Once a fierce competitor to Call of Duty, the Battlefield series, published by EA, has struggled to hold its ground in the bustling first-person shooter market. The last two releases, Battlefield 5 and Battlefield 2042, failed to hit the mark both critically and commercially, with the latter’s tumultuous debut leaving a lasting dent in the series’ reputation. While these games have seen some improvement since their initial launch, Battlefield is still far from its glory days.
EA is banking on the upcoming mainline Battlefield game to rejuvenate the franchise. This new entry, currently under the wings of seasoned developer DICE and Star Wars: Battlefront 2’s creator, Motive Studio, remains under wraps. However, EA’s top brass, including CEO Andrew Wilson, have hinted at its development, describing it as a “reimagination” of Battlefield. What precisely this reimagining entails remains a mystery, yet if EA’s strategy aligns with that of Activision’s rumored direction for Call of Duty, there could be exciting times ahead.
Turning our gaze to the Call of Duty series, we find a franchise that has consistently rolled out new installments annually since 2005. Insider Gaming suggests that 2025’s Call of Duty will serve as a sequel to the 2012 hit, Call of Duty: Black Ops 2. Allegedly codenamed ‘Saturn,’ this game is expected to blend new multiplayer maps with remastered classics from Black Ops 2. Additionally, fans might see the return of round-based zombies, the Gunfight mode, and the nostalgic Pick 10 ‘Create-a-Class’ system last featured in Black Ops 4.
If these rumors pan out, Activision’s choice to follow Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 with a sequel to Black Ops 2 is shrewd. Given the latter’s status as a fan favorite, revisiting its successful formula seems logical. Further, after a spate of releases set in either the past or present, a futuristic installment would offer a refreshing shift in tone for the franchise.
For Battlefield, perhaps drawing some lessons from Call of Duty’s playbook wouldn’t go amiss. Instead of opting between a complete overhaul or playing on fans’ nostalgia for the next Battlefield game, EA might explore a balance of both. Introducing standout features—be it innovative real-time destruction, expansive environments, or even a battle royale mode—could help set it apart, much like the enhancements seen in Black Ops 6.
Furthermore, there’s merit in considering a sequel to one of Battlefield’s earlier successes, such as Battlefield 3. By sticking to tried-and-true elements and combining them with new twists, EA could tap into a formula that resonates. A follow-up to Battlefield 3 that blends fresh and retrospective content, from maps to fighter jets, could strike a chord with both new players and long-time enthusiasts alike.
The Battlefield franchise, with its diverse settings spanning modern warfare to historical conflicts, shares common ground with Call of Duty, not least in its offering of both single-player and multiplayer experiences. As it strives to reclaim its standing, a thoughtfully crafted new installment could well be the key to winning back the hearts of its fans.
