Will Battlefield 6 be the next big esports FPS game?

The following Battlefield, tentatively referred to as Battlefield 6 or Battlefield 7, relying on the place you look, could possibly be coming earlier than you assume. Developed by DICE and printed by Digital Arts (EA) because the sequence’ debut in 2002 with Battlefield 1942, the first-person-shooter sport has turn out to be as iconic as Call of Duty, however in numerous methods.

For example, gamers extra fondly bear in mind the tactical facet of Battlefield’s multiplayer mode, with its sprawling matches, normally set in World Conflict I or II, Vietnam, or a fictional near-future conflict that lets gamers use weapons and autos to win the extent or a multiplayer match. The most recent sport, Battlefield 2042, launched in 2021, was not well-received, with most in settlement that the sport felt buggy, and far of the multiplayer was additionally missing the joy that others like Name of Obligation: Warzone and VALORANT have constantly had since their respective launches.

With EA confirming that the subsequent Battlefield is coming by March 2026, there are playtests in progress, referred to as Battlefield Labs, testing out varied options of the subsequent entry. Already, there are leaked stories that this subsequent sport may succeed the place Battlefield 2042 failed. With this in thoughts, we’ve checked out what’s rumoured to date and whether or not the subsequent Battlefield could possibly be the subsequent huge esports sport.

Battlefield 6, or 7, is the subsequent mainline sport within the Battlefield sequence, which is rumoured to happen within the close to way forward for 2027-2030, with a back-to-basics strategy for this entry. In a chat with IGN, Head of Respawn & Group GM for EA Studios Group Vince Zampella confirmed this contemporary setting, however with an intention to get again to the enjoyable of Battlefield 1942 and Battlefield 4.

Though nothing has been confirmed but to disclose what’s new and what’s making a return, a number of Battlefield 6 beta leaks have come out over the previous few months, regardless. YouTuber JackFrags has showcased unauthorised footage from the Battlefield Labs playtests, in addition to predicting that the subsequent sport could possibly be introduced later in the summertime. There are different rumours that the 64-player map will stay, however the variety of weapons accessible will double what was in Battlefield 2042.

Nonetheless, the rumours and playtests could possibly be completely mistaken, and we may see official Battlefield 6 gameplay set in a totally totally different period when it’s introduced. So, for now, it’s in all probability clever to maintain expectations to a minimal.

Though some followers assume that the subsequent Battlefield could possibly be the sequence’ final probability, it’s one thing we’ve heard earlier than in lots of different video games which have had low moments. For instance, Name of Obligation: Superior Warfare, launched in 2014, was billed by some because the sequence’ final probability after the frustration of Name of Obligation: Ghosts in 2013, on account of its lack of improvements and acquainted single-player marketing campaign.

When followers dedicate their money and time to one thing, whether or not that’s a sport, a film sequence, or one thing else completely, they need to make it possible for their time is price it. Subsequently, when issues don’t go to plan, statements are mentioned that could possibly be seen as over-dramatic, that they’ll by no means contribute to the sequence once more. However, like Name of Obligation, video games like Ghosts turn out to be a faint reminiscence, being dismissed as a quick low level earlier than transferring on.

EA, proprietor of DICE, is a multi-billion-dollar firm. They will write off the lack of a sport in a long-standing sequence and resolve whether or not to take their time with the subsequent entry or launch one other sport in fast succession.

For the subsequent Battlefield, DICE and EA have clearly selected the previous. It’s nearly 4 years because the launch of Battlefield 2042, whatever the seven-season expansions the sport has had since then. The developer needs to take their time with the subsequent Battlefield entry, and that exhibits with the Battlefield Labs initiative. With rumours of a 2026 launch, we’ll probably see Battlefield 6 introduced sooner relatively than later. 

An enormous a part of what units aside the Battlefield sequence from Name of Obligation, and even Medal of Honor earlier than it, was how extra tactical it felt. If you play a match in Name of Obligation, you’re normally dropped straight into the motion to rack up factors, win, progress to the subsequent degree, after which begin one other match.

With Battlefield, persistence is the secret relatively than close-quarters motion. The maps are far greater, stuffed with choices for automobile fight by way of tanks, helicopters, jets, and extra. There are additionally damaging environments, including to the joy when teamwork wins out.

If DICE will get the subsequent Battlefield proper this time, there’s potential for it to be a simple contender at esports tournaments in 2026. Though a lot of the video games featured at tournaments like EVO and shortly the Esports World Cup (EWC) are fast-paced, different, slower video games like League of Legends and Dota 2 have additionally turn out to be among the biggest esports games, and Battlefield may fill a distinct segment. Video games like Counter-Strike 2 and Rainbow Six Siege have confirmed that, however Battlefield 6 may assist outline that additional for gamers.

Having a first-person-shooter that’s slower-paced, however with an enormous payoff on the finish by way of destructible environments, could possibly be an enormous showcase at tournaments for gamers and viewers alike. All of it depends upon DICE getting the method of Battlefield proper this time.

DICE is in a singular place for the subsequent Battlefield sport. They’ve taken their time, having clearly learnt classes from Battlefield 2042. And whereas the Battlefield Labs are underneath strict NDA lock and key agreements, there’s a way that issues are on the right track relating to gameplay and graphics.

If rumours of a Summer season 2025 announcement for Battlefield 6 are true, it may give us the earliest indication that we may see the sport at a number of esports tournaments in 2026. With Call of Duty: Warzone being the fast-paced first-person-shooter, Battlefield may fill a distinct segment at these occasions with its tactical, slow-paced battles with an enormous payoff.

However, it appears to be like like all will probably be revealed quickly, and Battlefield 2042, like Name of Obligation: Ghosts, will merely be seen as a quick low level in a long-celebrated sequence. If DICE delivers with Battlefield 6, it may redefine what a tactical-based first-person-shooter could possibly be within the esports scene.