Battlefield 6 is set to be the next game in the enduring franchise. There currently isn't a lot of information known about the game, but there has been a steady flow of rumors about it for some time now. Players know that it's being developed by EA DICE and that Criterion Games have been drafted to assist with its development. The game is currently scheduled to be released in 2021, but as with any game currently in development, it's hard not to think a delay could be possible. While official information is few and far between, a recent rumor regarding the setting of the game fuels further speculation.
There is a lot of information surrounding Battlefield 6 currently doing the rounds online. While few details have been confirmed, some of the unofficial information seems reasonable for a Battlefield game on the new generation of consoles. It has been suggested that the game will feature lobbies of up to 128 players, which would make for large-scale conflicts that fans would no doubt love to experience. Players will have to wait to see if any of the rumors are true when the game is formally revealed, but a recent rumor regarding its location raises further questions.
Battlefield 6's Most Recent Rumored Location
While no official announcements have been made regarding its location, the latest rumors suggest that Battlefield 6 will be set in Kazakhstan. This rumor originates from two sources, with one being from a Battlefield tech demo from 2020, where eagle-eyed fans noticed a series of numbers that point to Kazakhstan when translated to GPS coordinates. The other point of origin which points to Kazakhstan comes from Battlefield 5's Eidolon skin, which contains Roman numerals that also translate to Kazakhstan GPS coordinates. It could be a coincidence that both of these sources happen to point to Kazakhstan, but with no official confirmation, it's currently hard to know.
The Battlefield series is no stranger to Kazakhstan, with Battlefield 2 and Battlefield 2: Modern Combat partly taking place in the country. This rumor in isolation doesn't suggest a ton about the game, but when it's coupled with other rumors that gamers have heard, it starts to raise some further questions. There has been a lot of gossip surrounding Battlefield 6 and with the context of a Kazakhstan setting, some of the unofficial information is potentially more interesting.
When Battlefield 6 is Set
One of the most prevalent rumors has been that Battlefield 6 will take place during a fictional World War 3. This would suggest that the new game will be set in the present-day and possibly feature fictionalized enemies and factions. This could tie-in on some level with the suggestion that the enemies in the game would be part of a Russian group, but it could take the writers some work to try and involve Kazakhstan in a modern war primarily contested between the United States and Russia. While Kazakhstan and Russia continue to have close relations in modern times, the relationship between the two nations is more multifaceted than earlier 20th-century history, so it might not make as much sense for this alliance to take place in a contemporary setting.
There are definite pros and cons with having Battlefield 6 in a modern setting and the Kazakhstan rumor doesn't tie into it too neatly. One other option that could be explored by DICE is a 20th-century setting when Kazakhstan was still a part of the Soviet Union. Using this time period might be a more natural way to involve Kazakhstan in the conflict of Battlefield 6 without it coming across as too forced. While this notion might not be ideal for some fans, it could be a more fitting way to involve Kazakhstan as a location.
The Likelihood of Multiple Locations
Previous entries in Battlefield have used multiple locations and this could be the route DICE might take for Battlefield 6. While a Kazakhstan setting has been rumored, it also doesn't mean that it's the only location that will be used. Battlefield 2, for example, used several different fronts for its central fictionalized war, and considering the capabilities of modern consoles, it's not beyond the realms of possibility that DICE could look to do the same with the sixth main entry game. It remains to be seen if Kazakhstan will be the only featured location, but having multiple could make more sense for the new title.
Battlefield 6 Could Feature Russian Villains
Fans currently aren't fully sure of what to expect from Battlefield 6 but if some of the rumors turn out to be true, it seems as though gamers will be contending with Russian villains once again. As a part of the World War 3 setting rumor, Russians have been named as the primary antagonist. Even if DICE were to explore a 20th-century setting and use Kazakhstan, it would be very likely that the Soviet Union would be positioned as the antagonists. The likelihood of this might be exasperating for some fans, as Russian villains have been used in a shedload of war games to date and some gamers might be looking for something new. While the rumors are unofficial and nothing has been confirmed, it's hard to deny that there is a possibility of this happening in the new Battlefield game.
Battlefield 6 might be formally revealed soon as the title is currently due for release at the tail-end of 2021. The rumor mill continues to turn, with unofficial information regarding everything from its location to maps and modes being subject to gossip. As with all rumors, it's best to wait until official details are confirmed. The Kazakhstan rumor has certain implications and raises even more questions. It's suggestive of different possible time periods, especially in light of other rumors, but nothing is for certain as of yet. Gamers might have to wait a little longer for concerns and rumors to be addressed.
Battlefield 6 is currently in development for unspecified platforms and is scheduled for release in late 2021.