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News of the nextBattlefieldgame has arrived, and with it, a sense of cautious optimism. After the rocky launch and lukewarm reception ofBattlefield 2042, EA promised a course correction for the series, leading many fans to believe it might break away from the live-service formula2042tried.
As it turns out, the publisher has decided tostick with the same live-service philosophyfor the next entry in the franchise, instead giving it the largest development team in the series’ history and thinking the solution to the problem is throwing more money at it.
Live Service WasBattlefield 2042‘s Biggest Failing
The sheer size of the assembled team – spanning studios like DICE, Motive, Ripple Effect, and Criterion – is impressive. At the same time, though, theclosure of Ridgeline Studios, which was developing a standalone, single-playerBattlefieldgame, seems even more puzzling in light of the promise of a “connected” single-player mode in the next mainline title.
EA somewhat acknowledged the shortcomings ofBattlefield 2042, claiming the next iteration will be a “deeper experience” based on player feedback. The sentiment is appreciated, but hollow, because player feedback surely didn’t ask for more live-service content drops and monetization opportunities.
Real Reason Battlefield Fell from Grace Way Before 2042
2042was extremely barebones at launch, relying on post-launch updates to deliver the feeling of completeness it should’ve offered on launch day. It also sacrificed a cohesive narrative and world-building in favor of a segmented, “seasonal” story delivery.
The financialsuccess ofApex Legends, another heavily monetized live-service title from EA, suggests that the publisher is greatly intent on securing another long-term cash cow, and what better franchise to leverage it from thanBattlefield, which has the potential to beCall of Duty‘s antithesis?
Fans Are Upset At EA Shoehorning Live Service In Everything
Suffice to say, the continued focus on live-service has disappointed much of theBattlefieldfanbase that yearns for a more traditional, content-rich experience. YouTuber Kommander Karl recently expressed his dissatisfaction at EA’s money-hungry nature with a hilarious clip onTwitter, and several others shared the sentiment.
‘it will be a tremendous live service.’
I already know I don’t want to play this game, ty Andrew!
— Luc // HiddenXperia (@HiddenXperia)June 23, 2025
What’s with studios and this live service crap?
— 🇪🇸Señor Miller🇺🇸 (@Senor_Joel2023)August 03, 2025
I ain’t even hoping anymore.
— Lambda McLambdaface (@MadFighterPilot)June 11, 2025
Battlefield 6: EA Needs to Take 1 Radical Measure to Score a Win Against Call of Duty
Wow I already hate the new battlefield game before it came out.
— Alex Wüten (@CMDR_Solace)June 24, 2025
They really didn’t learn from the last game? Come on.pic.twitter.com/jwoZFmcVbk
— Nocticula (@Noct1cula)July 09, 2025
Q: “Will the next one be a good game?”
(E)A: “Probably not… But it will be a tremendous live service!”
— Fritz X (@EinFritzMitX)July 16, 2025
While the live-service model does carry the potential for continuous content updates and a longer lifespan, more often than not, the execution falls flat. Moreover, a not-insignificant number of service games that flop are abandoned by the developers fairly quickly, making them a futile purchase.
Bugs, balance issues, and a lack of meaningful content additions also have a real chance of plaguing these titles, leading to player frustration.2042exhibited all these problems, yet EA has doubled down on the model for the next game. No wonder fans are frustrated.
Perhaps the biggest concern, though, is the erosion ofBattlefield‘s identity. The series was once renowned for its large-scale battles, teamwork focus, and in the case ofBad Company1and2, a damn good campaign. The live-service model, with its emphasis on monetization and seasonal content, seems at odds with this core identity, and risks turningthe next game into aWarzoneclone.
All Battlefield Games, Ranked
While it’s also entirely possible that the nextBattlefieldgame could just be so good that it revitalizes the franchise, it’ll require a clear vision and roadmap from EA. But most importantly, it just needs to launch in a feature-complete state. That’d instantly make it better than2042, but what aboutCall of Duty? That remains to be seen.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Content Writer
Articles Published :247
A lifelong gamer, lover of cars, and Master’s student of Automotive Journalism, Viraaj Bhatnagar is a gaming writer at FandomWire who aims to be one of the greats. When he’s not hunched over on his laptop typing out copy, he can be found lapping circuits in Gran Turismo or slaying draugr in God of War.
