While Call of Duty releases a new iteration every year with updated mechanics and classic multiplayer, Battlefield takes more time in between each entry instead of annual releases. Including Battlefield 6, DICE has presumably taken its time on development, releasing little to no updates for their large-scale multiplayer in the time between. With rumors and leaks for Battlefield 6 circulating, DICE should avoid comparisons to its predecessor, Call of Duty: WW2, even if it does use the setting of history's most infamous large-scale war.
Since these two shooter franchises are oftentimes similar, both being multiplayer first-person shooters on a surface level, it's no surprise fans imagine a friendly rivalry between them. However, with Battlefield returning three years after the disappointing Battlefield 5, some fans hope that the Battlefield and Call of Duty rivalry will be reignited. Seeing as a World War 2 setting didn't work well for Battlefield 5, it makes sense that the franchise would return to a modern setting where DICE has the freedom to create. With the new Call of Duty reportedly going back to WW2, Battlefield's next entry shouldn't tread similar ground like a WW2 Call of Duty title might.
Battlefield 6:Â War Stories
There is not a lot of information currently released about Battlefield 6, even though the gaming community is expecting a full reveal in the weeks ahead. This is all based on rumors, leaks, and the few comments made by the developers. That being said, it seems the new Battlefield will be a rebirth for the franchise that has made it's mark on the genre by having destructible environments and realistic combat. War Stories are supposedly making a return, which sees players taking on different perspectives in the story. This is very similar to how the campaign worked in Call of Duty: WW2.
In a world war, it only makes sense to tell the story and struggle from multiple perspectives, but Battlefield 6 will have to introduce a new spin on the mode. While there were multiple characters in Call of Duty: WW2, the main story revolved around a protagonist's squad. However, a way that Battlefield 6 could differentiate would be to create individual campaigns for each character as opposed to a mission or two throughout the main protagonist's story.
It would have to also evolve on top of how DICE has previously handled the War Stories mode: War Stories should flesh out the experiences and make the soldiers or suburban heroes actual people who get affected by this new attack on their homes. Characters could alternate between using guns and the vehicles that have also been really present in the Battlefield universe as well.
What's Known About Battlefield 6's Story
DICE has managed to keep most details significantly under wraps about its upcoming game. There have been a few details about what players can expect from this new Battlefield, like an increased player count and a hope to scale-up the battles in multiplayer. It makes sense DICE would seek to improve upon Battlefield 5, which performed less than satisfactory for EA on release. According to a tease at EA Play last year, the battles and destructible environment will evolve thanks to next-gen PC and console tech. However, past games have proved that it takes more than a pretty environment and a lot of players to keep the fanbase engaged over time.
There are many that are disappointed in DICE and EA for the Battlefield series. It certainly didn't help when support for Battlefield 5 was abruptly ended last summer. That being said, this could truly be a new beginning for the Battlefield franchise, putting the once ubiquitous series in contest with the most popular shooters in the genre today.
Battlefield 6 is in development for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, with a targeted release window of Holiday 2021.