Developers of Battlefield 6 reveal that incorporating beloved map selections into the latest shooter game is "far more complex than many assume," largely due to managing player's "expectations"
Battlefield 6 Embraces New Ideas While Honoring its Past
As Battlefield 6 prepares for its full release, the developers at DICE are working to strike a balance between innovation and tradition. With a 23-year-old franchise and an established community of players, they understand the specific expectations that come with this iconic series.
One of the key areas of focus for the development team is the gameplay experience. In response to 'humorous' feedback from players, the sniper glints in Battlefield 6 have been adjusted, being 'stepped back' to improve the overall gameplay. This decision was prompted by memes featuring hillsides full of giant glares.
The developers are also aware of the importance of incorporating new ideas and features while still maintaining the essence of the game. Shashank Uchil, product owner and design director at DICE, spoke about the challenges in adding well-known maps like Operation Firestorm from Battlefield 3. He mentioned that hitting the nail on the head for longtime fans can be difficult due to players' expectations for older series entries' maps.
Uchil explained that fans' expectations build up and that nostalgia plays a role in this challenge. However, a fun map doesn't necessarily mean fans will still like it over the original or even prefer it. Despite these challenges, Uchil believes that DICE is up to the task, given the strong foundations built by older Battlefield games.
Jeremy Chubb, the producer, shares this sentiment. He believes that older Battlefield games built strong enough foundations for DICE to build on with maps like Operation Firestorm. Chubb stated that when they bring back a map like Firestorm, it still works and is fun to play.
The developers are also working to ensure that added maps are as destructible as every map in the game and are compatible with the new weapons. Uchil stated that this is one of the technical challenges they face, ensuring performance across a range of hardware while integrating familiar content innovatively.
Despite the secrecy surrounding specific names of DICE employees involved in using and reworking classic maps, it is clear that the team is committed to combining tradition with modern features such as dynamic destruction and enhanced immersion. As Battlefield 6 gears up for release, fans can look forward to a game that honors its past while embracing the future.
