Next Battlefield returns to its roots with a modern setting and traditional layers.

EA has revealed the first details about the next title in the Battlefield series, confirming a return to a modern setting and more focused gameplay, and abandoning some of the controversial choices made in Battlefield 2042, which was released in 2021. The information was shared by Vince Zampella, the president of Respawn and the person responsible for the Battlefield franchise, In an interview with IGN.

According to Zampella, the new approach aims to bring the franchise back to its roots, inspired by iconic titles like Battlefield 3 and Battlefield 4. He recognizes that fans have been waiting to return to the core Battlefield experience and emphasizes the need to improve on that formula. “If you look at the heyday of Battlefield, it’s the Battlefield 3 era… Battlefield 4, where everything was modern. I think we need to go back to the heart of Battlefield and do it in a spectacular way,” Zampella said.

One major change will be the abandonment of the specialist system introduced in Battlefield 2042, a mechanic that was not well-received by players and was eventually removed. EA is now moving towards a more traditional class structure, which has been the foundation of Battlefield’s gameplay for many years. Zampella was clear: “Specialists are not coming back. Classes are a core part of Battlefield and we are getting back to that.

Another interesting point is the redesign of the maps. Zampella suggested that the 128-player concept, a pillar of Battlefield 2042, wasn’t as effective as hoped. Instead, the new title will focus on smaller, denser maps, again providing more balanced and well-designed combat spaces, a feature that fans have long appreciated. “We’re testing everything to make sure the gameplay is as fun as possible,” he said.

It’s important to remember that Battlefield 2042 had a troubled launch, with widespread criticism for technical issues and design choices that left players unsatisfied. EA admitted that the game didn’t live up to expectations, and despite efforts to improve it, the community pulled back.

With the new Battlefield, EA is reorganizing the production of the series, relying on collaboration from studios like EA Motive, DICE, Criterion, and Ripple Effect, resulting in the largest team ever involved in a title in the series. Zampella also highlighted the importance of regaining community trust. “We have a project that we’re going to announce next year to engage the community even more, because that’s what we have to do – regain the community and regain trust.”

Although a release date has yet to be set, expectations are high and it seems EA is committed to learning from past mistakes and focusing on delivering a solid experience from day one.