Summary
TheBattlefieldfranchise has gone through a variety of changes since the first game was released back in 2002. As the long-running competitor toCall of Duty,Battlefieldhas 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 thatthe next game in theBattlefieldfranchisehas 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.
Battlefield Needs to Be Careful With Going Too Hard on Realism
Too Many Changes Could Alienate Players
For the most part,Battlefieldis a pretty solid middle ground in terms of its realism. It’s more lifelike thanCall of Duty, but it’s not as realistic and intense as theArmafranchise. There are someconcerns about the nextBattlefieldgame, 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 newBattlefieldgame leaning too far into lifelike gameplay could push some players away. For example,Arma 3is 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. TheArmaseries 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 playBattlefield, so making too lifelike of a game could backfire.
One waythe nextBattlefieldcould offer the best of both worldsis by making a mode just for realism. Although the game boasts a variety of players with varying skill levels, there is a subset ofBattlefieldfans 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,Battlefieldhas 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.Battlefieldhas a chance to atone for themistakes ofBattlefield 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 nextBattlefield, 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 makesBattlefieldgreat.Battlefieldhas a long legacy, and it would be a shame to see the franchise take another hit afterBattlefield 2042.
