- EA’s vision for Battlefield conflicts with what fans are asking for.
- The publisher’s focus on innovation over tradition and its seeming disregard for player feedback remain significant concerns.
- EA must learn from past mistakes and listen to player feedback.
The Battlefield series has long been a favorite of mine, mainly due to its intense, large-scale battles. However, recent releases like Battlefield 2042 have disappointed me and many others, leaving me disillusioned.
Despite EA and DICE promising improvements, it appears they still haven’t quite understood what players really want. The next Battlefield title is set for a major release, with EA CEO Andrew Wilson announcing it will involve the largest development team ever.
Moreover, the next entry will feature heavy live service elements.
Why it matters: Battlefield, a once popular franchise that went toe-to-toe with Call of Duty, has become a shadow of its former self.
The Disconnect
A major problem is the clear gap between what EA believes players want and what they actually desire. Recent announcements from EA suggest they plan to “reimagine” the series with a “connected ecosystem” and focus on live service features.
However, this shift is seen by many as straying from the core Battlefield experience that fans cherish. The release of Battlefield 2042 was troubled by technical problems, missing important features, and decisions that confused longtime fans.
Here’s a ridiculous thing: according to a report, DICE hired over a hundred content creators just to ignore their advice. Despite several improvement patches and content updates, the game never fully regained favor among players.
On forums and social media, players expressed frustration and urged a return to the fundamentals that made earlier entries beloved: reliable gunplay, well-crafted maps, and a strong emphasis on team strategy.
One prime example of EA not listening to what fans want from the franchise is literally the current state of Battlefield 2042. When the game finally received praise following the improvement patches, the publisher announced they would cut support.
Why Live Service?
As I mentioned earlier, the next entry will also implement “tremendous” live service elements. I have mixed feelings about the move to a live service model, which focuses on battle passes and seasonal updates.
While it keeps the game fresh with new content, there’s concern that it detracts from the core gameplay. Battlefield has been criticized for becoming overly focused on grinding for cosmetic rewards, sometimes overshadowing the gameplay experience itself.
Battlefield 2042 made a significant mistake by ditching the traditional class system in favor of a hero-based approach like Rainbow Six Siege. To rebuild player confidence, EA must assure players that the next release will return to its roots, focusing on squad-based gameplay and ensuring a stable launch.
Instead of focusing on live service elements, EA needs to address the core gameplay issues. I’m not seeking another Fortnite or Apex Legends; I crave the authentic Battlefield experience centered on gameplay and massive battles.
EA Continues To Ignore Player Feedback
EA’s disconnect is evident in its seeming disregard for player feedback.
The Battlefield community has clearly expressed what it wants: a focus on the series’ original strengths, like the solid multiplayer modes in Battlefield 1, a well-developed single-player campaign, and less experimentation that distracts from the core experience.
I just need a normal Battlefield, for crying out loud. I can’t comprehend how EA can be so bad at designing something so obvious and straightforward. However, the company’s strategy consistently leans towards innovation while sacrificing tradition.
One positive thing? According to recent findings, campaign mode is expected to make a return.
What I Want From The Next Battlefield Game
EA needs to take a hard look at what made this series successful. Go back to the fundamentals: reliable gunplay, solid core mechanics, and large-scale maps. Battlefield shines brightest when it offers a stage for massive, team-based warfare.
The disastrous release in 2021 should be a lesson learned. Thoroughly polishing the game before launch and conducting extensive beta testing could have prevented many of the technical issues that affected DICE’s last outing with the franchise.
A good single-player campaign can offer a compelling story and attract longtime fans. Battlefield has had mixed results with its campaigns in the past, but they present an opportunity to tell war tales that complement the multiplayer action.
I mean, that’s half the reason why Call of Duty is still popular.
The series is up against tough competition, and it must concentrate on its strengths. Despite the challenges, some fans remain hopeful. With the expertise of various studios, there’s a chance to bring back the IP’s former greatness. I just hope EA doesn’t mess up again.
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Passionate gamer and content creator with vast knowledge of video games, and I enjoy writing content about them. My creativity and ability to think outside the box allow me to approach gaming uniquely. With my dedication to gaming and content creation, I’m constantly exploring new ways to share my passion with others.
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