Report Claims battlefield‘s Next campaign in Trouble
Anticipation is high for the next installment in the Battlefield series. However, a recent report paints a concerning picture for the game’s single-player component. According to sources, development on the Battlefield 6 campaign is facing significant hurdles. The situation is reportedly dire, potentially leading to an unfinished or compromised launch. This news could disappoint fans eager for a robust narrative experience alongside the franchise’s signature multiplayer chaos. The state of the campaign is a major question mark hanging over the game’s highly anticipated release.
Battlefield is famous for its large-scale online battles. Players command vehicles, aircraft, and infantry across huge maps. Destruction and high player counts define the multiplayer experience. This epic scope often overshadows the series’ single-player campaigns. While not always critically acclaimed like Call of Duty‘s stories, Battlefield campaigns typically add value. They offer cinematic moments and a different pace from the multiplayer grind. Battlefield 2042 notably shipped without a campaign. This decision drew heavy criticism from the player base. EA previously confirmed the next Battlefield would include a campaign. This came as a relief to many after 2042‘s omission.
Development Hurdles and Studio Changes
The report comes from ARS Technica, detailing years of development challenges. It highlights the campaign as particularly impacted. Development began far behind schedule from the outset. Sources suggest it has struggled to catch up ever since. The campaign was initially under the direction of Ridgeline Games. However, that studio closed down, disrupting progress. Development responsibilities were then shifted to other internal teams. Criterion, known for their work on racing games and Battlefield‘s vehicles, is now reportedly involved. This transition likely added further complications and delays to an already struggling project. Developers are now reportedly worried about the timeline.
The current concern is that substantial work is needed. This must happen through the remainder of 2025. Without this intense effort, the campaign might launch in a rough state. One source told ARS Technica about potential compromises. This could involve cutting single-player missions entirely. These removed missions might then be released post-launch. However, this approach poses challenges for a linear narrative. The campaign is estimated to be around six hours long. Fragmenting a story-driven experience across multiple releases is complex. It risks undermining the narrative flow and player experience.
Multiplayer Focus Takes Priority
The core focus for any Battlefield game is its multiplayer. This remains true for the next installment. Sources indicate this prioritization has directly impacted the campaign’s development. Extensive resources and attention are clearly directed towards the online modes. EA and DICE are reportedly conducting the largest external playtest in the series’ history. This is a major effort to avoid issues seen with Battlefield 2042‘s launch. The playtesting focuses heavily on core gameplay loops and maps. Recent leaks from the alpha test even confirmed the return of the fan-favorite Rush mode. These leaks, while unofficial, have generated positive buzz for the multiplayer.
The team is reportedly scaling back some ambitions compared to 2042. This includes potentially targeting 64-player maps as the primary experience. This is a shift from 2042‘s divisive 128-player modes. The return of the traditional four-class system is also expected. Improved environmental destruction is another rumored feature. These elements suggest a deliberate effort to return to the series’ roots. This intensive focus on refining the multiplayer experience, while crucial, seems to have left the single-player component lagging behind. It highlights the challenge of developing two distinct modes simultaneously within tight deadlines.
What an Unfinished Campaign Means for Fans and EA
The pressure is immense for this new Battlefield title. EA needs it to be a massive success. The company is aiming for an unprecedented 100 million players across all modes. This includes potentially free-to-play offerings. This target is three times higher than any previous peak for the franchise. Recent entries have damaged the series’ reputation. Battlefield 2042‘s troubled launch and ongoing issues left many fans disillusioned. The next game must serve as a redemption. It needs to prove that the series can still deliver a polished, high-quality package.
Risks of a Rough Launch
Releasing a “busted” single-player campaign carries significant risks. It could immediately generate negative publicity. Critics and players would likely focus on the unfinished state. This would reinforce existing negative perceptions about the franchise’s quality control. It could overshadow any improvements made to the multiplayer. A poor campaign launch could lead to negative reviews and reduced sales interest. It might particularly alienate players who value the single-player experience. This group, while maybe smaller than the multiplayer base, still contributes to the game’s overall success and perception. Avoiding another launch debacle is critical for EA. A troubled campaign would be a major hurdle to achieving that goal.
Release Window Pressure
The next Battlefield game is currently expected to launch sometime between now and Spring 2025. Many anticipate a Fall 2024 release. This aligns with the series’ traditional launch window. It also helps avoid direct competition with the highly anticipated GTA 6. Rockstar recently confirmed GTA 6 is set for a May 2026 release. While this pushes the date back from its speculated Fall 2025 window, it still impacts the industry. Publishers often strategically plan releases around major titles like GTA. EA likely wants to release Battlefield well before GTA 6 dominates the market.
Given this tight schedule, a crucial question arises. Would EA delay the entire game solely to allow more time for the campaign? It appears unlikely. The company is under immense pressure to release the game. They need a hit soon to revitalize the franchise. Postponing the entire project for a component seen as secondary could be deemed too risky financially. The focus seems to be on ensuring the core multiplayer experience is solid for launch. This further suggests the campaign might be the part that suffers under the deadline pressure.
Hopes for a Series Redemption
Despite the concerns, there are indicators of EA’s desire for a quality product. The extensive multiplayer playtesting suggests they are listening to feedback. They are gathering data on core game systems early on. This proactive approach is a positive sign. It stands in contrast to the issues faced by Battlefield 2042. EA has stated its intent to deliver a great game. However, the report specifically highlights the campaign’s struggles within this broader development context. Turning the campaign’s state around will require significant effort and time. Whether the development teams can achieve this before the targeted release window remains uncertain.
An official reveal for the new Battlefield game is expected this summer. Fans are hoping for details on gameplay, modes, and potentially a title. However, it’s unclear if EA will share information about the campaign’s state at that time. The focus of the reveal may heavily lean towards the more stable multiplayer aspects. Only time will tell if the campaign can recover. Its final state at launch will significantly impact the game’s overall reception and the franchise’s future trajectory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main concern about the next Battlefield campaign?
The primary concern is that the campaign mode for the upcoming Battlefield game is reportedly in a “dire state” and significantly behind schedule. Sources suggest it may release unfinished or compromised, potentially lacking content compared to original plans.
Why is the Battlefield campaign reportedly struggling?
The campaign’s issues are attributed to several factors. Its development started behind schedule, and it was impacted by the closure of its initial developer, Ridgeline Games, requiring other studios like Criterion to take over. Furthermore, the core development focus appears to be heavily prioritized on the game’s multiplayer modes.
Could the Battlefield campaign be released with missing missions?
Yes, according to a report, one potential compromise being considered is cutting some single-player missions from the initial launch. These missions might then be released at a later date post-launch. However, incorporating cut content into a linear story after release presents significant narrative and technical challenges.
