Highlights

  • Next Battlefield may increase realism with military veteran input.
  • Striking the right balance is crucial to avoid alienating players.
  • A separate realistic mode could cater to fans seeking more immersion.

The Battlefield franchise has gone through a variety of changes since the first game was released back in 2002. As the long-running competitor to Call of Duty, Battlefield has managed to stand on its own thanks to its embrace of realism in its gameplay. Despite both franchises being quite similar, Battlefield's combat mechanics have the edge of feeling more lifelike overall.

Although the games are already known for their grounded gameplay, there are reports suggesting that the next game in the Battlefield franchise has the goal of kicking the realism up a notch. Being developed by EA's Ripple Effect Studios, the company has hired two military veterans in order to make the next title in the series more authentic to real-life war. It makes perfect sense to consult with two people who have had firsthand experience with these scenarios, but it could also be a risky move if taken too far.

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Battlefield Needs to Be Careful With Going Too Hard on Realism

Too Many Changes Could Alienate Players

For the most part, Battlefield is a pretty solid middle ground in terms of its realism. It's more lifelike than Call of Duty, but it's not as realistic and intense as the Arma franchise. There are some concerns about the next Battlefield game, and how far the developers dive into realism could prove to be too drastic of a change. A lot of players wouldn't be too excited about potentially lower health or even taking away the HUD. What types of realistic features will be included hasn't been confirmed, but those are definitely routes Ripple Effect Studios could take.

There are plenty of fans of the shooter genre who love some intense immersion, but a new Battlefield game leaning too far into lifelike gameplay could push some players away. For example, Arma 3 is a complex entry in the shooter genre, and is beloved by many who play it. However, the game's intensity makes it quite a difficult game for a lot of people. The Arma series can be considered slightly niche within the genre, so its embrace of realism works. Battlefield's popularity doesn't make it the best contender for a hyperrealistic approach. There are too many players of differing skill levels who play Battlefield, so making too lifelike of a game could backfire.

One way the next Battlefield could offer the best of both worlds is by making a mode just for realism. Although the game boasts a variety of players with varying skill levels, there is a subset of Battlefield fans who do crave more realism in the franchise. Creating a realistic mode would be a great way to bring this to life while also avoiding pushing other players away.

The Next Battlefield's Delicate Balancing Act

It's great that Ripple Effect Studios has used the Hire Our Heroes program to gain insight from actual military veterans. However, there is a delicate balance that could be difficult to pull off. Through the years, Battlefield has grown a passionate fan base, and although some of them are calling for more realism, there are others who enjoy the current balance the franchise offers. Battlefield has a chance to atone for the mistakes of Battlefield 2042, so there is a lot of pressure on the series at the moment.

As time passes, more news will begin to come to light about the next Battlefield, and hopefully, Ripple Effect Studios and its veteran hires find the right blend between a more immersive experience and not straying too far from what makes Battlefield great. Battlefield has a long legacy, and it would be a shame to see the franchise take another hit after Battlefield 2042.