Ever since the launch of Battlefield: 1942 in 2002, the Battlefield franchise has been one of EA's most popular. Digital Illusions CE (DICE) initially brought us World War II battles, then ventured into the sci-fi battlefields of the distant future. With such a rich history, the new installment will likely need to tap into the competitive Battle Royale market to stand out and compete with the likes of Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty.
It's crucial to note the significance of multiplayer in setting the 2002 Battlefield apart from other titles like Medal of Honor and Call of Duty. DICE introduced a groundbreaking 64-player multiplayer mode that allowed gamers to engage in large-scale battles across expansive maps while utilizing vehicles. The potential exists for the upcoming chapter to feature even larger maps, player counts, and the series' trademark destructible environment.
Multiplayer is Key
According to insider leaks, the upcoming game will incorporate a Battle Royale mode accommodating up to 128 players, along with destructibility reminiscent of the Bad Company series. There is emphasis on the ability to cause smaller-scale damage to the environment, such as creating holes in walls with grenade launchers. Additionally, players may engage in non-scripted scenarios to destroy entire buildings.
EA CEO Andrew Wilson has expressed excitement about the capabilities of the new consoles enabling larger player counts and elevating the series' features to new heights. The possibility of matches surpassing 128 players is tantalizing.
However, developers face the challenge of balancing traditional multiplayer with Battle Royale elements. Battlefield 5's Firestorm mode lost momentum quickly compared to Fortnite and Apex Legends. A parallel can be drawn to Call of Duty's resurgence with Warzone following struggles with Black Ops 4 Blackout.
Can it Outshine CoD?
Despite Call of Duty's recent commercial success, Activision has yet to make any announcements. This gives Battlefield 6 a prime opportunity to dominate the market and attract a substantial player base upon release. If both titles debut during the holiday season, competition will be fierce. Activision needs to move swiftly as EA has postponed the next NFS game to focus more on the new shooter.
Core Gameplay Innovations
Besides captivating multiplayer and destructibility elements, core gameplay will drive sales. The new game is rumored to serve as a multiplayer server hub for various titles within the series, potentially allowing players to mix and match games for unique multiplayer experiences. If true, battles between WWII soldiers and sci-fi warriors could soon become a reality!
Coming Soon in 2021
Excitingly, the enigmatic Battlefield installment is slated for release on PC and consoles in 2021. Andrew Wilson has confirmed a holiday season launch, likely between October and December. An online reveal event with a confirming trailer is on the horizon.
Are you eagerly anticipating the next game? Will the rumors manifest as promised, or perhaps something even grander awaits us? Share this news with fellow Battlefield enthusiasts and join the conversation in the comments!
