Battlefield Next
Dear EA/DICE Leadership Team,
I hope this letter reaches you in good spirits, despite the weight of its content. I'm writing not just as a fan, but as a voice echoing many within the "Battlefield" community, particularly those of us who've journeyed with you since the golden days of "Battlefield 3" and "4."
First, let me express a sigh of relief and cautious optimism upon hearing that you're looking back to the "Battlefield 3" or "4" era for inspiration. This news, confirmed through recent reveals, indeed kindles hope. However, there's a palpable sense of skepticism that lingers, born from recent experiences, particularly with "Battlefield 2042."
Here's the thing: when we were younger, playing "Battlefield 3" at 13, it wasn't just a game; it was a gateway to friendships, late-night sessions, and a community that felt like family. But with "2042," what we got felt like a betrayal. You called it a love letter to fans, but for many of us, it felt more like a breakup note, delivered with a side of deceit. We bought into promises, some of us even investing in premium editions, only to receive an unfinished product. That's not just disappointing; it's disrespectful.
The issue isn't just about returning to a modern setting or scaling back to 64-player maps, as exciting as these changes might sound. It's about trust. You're inviting us back to what you're now acknowledging as the "peak of Battlefield-ness," but why should we return? The trust has been broken. Here's what needs addressing:
Acknowledgment and Apology: Before we can move forward, there needs to be an explicit acknowledgment of where things went wrong with "2042," not just in gameplay but in how you communicated with us, your loyal player base.
Transparency in Development: Moving forward, show us you've learned. Involve us in the development process, not just as testers but as part of the conversation. This isn't about giving into every player demand but about building a game with the community, not just for them.
Value for Money: Those of us who bought premium or any form of early access deserve some form of reparative action. Whether that's significant content in the next game, or unique in-game recognition, something tangible to show you value our past support.
Quality Over Hype: Focus on delivering a finished, polished game. Hype can bring players in, but only quality will keep them.
In conclusion, while there's excitement about potentially returning to what made "Battlefield" great, there's also a wariness. We want to believe, to come back to the franchise that many of us grew up with, but we need more than nostalgia. We need proof that you've changed, that you respect the time and money we invest in your games. Here's to hoping that this return to the "Battlefield 3" or "4" era isn't just a marketing move, but a genuine step towards rebuilding what was lost.
Thank you for considering the feelings of a once and hopefully future enthusiast.
Yours in cautious anticipation,
A Jaded yet Hopeful Player
