Key Takeaways
- The PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of Battlefield 3, 4, and Hardline are shutting down.
- This means console gamers are completely losing access to Battlefield 3 multiplayer.
- A new Battlefield game that takes inspiration from 3 and 4 is in development.
The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of three Battlefield games are shutting down today, marking the end of an era for the franchise. EA and DICE found a great deal of success with the Battlefield games on PC, but the franchise reached new heights of popularity when it made the jump to home consoles.
Released in 2011, Battlefield 3 was EA’s answer to Activision’s Call of Duty, with DICE offering its own take on the modern warfare concept. Battlefield 3 was a huge hit on PS3 and Xbox 360, selling millions of units and earning widespread positive reviews from critics. 2013’s Battlefield 4 had a rough launch, but after those issues were ironed out, it too became a big success. Spin-off Battlefield Hardline, developed by Visceral Games, wasn’t nearly as well-received as Battlefield 3 and 4, but still has its fans. It’s also notable for being the final Battlefield game that was ever released for PS3 and Xbox 360.
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Unfortunately, all three of these Battlefield titles are shutting down on PS3 and Xbox 360 today, November 7. Console gamers will still be able to play Battlefield 4 and Hardline on PS4 and Xbox One, but they will be completely losing access to Battlefield 3‘s online features. This is disappointing, especially when one considers how popular Battlefield 3 was at its peak, but the reality is that the vast majority of the fan base moved on to newer games long ago.
List of Battlefield Games Shutting Down This Month
- Battlefield 3 (PS3/360)
- Battlefield 4 PS3/360)
- Battlefield Hardline (PS3/360)
Eventually, it’s likely that the PS4 and Xbox One versions of Battlefield 4 and Hardline will have their servers shut down as well, but EA has yet to announce specific plans to that effect. EA keeps a running list of games it plans on shutting down that is updated regularly, so whenever it plans on putting the PS4 and Xbox One versions of Battlefield 4 and Hardline on the chopping block, fans will have advance notice.
While it’s sad to see classic Battlefield experiences sunsetted, the good news is that EA and its various studios are actively working on the franchise’s future. A new Battlefield game is in development, with concept art confirming the return of vehicles like helicopters and ships. The new game is taking inspiration from Battlefield 3 and 4 by returning the franchise to a modern warfare setting, and it will also be tackling criticisms of Battlefield 2042 head-on by scaling back the number of players in any given match and doing away with Specialists. It’s been speculated that the next Battlefield game is releasing in 2025, and if that’s the case, fans should learn a lot more about it sooner rather than later.
Battlefield
EA’s Battlefield franchise is a series of first-person shooter games. The games have predominantly been set in the modern day, though there have also been titles set in World War 1, World War 2, and in the near future.
The Battlefield franchise is often compared to Call of Duty, with both franchises offering single-player campaigns and online multiplayer.