The past few years have been home to many ups and downs for theBattlefieldfranchise, with post-launch support recently ending for2042and attention finally starting to turn towards the next project for the longstanding FPS series. Current reports suggest that 2025 will see a brand-new release for the IP, and DICE has learned many lessons that can inform the development of this new title, both from the life-cycle of2042and the pitfalls of its largest competitor,Call of Duty.
BothBattlefieldandCall of Dutyhave been able to coexist in the crowded industry of first-person shooter games thanks to the distinct identities and core gameplay experiences that they both possess, although both franchises have definitely inspired each other with certain game mechanics and features over the years. One of the most successful past game mechanics ofCall of Duty’s multiplayer experiences was Theater Mode, for example, although this huge quality of life feature somehow has not remained as a consistent element ofCoDdespite its past success. WithBattlefieldmultiplayer being known for its explosive moments, the nextBFproject would do well to adopt a Theater Mode system of its own.
A Theater Mode Could Flourish with Battlefield’s Chaotic Gameplay
Theater Mode was first introduced toCall of Dutywith 2010’sBlack Ops, adding a massive community-friendly dynamic to the game’s multiplayer that was very well received by fans. Theater Mode allowed players to re-watch their recent multiplayer matches from the perspective of any player, with the ability to seamlessly rewind, slow down, and pause footage while exploring a replay from any camera angle.
Crucially, Theater Mode enabled the player to track thrown objects and projectiles like Tomahawks and Grenade Launcher cartridges. Cross-map kills and trickshots got a fantastic level of further detail and style with the use of Theater Mode. This feature would go on to appear inCoDtitles like 2011’sModern Warfare 3andevery subsequentBlack Opstitle, but it is still far from being a guaranteed element of the franchise’s overwhelming annual release schedule.
While the utility of Theater Mode has diminished since its first appearance (thanks to the growing presence of built-in DVR capabilities on most modern hardware), the cinematic angles and fresh perspectives that the feature offers are still massively important.Theater Mode has appeared in the recently releasedBlack Ops 6, but Treyarch is seemingly still struggling to make it an obvious and commonly-used component of modernCoD.In contrast, the current landscape ofBattlefieldmight be much better suited to Theater Mode’s capabilities.
Battlefield’s Community Clips Could Be Revolutionized By Theater Mode
The larger multiplayer experiences ofBattlefield, as well its inclusion of land, sea, and air vehicles, has made the franchise a catalyst for some explosive and unforgettable gameplay moments over the years. Famouscommunity clips have become iconic and defining elements ofBattlefield’s identityover the years, with “only inBattlefield” moments often being shared by fans across the franchise’s many games.
DICE could easily lean into thispre-existing element of theBattlefieldcommunityby implementing an official Theater Mode feature into the IP’s next game, which is reported to release in 2025. The wider range of gameplay opportunities thatBattlefield’s multiplayer boasts overCoD’s smaller-scale experiences are perfect for chaotic moments worthy of cinematic replays. The nextBFtitle could really capitalize on an underutilizedCoDfeature with a Theater Mode of its own.
Battlefield 2042
WHERE TO PLAY
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.
