Why Extensive Playtesting is a Crucial Necessity for Battlefield 6

The next installment in the Battlefield series is officially in the works, yet information about its gameplay, setting, or plot remains under wraps. Given the collaborative efforts of at least four studios on this massive project, it’s no surprise that some details have managed to escape during the development phase, with numerous leaks about Battlefield 6 surfacing over recent months.

Tom Henderson from Insider Gaming has been a key source of these leaks over the past year, and his latest report offers an intriguing glimpse into the development journey of this sequel. On November 19, Henderson shared updates stating Battlefield 6 is undergoing the most extensive playtesting in the history of the franchise. From intimate feedback sessions to larger-scale play tests, these evaluations are happening at an impressive rate. While this might sound a bit over-the-top, it’s exactly what’s needed to revitalize the Battlefield series.

Why exactly are these playtests such a big deal? Let’s take a trip down memory lane. The Battlefield series has had its fair share of rocky starts. When Battlefield 4 came out in October 2013, it faced a barrage of technical problems right off the bat. Players were constantly booted out of games due to server issues, netcode problems caused massive lag, and there were numerous bugs breaking the progression. Even minor glitches, like incorrect audio files, were a thorn in players’ sides.

These technical mishaps were so severe that EA and DICE had to hit the brakes on all future updates and expansions to focus solely on fixing these issues. EA’s CEO Andrew Wilson even acknowledged to Eurogamer in June 2014 that Battlefield 4’s launch was “unacceptable,” promising it wouldn’t happen again. Yet fast forward to 2018, and Battlefield V seemed to walk the same troubled path.

When Battlefield V launched, it was bogged down by ridiculously long matchmaking queue times, issues with tracking progress, complications in server filtering, user interface and menu problems—you name it. Then came Battlefield 2042, which didn’t manage to navigate these launch hurdles any smoother. These two stumbling blocks significantly contributed to fans’ growing frustration with the franchise.

If what we’re hearing about Battlefield 6’s rigorous playtests is accurate, that’s a promising sign. Extensive testing well ahead of launch can help developers iron out any wrinkles, hoping to ensure gamers encounter fewer hiccups when the game officially drops. In the current gaming landscape where server woes can leave a long-lasting negative impression, Battlefield 6 can’t afford another underwhelming debut.

September brought insights from an interview between IGN’s Kat Bailey and Vince Zampella, the Head of Respawn & Group GM for EA Studios Organization. This conversation left fans optimistic, with Zampella emphasizing a concerted effort to deliver what players really desire. He openly stated the team’s ambition to channel the essence of beloved titles like Battlefield 3 and 4.

The extensive playtesting for Battlefield 6 should go a long way in achieving this mission. The development team aims to craft a Battlefield experience that truly resonates with fans, ensuring the in-game content aligns with what players cherish most.

Mixed into this forward-thinking approach is already a notable title, Battlefield 2042. It promises a return to the franchise’s iconic large-scale warfare, equipped with a modern arsenal and intense multiplayer functionalities. The game features expansive combat on maps drawn from both the futuristic 2042 landscapes and classic Battlefield settings, encouraging players to explore diverse gameplay styles. With Battlefield Portal, an innovative platform that allows players to relive and reinvent battles from the series’ storied past, the title is pushing the envelope of what’s expected from contemporary first-person shooters.

As we await more concrete news on Battlefield 6, the gaming community holds onto the hope that this time, the series will deliver the seamless, thrilling experience long-time fans have been yearning for.