Prior to Call of Duty by only a year, the Battlefield series established itself in 2002 with its unique focus on large-scale matches and pioneering approach to online multiplayer. While Call of Duty and its competitors offered fast-paced campaigns and small online matches with around 10 players, Battlefield provided expansive warzones, accommodating up to 64 players in a single massive arena, allowing them to engage in various modes of combat to emerge victorious.

However, despite thriving for over a decade, the franchise encountered significant obstacles in quick succession. The underwhelming reception of the rushed Battlefield Hardline in 2015, the pre-release controversies and disappointing launch of Battlefield 5 in 2018, and the dismal state of Battlefield 2042 upon release have not deterred the Battlefield franchise. Nevertheless, the next installment faces a daunting task in selecting the appropriate setting.

Deciding on the Next Battlefield Setting

Battlefield's Historical Settings Have Limited Appeal

The Battlefield series initially centered on historical warfare, with its first two entries delving into WW2 and Vietnam. It wasn't until 2005 with the release of Battlefield 2 that the franchise embraced a modern-day setting, which remained its focus for a decade. The subsequent mainline historical installment, Battlefield 1 in 2016, has grown in popularity over time.

Despite the enduring popularity of Battlefield 1, its sales figures fall short of the franchise's peak. Officially, Battlefield 1 sold 15 million units, an impressive number but still lower than the 17 million units sold by Battlefield 3. Furthermore, Battlefield 5 underperformed, selling only 7.3 million copies by 2019, highlighting the challenge of historical settings compared to modern-day themes for the franchise.

Battlefield's Modern Settings Face Uncertainty

While modern-day settings have generally been more successful for Battlefield, the disappointing launch of Battlefield 2042 may have disrupted this trend. Despite significant improvements over the years, the initial reception of Battlefield 2042 was disappointing and has undoubtedly impacted the franchise's reputation. Consequently, the next installment faces a dilemma in distancing itself from a modern-day setting to avoid associations with 2042.

However, a return to historical settings poses its own challenges, given the disappointment surrounding Battlefield 5. With limited options, the franchise may need to explore unconventional settings for its next game, such as a completely new historical period or a futuristic setting reminiscent of the classic Battlefield 2142 title, to avoid comparisons and revitalize the series.