Development for the next entry to theBattlefieldfranchise is now well underway, with the post-launch support forBattlefield 2042having officially ended back in July. Rumors currently suggest that this next installment to the IP is aiming for a 2025 release window, supposedly adopting a near-future setting that will act as a kind of blend between2042and the likes ofBattlefield 3.
As always, this nextBattlefieldtitle will have to contend with the relentless annual content of theCall of Dutyfranchise, which has been the largest competitor ofBattlefieldfor two decades. DICE should definitely look at the current trends ofCall of Dutyfor the development of this nextBattlefieldgame, identifying which core mechanics are must-haves for a major multiplayer shooter, as well as which current elements ofCoDare proving to be quite controversial. The evolution of player movement inCall of Dutyis one extremely divisive aspect of the franchise, withBlack Ops 6making movement even more high-octane and complex, and the nextBattlefieldmay be wise to keep things simple in this department.
Battlefield Should Take the Opposite Route to Black Ops 6’s Omnimovement
TheBattlefieldandCall of Dutyfranchises have co-existed for so longthanks to the fundamental differences in their core gameplay, withCoDalways taking a much more arcade-style and high-octane approach to smaller-scale multiplayer experiences. Conversely,Battlefieldhas become renowned for its massive maps, destructable environments, and immersive land, sea, and air combat.
While the massive influence and popularity ofCall of Dutyhas overshadowedBattlefieldfor some time, the latter has still carved out an excellent piece of the multiplayer FPS experience. These fundamental gameplay elements should continue into the nextBattlefieldtitle, but it is equally important that the project takes into account the potential weaknesses of modernCall of Duty. Amid debates over things like skill-based matchmaking and unavoidable weapon metas, the modern landscape ofCall of Dutyis one of hyper-competitivity, with recent changes to player movement only adding fuel to the fire of this discourse.
Things like tactical sprinting and slide-canceling have been dividing theCoDcommunity for some time, with players arguing that it completely redefines howCall of Dutyhas to be played, andBlack Ops 6is potentially taking this to a new level.Black Ops 6is the firstCall of Dutyto introduce Omnimovement, a new sytem which allows players to sprint or dive in any direction. While this can create some action-star gameplay sequences, players have already seen how this movement system can be abused at higher levels, withCoDseemingly leaning much further into its new label as a first and foremost “movement shooter.”
The evolution of player movement in Call of Duty is extremely divisive, with Black Ops 6 making movement even more high-octane and complex, and the next Battlefield may be wise to keep things simple in this department.
A Different Approach to Movement Could Be Battlefield’s Way Back into the Competition
This recent evolution inCoD’s movement has largely happened due to the smaller nature of its maps, as well as the faster pace of its core multiplayer gameplay.Battlefieldhas always predominantly offered the opposite of this, meaning that it has not fallen into the trappings of having a reputation as massively competitive with deeply complex core mechanics. Withhow divisiveCoD’s movement has become in recent years, it seems that the nextBattlefieldwould do well to maintain simplicity.
Offering a much more traditional and barebones movement system for the nextBattlefieldwill allow things like gunplay and vehicle travel to shine, while smartly offering a AAA FPS experience away from the breakneck movement speeds ofCall of Duty. While many fans enjoythe new direction thatCoD’s movement is taking, it is clear that many players wish for a return to basic traversal, andBattlefieldis in a perfect position to deliver on this.
Battlefield 2042
WHERE TO PLAY
Battlefield 2042 is a first-person shooter that marks the return to the iconic all-out warfare of the franchise. With the help of a cutting-edge arsenal, engage in intense, immersive multiplayer battles.Lead your team to victory in both large all-out warfare and close-quarters combat on maps from the world of 2042 and classic Battlefield titles. Find your playstyle in class-based gameplay and take on several experiences comprising elevated versions of Conquest and Breakthrough. Explore Battlefield Portal, a platform where players can discover, create, and share unexpected battles from Battlefield’s past and present.This game includes optional in-game purchases of virtual currency that can be used to acquire virtual in-game items.
