Battlefield 6 fans have been waiting patiently for official info, though with that not yet coming, gamers have been forced to rely on leaks. Fortunately, there has been no shortage of rumors regarding the highly anticipated sequel, ranging from details on the game’s destruction to odd features like a robot dog. With details on the reveal trailer leaked as well as some screenshots from the actual game, those hopeful about Battlefield 6 have been given plenty of info to ponder.
While fans should obviously be careful when it comes to believing Battlefield 6 rumors, they do seem to paint an interesting picture for the title. In particular, some leaks seem to suggest a bold new vision for the Battlefield brand. When put together, it looks as if there is a chance Battlefield 6 will skip out on the style of consistent releases that franchises like Call of Duty are known for. Instead, the next game might just be a proper platform for Battlefield fans, consistently updated for the entirety of the new console generation.
Evidence For Battlefield 6 Being A Platform
One interesting thing to consider about Battlefield 6 is its supposed title. According to the reputable leaker Tom Henderson, the sequel will simply go by the name “Battlefield.” While this could indicate a soft reboot like 2019’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, it could also hint at something else. If Battlefield 6 were to take the approach of being a proper games-as-a-service title, DICE could continue to update the game for years to come. This instantly makes sense of the name, as the straightforward title of Battlefield indicates that it is the quintessential Battlefield title for the generation.
Alongside this leak, other Battlefield rumors have suggested that Battlefield 6 will be a hub for all the series’ eras and content. Supposedly, there will be different servers in place for modern gameplay, World War 2 era warfare, and other time periods. Guns, vehicles, maps, and character models would all match the time period, adding to the authenticity. While this leak does come from an unproven source, it too would make sense of the title, with the incredibly ambitious game outlines by the leaker not working with a number format. If the game truly is a platform that pulls from every war, then it likely would not continue the numbered format.
Finally, a next-gen only release for Battlefield 6 makes a games-as-a-service Battlefield seem even more possible. Not only does this allow DICE to make the game’s larger player counts and maps work, but this rumored strategy would allow the studio to plan ahead. Battlefield 6 could take full advantage of the next-gen consoles, boasting visuals that look spectacular for years to come. As a result, new games would not be needed, as Battlefield would already be the best that it could be from a technical perspective. Alongside the title of “Battlefield” and the hub game rumor, it seems plausible that players could be enjoying the next entry in the Battlefield franchise for half a decade or longer.
What Battlefield 6 Could Look Like
If DICE does choose to go all-in on a singular Battlefield title, players could see huge expansion-like updates at a yearly rate. Building off the hub game rumor, players could see a new era or war added each year. While the game may start off modern, Battlefield fans could see World War 2 coming to the game in 2022. That year, every battle pass, map addition, and map release could be themed around the global conflict. This could continue in 2023 with a Vietnam-themed content season, with the process repeating itself for the next several years. With plenty of options for themed releases, including nods to Battlefield spinoffs like Bad Company and 2142, this strategy could lead to a truly massive game with a spectacular amount of content.
Big additions could come at any point, as significant changes would not need to be saved for another Battlefield game that is just a few years away. With major additions like Battlefield 6’s supposed battle royale mode already confirmed to be coming after launch, seeing major updates like this addition would become commonplace. Whether it is something like the fan-requested Dino mode or an entirely original idea, players could see the game evolving constantly. With this strategy proving wildly effective for games like Fortnite and Call of Duty: Warzone, it makes sense that Battlefield would attempt an evolving game of its own.
The rumor about a lack of faction-based multiplayer in Battlefield 6 could help this as well, as it would allow DICE to continue adding in new soldiers for players to control. Like the Operators from Call of Duty, playable characters could get some more personality in the next Battlefield game. These could serve as a huge draw for potential battle passes, as would alternate skins for the characters. Weapon and vehicle camos could also be added at a consistent rate, with gamers able to collect new pieces of gear to customize their loadouts. Like other games-as-a-service titles, cosmetic microtransactions seem like a guarantee, and it will be interesting to see how Battlefield handles them. Regardless, there is clearly potential for a long-term Battlefield game, and Battlefield 6 experimenting with the concept could pay off.
How This Strategy Differs From Call of Duty
Based on the leaks for Call of Duty 2021, the game will be taking a hugely different strategy from Battlefield. Activision will supposedly be seeking to maximize the game’s potential audience, with a release planned for all active PlayStation and Xbox platforms. While this will hold the games back graphically, it will surely lead to continued sales success for the franchise. With Call of Duty also sure to continue its yearly release format, it can be expected that another game will drop in 2022, with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 rumored to fill this position.
While some gamers have questioned Call of Duty’s yearly release cycle, it is unlikely to stop anytime soon. Still, it will be interesting to see which of the two games finds more long-term success. While Call of Duty games usually receive a full year of support, with the recent strategy being six Seasons of original content, they quickly die off afterwards. In the case of EA’s flagship FPS, though, there may not be another Battlefield game for some time. While this is a risky move, as the core gameplay being flawed could result in a disaster, it could pay dividends if the game proves popular with fans. If players like the mechanics of Battlefield 6, supporting it for years could be a major positive.
Battlefield 6 possibly being the one and only Battlefield game for the PS5 and Xbox Series X generation is certainly intriguing to think about. While it would be an entirely new direction for the Battlefield series, it could be exactly what the series needs to get back on track. Serving as a fresh beginning after the poorly received Battlefield 5, approaching Battlefield from the angle of an ongoing game seems like a perfect solution. While it may end the yearly competitions between Battlefield and Call of Duty, it could be far better for fans in the long run. As such, if players respond well to the next Battlefield title, they should not be too shocked if it is expanded on for years to come.
Battlefield 6 is in development for unspecified platforms.