Battlefield may be back after announcing Battlefield Labs, a new look, Early Access-esque approach at ensuring we finally get the best possible entry into the franchise, after years of middling efforts. Whether you’re a fan of this development move or not, it’s a smart move by Electronic Arts (EA) to ensure fans can’t complain about the next release.
Battlefield Labs Uses Us to Develop
The dissatisfaction of Battlefield fans is well known, and not only justified, but nearly unanimous in measure. From diminishing returns to a franchise fans don’t recognise, Battlefield isn’t the powerhouse it once was, and has allowed the likes of Call of Duty to release year after year without any real competition. Battlefield Labs looks set to change that.

For those wondering what exactly Battlefield Labs is, the premise is simply and remarkably familiar, especially to PC gamers. Those who sign up and are selected to be involved will be able to play the next Battlefield early, in a playtest sense, trying out new concepts, modes, ideas, and more, and giving their feedback, therefore shaping the next installment, and making the next Battlefield more of what we want. Sign up to be a part of it here.
Vince Zampella, Head of Respawn & Group GM for EA Studios Organization said in a press release statement:
“I’ve been playing Battlefield long before I joined the team. This game has so much potential. To find that potential, with us being pre-alpha, now is the time to test the experiences our teams have been building for our upcoming launch. Battlefield Labs empowers our teams to do that.”
It’s certainly a novel idea in and of itself, but having public playtests so early in development could be taken as a lack of faith in the developer, or as a sign of trust in the fanbase, it’s all a matter of perspective. Many fans were excited, if not apprehensive by the announcement:
Please don't fumble this for the third time in a row, it's been 8 years since we've had a great Battlefield on launch (BF1)
— Synth Potato🥔 (@SynthPotato) February 3, 2025
Looking good, going back to origins. Can’t wait to play what’s shaping up to be a masterpiece
— JPipo 👀 (@JPipo86) February 3, 2025
Some were far less forgiving though, with one scathing fan not holding back:
I've heard all of this shit before. Don't pre-order this crap before they truly deliver. I'm a long fan since BC2 and every release window they tell us how great this new installment is and how much it will deliver to the "true fans of the series".
— Jume Case (@Jumarno76) February 3, 2025
Whatever the outcome, Battlefield Labs looks like EA’s attempt at fixing the many wrongs of the last few years, and it represents an opportunity for fans to do more than shout and complain on social media, but instead get involved and push the franchise in the right direction. How that continues to look and work over the coming months and years as we get closer to the next Battlefield release is unknown, but for now, it has to be given a chance to work before it gets written off.
For more Thumb Wars Gaming coverage, see how The First Berserker: Khazan is facing a Stellar Blade problem, or how Assassin’s Creed Shadows has turned around Ubisoft’s short term struggles.
Luke Addison is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Thumb Wars. Having previously been a part of multiple outlets over the years, including building an entire gaming team from nothing to something, he thought it best to forge his own path and answer only to himself. As likely to be found playing the latest game as he is in the kitchen relaxing (by cooking), he always brings the same bold and brash attitude to everything he does, with a heavy leaning on sarcasm and dry wit!