As DICE and EA work to restore the reputation of theBattlefieldfranchise, there are two possible directions to go in. The first, and more likely given thenegative reception toBattlefield 2042, is a very traditional entry that brings back all the mechanics from the older titles that fans know and love. The other option, which seems at least somewhat possible since DICE has been working to change the public opinion onBattlefield 2042, is that the series doubles down on the new format and keeps trying to innovate.
With newBattlefielddevelopers Ripple Effect and Ridgeline Studios also working on theBattlefieldfranchise, and past leaks suggesting that aBattlefieldhero shooteris a possibility, perhaps a fewBattlefieldgames could be in the works - with one potentially focusing on the classic style and another trying new things. However, no matter what direction the franchise goes in, it should avoid taking one thing from its main competition: killstreaks.
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Why Killstreaks Do Not Work in Battlefield
Call of Duty’s killstreak systemhas been an iconic part of the franchise for well over a decade. From the simple-but-effective UAVs to game-changing streaks like attack dogs and chopper gunners to the match-ending Nuke, quality streaks are an important factor when determining the popularity of aCall of Dutygame. However, despite being an iconic mechanic that keeps players hooked on the series,Battlefieldhas never adopted streaks for an obvious reason: they do not suit the franchise.
Battlefield’s gigantic mapsensure that go-to killstreaks like UAVs would not be too useful, which is why the franchise’s ping system has always been a key way for players to track targets. Similarly, the pathing for a streak like Attack Dogs would be impossible to get right within huge zones, and an absurd number of hounds would have to spawn in for the streak to even make an impact. On top of that, vehicle streaks like Chopper Gunners and Bombing Runs make little sense when gamers can pilot helicopters and jets as part of the regular gameplay experience.
Battlefield 2042 Shows a Willingness to Borrow Call of Duty Features
However, olderBattlefieldgames not being suitable for streaks does not guarantee that they won’t appear in the next entry. PerhapsBattlefieldwill craft a game around small maps with lots of infantry combat, putting an emphasis on the Rush game mode likeBattlefield 3andBad Company 2. After all,Battlefield 2042already took the concept of Specialists and their unique abilities fromBlack Ops 3andBlack Ops 4, with monetization also feeling very similar to modernCall of Dutygames. It would not be shocking if the series continued to try playing catch-up, doubling down on small maps to compensate for howCoDis starting to embrace large ones.
WhileBattlefield 2042’s specialistswere so unpopular that DICE has gone out of its way to revert to the old class-based approach,Battlefieldis clearly not afraid to take things from Activision’s FPS juggernaut. Still, borrowing streaks would be a mistake. ThoughBattlefieldshould not ignore small maps, the excellent Close Quarters expansion forBattlefield 3managed to deliver fast-pacedCall of Duty-like gameplay without killstreaks needed to be included. This kept the gameplay feeling just different enough to be unique, and it would be a shame ifBattlefieldtook things a step too far with its next entry.
Obviously, withCall of Dutybeing the successful franchise that it is, there are things that DICE should look to for inspiration.Call of Duty’s Theater modewould be a perfect way to capture “Only in Battlefield” moments, for example, while the long-awaited Dino Mode can look toCall of DutyZombies for inspiration. However, Killstreaks make little sense when vehicles exist andBattlefieldmaps are as large as they are, so hopefully the series continues to avoid thisCall of Dutystaple.
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