Battlefield gets major restructure behind the scenes as EA seeks to create a “connected Battlefield universe”

Battlefield gets major restructure behind the scenes as EA seeks to create a “connected Battlefield universe”
Ben Borthwick Updated on by

Posted in News

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EA has announced a major shake-up at the studios behind the Battlefield series, as it seeks to create a “connected Battlefield universe” following the launch of Battlefield 2042.

The company made the announcement to Gamespot, where it also announced departures and appointments at the top of the chain. DICE GM Oskar Gabrielson is to leave the company “to pursue a new endeavour outside of EA”. Meanwhile, Respawn Entertainment’s Vince Zampella has been appointed as the head of the Battlefield franchise.

He’s not the only major FPS name either, as former Halo creative director Marcus Lehto has been tasked with creating a new Seattle studio. While this was announced back in October, we now know they will be working with DICE and Ripple Effect to expand upon and improve Battlefield 2042.

Speaking of Ripple Effect, they will continue to support the latest game’s Battlefield Portal mode. However, they will now also work on what’s being described as a “new experience”. The use of “experiences” rather than games might imply these won’t necessarily be games, but will be part of the new “interconnected” Battlefield universe. We won’t know for sure for a little while, however.

Zampella spoke with Gamespot to elaborate on these plans. “We intend to build a Battlefield universe, one with multiple projects that are interconnected with the player at the center. We plan to grow Battlefield and meet players where they play through various experiences and business models, including our upcoming Battlefield Mobile coming in 2022 from Alex Seropian and Industrial Toys.”

While specifics are still vague at this point, Zampella does tease big things for the future of the Battlefield universe. He said it was “rich with opportunity, both from a storytelling perspective and as a universe where our teams can create innovative gameplay experiences. Truly, anything is possible.”