With it appearing that the next game in EA’sBattlefieldfranchise will embrace a live service model, the iconic shooter series could soon be in for the biggest shakeup it’s seen in years. Although details about the next entry remain sparse, the move to the contentious monetization model already has some long-timeBattlefieldfans worried that the change could mean the end of the unique expansion packs that have long been a hallmark of the franchise. But while these entertaining add-ons may soon be a thing of the past, EA could preserve their spirit by ensuring each season in the newBattlefieldhas a clear and distinct theme.
Throughout its history, theBattlefieldfranchise has become known for its imaginative add-ons, which have introduced everything from new maps and gameplay modes to occasionallyoutlandish new weaponsto the series. Beginning withBattlefield 1942and continuing into the present day, EA and DICE have managed to inject added excitement into each subsequent entry with these expansions. By giving seasons in the nextBattlefieldgame distinct styles and themes that clearly set them apart from one another, EA could carry on this tradition even as the series continues to adapt to the modern multiplayer gaming market.
Battlefield’s Expansions Have Helped Shape the Franchise
Long beforetheBattlefieldfranchisebecame the gaming juggernaut that it is today, developer DICE was already experimenting with ways to make the series’ multiplayer matches more entertaining. Released in February 2003, only five months after the launch of the base game,Battlefield 1942: The Road to Romewas the series’ first expansion pack and it quickly became popular with players. With its mix of new maps, vehicles, and weapons, the well-received add-on provided a template that the franchise would follow for years to come.
As the series continued to grow and increase in popularity, the size and scope of battlefield expansions grew alongside it. From highlighting particular styles of combat, such as withBattlefield 3’s Close Quarters DLC, to vehicle-focused expansions like Naval Strike forBattlefield 4, these add-ons improved and expanded on specific elements of their respective releases. The nextBattlefieldgame should follow this same formula when it comes to its seasonal updates, giving each one a clear theme and adding weapons, maps, and other content that serves to emphasize it.
The Next Battlefield Can Embrace the Past While Still Moving Forward
Abandoning dedicated add-ons in favor ofFortnite-style seasonsmay not sit well with some franchise fans, but the nextBattlefieldcould still incorporate much of what made its past expansions popular with players. By crafting the gameplay and content of each season around a particular theme or style of play, EA could introduce new ideas to the game on a regular basis. In practice, this might mean one season has a heavy emphasis on vehicular warfare while the next would double down on close-quarters combat.
While this approach could serve to limit the overall quantity of content released at any one time, it would help give each season a distinct feel and focus. This regular rotation of maps, modes, and more would keep the gameplay from growing stale and ensure thatplayers of all types will be able to dive into thestyle ofBattlefieldcontentthey prefer at some point throughout the year. These sorts of seasonal updates would also ensure that no one style of play sticks around long enough to wear out its welcome.
By embracing elements of what made past add-ons so successful even as it adapts to the financial realities of the current multiplayer gaming landscape, the nextBattlefieldgame could provide players with the best of both worlds. Releasing a series of carefully cultivated and themed seasons forthe nextBattlefieldwould not only add some welcome variety to the upcoming game, it would also ensure that the series can continue to innovate for years to come.
