Battlefield 6 Devs Learn from Battlefield 2042’s Rough Launch
▼ Summary
– Battlefield 2042 underperformed commercially and disappointed fans despite being a top-selling title in 2021.
– Producers stated that lessons from Battlefield 2042’s failures directly influenced the development of Battlefield 6.
– The team focused on core Battlefield pillars—destruction, classes, and vehicles—to realign the franchise’s identity.
– EA restructured leadership, creating Battlefield Studios and hiring former Call of Duty executives to oversee the franchise.
– Battlefield 6’s open beta begins August 7, with the full game launching October 10 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
The rocky launch of Battlefield 2042 has become a valuable lesson for DICE as the studio prepares for the highly anticipated release of Battlefield 6 this October. While the 2021 installment ranked among the top-selling games in the U.S., it fell short of expectations, leaving both fans and publisher EA dissatisfied. Now, the development team is channeling those setbacks into refining the next chapter of the franchise.
In a recent interview, producer Alexia Christofi acknowledged that Battlefield 2042’s shortcomings helped clarify what players truly expect from the series. “We took so many learnings from that experience,” she explained. “Though it strayed from Battlefield’s core identity, it made it easier for fans to pinpoint what was missing, and what we need to deliver in Battlefield 6.”
David Sirland, another key producer, emphasized that the team revisited the franchise’s foundational elements, destruction, class systems, and vehicle combat, to ensure the next installment stays true to its roots. Christofi added that defining these core principles was crucial, as was understanding what the series shouldn’t be.
Sirland elaborated on the importance of setting clear guidelines: “We needed a framework that lasts, something that guides us for a decade or more. It shouldn’t dictate every detail, but it should keep us on track. With 2042, that vision wasn’t always clear, leading to reactive changes rather than a cohesive direction.”
The aftermath of Battlefield 2042’s troubled launch prompted significant changes within DICE and EA. Rebecka Coutaz, the studio’s general manager, openly admitted the disappointment surrounding the game’s reception. Leadership shifts followed, including the departure of former GM Oskar Gabrielson and a broader restructuring.
EA also established Battlefield Studios, a dedicated division overseeing the franchise’s future. This new structure brings together DICE, Criterion, Ripple Effect, and Motive under one umbrella, with industry veterans like Byron Beede (formerly of Call of Duty) and Vince Zampella steering the ship.
With Battlefield 6, EA aims to regain player trust by doubling down on what makes the series unique. Beyond the core multiplayer and campaign, a new battle royale mode is also in development, expanding the game’s appeal.
Fans won’t have to wait long to see these changes in action. An open beta kicks off on August 7, initially for a select group before rolling out more widely later in the month. The full game launches on October 10 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Whether Battlefield 6 can reclaim its place in a crowded market remains to be seen, but the lessons from 2042 have undoubtedly shaped its evolution.
(Source: GAMESPOT)
