Rumors Suggest Upcoming Battlefield Game Might Introduce Battle Royale Gameplay

A new report has suggested that the upcoming Battlefield game will debut alongside a free-to-play Battle Royale mode. While Battlefield already has Firestorm as its Battle Royale, it required players to own the base game, limiting its player base in a competitive market.

It has been a challenging period for the Battlefield franchise in recent years. The release of Battlefield 2042 in late 2021 did not meet expectations for DICE, with the studio facing criticism for what many considered one of the weakest entries in the series. Despite this, DICE has been diligent in updating Battlefield 2042 with new content and fixes, improving the game's overall state. Moving forward, there is optimism that the next installment will benefit from this experience and have a stronger launch.

According to a report by Tom Henderson for Insider Gaming, the upcoming Battlefield title is rumored to include a free-to-play Battle Royale mode set in the years 2025-2030. The mode is said to be developed by Ripple Effect, formerly known as DICE LA, and will not require players to purchase the base game. This strategic move is aimed at increasing the game's chances of success in the competitive Battle Royale market. Henderson also suggests a potential release date for the next Battlefield title in October, although delays could push it to the following year, with some advocating for a 2024 release skip.

Battlefield 2042 Tornado - Will the Next Battlefield Have A Battle Royale Mode?

There is a natural fit between Battlefield and the Battle Royale genre at first glance. The combination of large-scale action, vehicular combat, and a high player count seems like a winning formula. However, with the success of games like Apex Legends in 2019 and the initial release of Call of Duty: Warzone in 2020, it raises the question of whether Battlefield may have missed its chance. Many players already have their preferred Battle Royale games, and it would take something truly exceptional to sway them. Although Battlefield 5's Firestorm mode was available, it required owning the base game, so a new free-to-play Battlefield Battle Royale could be a game-changer.

The future direction of the Battlefield franchise has been quite eventful in the past few days. Ridgeline Games, a studio involved in the series, recently lost its studio co-founder for future Battlefield games. Despite Ridgeline Games' focus on single-player Battlefield experiences, the departure may lead to some temporary internal disruptions. While this development is unlikely to impact the Battle Royale news, if a free-to-play Battlefield Battle Royale is in development, fans are eagerly anticipating an official announcement from EA.

Editor's P/S:

The prospect of a free-to-play Battlefield Battle Royale mode is an exciting development that could revitalize the franchise. By eliminating the barrier of entry faced by Firestorm, EA can attract a broader player base and increase the game's competitiveness in the saturated Battle Royale market. This strategic move not only caters to the growing demand for free-to-play experiences but also aligns well with Battlefield's strengths in large-scale warfare and vehicular combat.

The timing of this announcement is particularly intriguing, coinciding with the recent departure of Ridgeline Games' studio co-founder. While this may cause some internal disruptions, it underscores EA's commitment to the Battlefield franchise and their willingness to explore new directions. Fans eagerly await an official announcement to confirm the existence of this free-to-play Battle Royale mode and to witness how it shapes the future of Battlefield.