing will begin with the core elements of gameplay, such as combat and destruction mechanics. Following this, the focus will shift to balancing and refining weapons, vehicles, and gadgets. Ultimately, these components will be integrated into the game's maps, modes, and squad play. Two existing modes, Conquest and Breakthrough, will 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 has a set number of tickets, which decrease when players respawn or when the enemy holds more flags. The team that loses all its tickets first loses the match.

Breakthrough mode assigns teams as attackers or defenders. Attackers aim to capture sectors on the map, while defenders try to halt their progress. Similar to Conquest, a ticket system is used, but attackers can regain tickets by securing a sector. Additionally, any remaining enemy soldiers after a sector is captured can be eliminated to gain extra tickets.

Battlefield Studios is also keen on refining the class system in future Battlefield games. While the team is proud of the current progress, they believe that player feedback is essential. "We tirelessly playtest, but your feedback will supercharge our development as we strive to hit that perfect note between form, function, and feel," they stated.