It’s been a tough few years for the Battlefield community. Battlefield V didn’t meet expectations, and Battlefield 2042 famously stumbled at launch due to a lack of content, technical issues, and significant changes to core gameplay features. However, the franchise is gearing up for a comeback.

Recently, EA announced that Battlefield’s next installment is in development, with teams from Motive, DICE, Criterion, and Ripple Effect collaborating on the project. In an interview with IGN’s Kat Bailey, Vince Zampella, head of Respawn and General Manager for EA Studios Organization, revealed exciting details that should thrill fans of Battlefield 3 and 4.

Returning to a Modern Setting

One of the most significant revelations is that the next Battlefield will return to a modern setting. Zampella stated, “If you look back to the peak of Battlefield, it’s that Battlefield 3… Battlefield 4 era where everything was modern.” This signals a commitment to the gameplay style that longtime fans love. For more on the franchise’s history, check out our article on the evolution of the Battlefield series.

A Focus on Classic Map Design

The new Battlefield will also move away from the expansive 128-player maps of Battlefield 2042. Zampella emphasized, “We are designing something that is more akin to previous Battlefields,” suggesting a shift back to well-designed, dense play spaces. While this isn’t an outright confirmation of 64-player maps, it heavily implies a return to familiar formats. For details on map design in the series, visit our analysis of Battlefield maps.

Classes Are Making a Comeback

Another major criticism of Battlefield 2042 was its Specialist system, which many felt detracted from the traditional military experience. Zampella confirmed, “Specialist will not be coming back. So classes are kind of at the core of Battlefield, and we’re going back to that.” This aligns with the franchise’s roots, where classes have played a crucial role since its inception in 2002. To learn more about class mechanics, check out our guide on Battlefield classes.

Community Testing Coming in 2025

Lastly, EA plans to introduce community testing for the game in 2025. Zampella mentioned, “We have a program that we’re going to announce next year around getting more community in… to regain trust.” This approach shows that the developers are aware of fan disappointment with Battlefield 2042 and are taking steps to rebuild that trust by returning to what has historically worked. For more on community feedback in game development, read our article on community-driven game design.