Summary
A new release for theBattlefieldfranchise seems likely in the next few years, with the 2021-releasedBattlefield 2042recently ending its long road of post-launch support. While it is true that2042garnered a lot of controversy closer to its launch, the improvements that were made to the game over the years set the franchise in good stead to learn from its mistakes and move forward on the right path.
It has been confirmed by EA that a newBattlefieldtitle is in development, reportedly led by the largest team that the IP has ever seen, with this project potentially launching around 2025 or 2026. Some fans are already disappointed at the news that this next title will be a live-service experience, like2042, but hope should still exist around the unique opportunity that this release will provide. It is heavily rumored thatCall of Dutywill move back towards futuristic settings in 2027, for example, and the nextBattlefieldcould appeal to this setting before its largest competitor does.
Battlefield Could Take the Futuristic Spotlight From Call of Duty with its Next Release
Call of Dutyhas stood as one of the most dominant first-person shooter franchisesfor a long time, with its annual release schedule and wide range of development studios turning it into a true powerhouse of the industry.Battlefieldhas been competing for FPS market share and a playerbase withCall of Dutyfor some time, with the former often struggling to meet the same sales numbers and widespread popularity as the latter.
Despite this,Battlefieldhas always found unique ways to market itself through experiences thatCoDdoes not really provide, withBattlefieldoften being associated with more large-scale and immersive gameplaythan the Activision IP. The settings of games that fall under both franchises usually contrast each other, with more recent years seeingBattlefieldexplore the Second World War and the near future whileCall of Dutyhas portrayed the modern day and recent history.
It is known thatCoDis maintaining these kinds ofsettings in 2024 with the 90s-setBlack Ops 6, but rumors suggest that the franchise is gearing up to release a sequel to 2014’sAdvanced Warfarein 2027. The in-game events of the firstAdvanced Warfareended in 2061, meaning a sequel could very likely go even further into the future, with this being reflected in advancements to weaponry and warfare as a whole.
Battlefield Can Look to its Past to Capitalize on the Future
This brand of gameplay would mark a new era inCoD, breaking away from its recent focus on modern grounded conflicts, butBattlefieldfinds itself in the perfect place to release its own future-focused game that goes beyond the near-future themes of2042.Battlefieldhas already explored a far-future setting with 2006’sBattlefield 2142, with many fans considering this project to be a relatively underappreciated hidden gem of the franchise.
Having learned many lessons from the near-future setting and game mechanics of2042, DICE could expand upon this for its next project while going further into the future, like2142. The core gameplay and themes of this setting would be very similar to whatCoD’sAdvanced Warfaresequel is likely to explore in 2027, and getting a few years head start on such a dramatic change forCall of Dutycould do wonders forBattlefield. While it will always be difficult forBattlefieldto truly compete withCall of Duty, a smartly timed2142-styled release could let it land the first punch in what seems to be a new upcoming era for FPS titles.
Battlefield 2042
WHERE TO PLAY
Battlefield 2042 is a first-person shooter that marks the return to the iconic all-out warfare of the franchise. With the help of a cutting-edge arsenal, engage in intense, immersive multiplayer battles.Lead your team to victory in both large all-out warfare and close-quarters combat on maps from the world of 2042 and classic Battlefield titles. Find your playstyle in class-based gameplay and take on several experiences comprising elevated versions of Conquest and Breakthrough. Explore Battlefield Portal, a platform where players can discover, create, and share unexpected battles from Battlefield’s past and present.This game includes optional in-game purchases of virtual currency that can be used to acquire virtual in-game items.
