Summary
- The Battlefield Labs closed beta program starts on March 7, allowing select fans to offer feedback on in-development features.
- The playtests will revolve around testing concepts and mechanics on PC for an initial session lasting around two hours.
- EA plans to expand the program to tens of thousands of users across new regions in successive playtests.
The closed beta program for Battlefield, titled Battlefield Labs, is reportedly set to kick off on March 7. EA’s brand-new initiative is a way for the devs behind Battlefield and fans of the franchise to collaborate on early in-game concepts before they are shipped to the public.
Back in September 2024, EA first confirmed that a program for enabling public playtesting for its Battlefield IP was in the works. In February, it officially unveiled Battlefield Labs as a way for select enthusiasts to playtest and offer feedback on in-development features for the next Battlefield game. Upon its announcement, the beta program attracted an overwhelming number of players, leading to a virtually endless queue of applicants on its website. Now, the first playtests, which will let in a few thousand players including longtime fans and newcomers, are scheduled to take place across North America and Europe in the first week of March.
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EA informed the participants invited to be part of Battlefield Labs of the March 7 playtests in a new email, per Insider Gaming. It was revealed that the forthcoming closed beta would revolve around testing “concepts and mechanics” and would take place on PC with an initial session spanning around two hours. Additionally, the communication shared with Battlefield Labs testers highlighted the “closed test environment” intended for these playtests, which essentially means no recording or streaming of such sessions would be permitted as per the agreement signed by invited players.
EA Shares Battlefield Labs Closed Beta Test Date
Although Battlefield Labs, in its current form, would only cover a limited pool of fans in select regions, EA has previously confirmed its plan to expand the program to tens of thousands of users across new regions in successive playtests. Such a widespread collaboration with interested players could only help the devs align their vision for the next Battlefield closer to fans’ expectations. In turn, this may help ensure EA doesn’t see a repeat of what happened with Battlefield 2042 when it rolls out the next installment in the series.
With the Battlefield playtests set to unfold very soon, it is fair to expect more relevant information to surface in the coming days. Once the EA devs soak in the feedback from these beta sessions, there may also be an announcement about the work-in-progress Battlefield title, which is expected to roll out in fiscal year 2026 per the gaming giant’s recent earnings call.
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.
- Released
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November 19, 2021
- ESRB
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M for Mature: Blood, Strong Language, Violence
- Publisher(s)
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Electronic Arts