Amidst recent reports, it’s been hinted that the next installment in the Battlefield series will debut alongside a free-to-play Battle Royale mode. While Battlefield had previously introduced its own Battle Royale mode with Firestorm, it required players to own the base game, limiting its accessibility in an already competitive market.
The Battlefield franchise has faced challenges in recent years. The release of Battlefield 2042 in late 2021 didn’t meet expectations for DICE,
drawing significant criticism from fans. However, DICE has shown dedication by continuously updating Battlefield 2042 with new content and improvements, leading to a more favorable reception over time.
According to Tom Henderson’s report on Insider Gaming, the upcoming Battlefield title will include a free-to-play Battle Royale mode, set in a timeframe “somewhere around 2025-2030.” This mode, developed by Ripple Effect (formerly DICE LA), won’t require purchasing the base game, aiming to broaden its player base and compete more effectively in the Battle Royale market. Henderson also suggests a potential release date for the game in October, although delays into the following year are possible, with some advocating for Battlefield to skip a 2024 release.
While Battlefield and the Battle Royale genre may appear to complement each other with large-scale action and vehicular combat, the market is already saturated with popular titles like Apex Legends and Call of Duty: Warzone. Winning over players entrenched in their favorite Battle Royale experiences will require something exceptional. Unlike Firestorm, which was tied to Battlefield 5 ownership, the prospect of a free-to-play Battlefield Battle Royale could be a game-changer.
Recent developments regarding the Battlefield franchise have kept enthusiasts engaged. Ridgeline Games, a studio involved in future Battlefield projects, experienced a setback with the departure of its co-founder.
While Ridgeline Games focuses on single-player Battlefield experiences, this change may cause temporary disruptions internally. However, if a free-to-play Battlefield Battle Royale is indeed in development, fans anticipate EA’s official announcement in the near future.