The Dilemma Facing the Next Battlefield Campaign

Deciding between a War Stories or a Traditional Campaign for the next Battlefield game
The Dilemma Facing the Next Battlefield Campaign

Highlights

  • Battlefield needs a complete overhaul to regain its position in the gaming industry
  • A full single-player campaign is crucial for the next Battlefield game's success
  • Choosing between War Stories and a Traditional Campaign presents unique challenges and benefits

The Battlefield series is currently at a critical juncture, requiring a significant transformation to revive its standing in the gaming world. Following a string of disappointing releases, the franchise is in dire need of a fresh approach. While Electronic Arts' plans for the series remain uncertain, it is evident that drastic measures are necessary to sustain Battlefield's existence.

Battlefield 2042 has shown improvement over time, but its tumultuous launch has significantly tarnished the Battlefield brand. To reverse this trend, the forthcoming Battlefield installment must offer a comprehensive experience from the outset, including a robust single-player campaign. However, Battlefield campaigns have historically adopted two distinct formats, posing a dilemma for the next game.

War Stories or a Traditional Campaign in the Next Battlefield

Comparing Battlefield's War Stories and Traditional Campaigns

When the Battlefield series debuted with Battlefield 1942 in 2002, it did not feature a single-player campaign. Instead, the focus was on providing large-scale multiplayer battles, with AI opponents available for solo play. This approach persisted for approximately six years, until Battlefield: Bad Company introduced a dedicated campaign.

Subsequently, most mainline Battlefield titles incorporated a dedicated single-player campaign, each following one of two distinct structures. The traditional campaign format mirrors that of other military shooters, with players assuming control of multiple characters navigating a shared narrative. While Battlefield 3 introduced flashback sequences, subsequent games have largely adhered to this model.

Battlefield 1 introduced the