EA’s latest attempt at reviving the Battlefield series is riddled with problems that threaten to derail its chances of success. The open beta has left many feeling lost and frustrated, with several key issues that must be addressed before launch.
Firstly, the closed vs open weapon system is a major concern. The indecisiveness around this issue undermines class and weapon balance, which will have a significant impact on core gameplay. Furthermore, the placement of the closed weapon playlist in the UI was a brief controversy during the beta, highlighting the need for clarity and consistency.
Map size and pace are also a point of contention. While small maps proved that Battlefield can deliver Call of Duty-style CQC, they have been the focal point of most ire. The lack of large map testing during the beta has raised concerns about the flow and pacing of gameplay. Extending the beta to include larger maps could have mitigated some of this anger.
Seasonal content is another area where players’ expectations are high. The launch build promises more than most recent games in the series, but post-launch support must deliver new maps, guns, and gadgets to keep players engaged. The limited number of large maps at launch has also raised concerns about the lack of variety.
The faster pace for BF6’s gameplay, with tighter maps and an open weapon system, risks alienating series veterans while attracting a new audience. However, this is not entirely new for the series, as iconic games like Bad Company, BF3, and BF4 have all featured small maps focused on infantry gameplay.
Game-breaking issues like the “super bullets” bug also need to be addressed. The developer’s track record for broken launches is concerning, and players won’t tolerate game-breaking issues at launch.
Most importantly, EA must sort out the closed weapon situation, particularly how it relates to classes. A balance between the two camps is needed to achieve diversity and balance in gameplay.
If EA fails to meaningfully resolve these issues before launch, the next controversy is likely to bubble up, and the positive sentiment surrounding Battlefield 6 will quickly turn sour. The fate of the series hangs in the balance, and it’s up to EA to rectify these problems and restore player confidence.
Source: https://www.pcgamer.com/games/fps/after-20-hours-with-the-battlefield-6-beta-i-believe-ea-has-a-ticking-time-bomb-on-its-hands-though-its-not-too-late-to-defuse-it