The recent open beta for Battlefield 6 concluded just weeks ago, proving to be an enormous success. During its live period, the beta dominated Steam charts and achieved high rankings on active-user leaderboards for both Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. Following its conclusion, the void it left (along with some incentives) led to a significant surge in sales for its predecessor, Battlefield 2042. The positive sentiment surrounding the Battlefield franchise has been unprecedented in recent times, largely due to this successful beta.
Post-beta, feedback flooded in rapidly, with numerous fans sharing their opinions on social media and forums about their favorite and least favorite aspects of the new Battlefield experience. Yet, one particular response caught my attention: players expressing satisfaction with the current absence of collaborations with external intellectual properties (IPs).
The trend of “Fortniteification,” as it`s often dubbed, has transformed many franchises into dynamic showcases for various IPs, leveraging contemporary trends and nostalgic elements to market skins and other cosmetic items. Call of Duty, Battlefield`s primary rival, has fully adopted this approach, incorporating a diverse array of well-known figures, from WWE superstars to Cheech and Chong and even Nicki Minaj, into its roster.
Activision has recognized player concerns that the Call of Duty series has strayed from its core identity. However, it`s uncertain if the company can reverse this trend entirely. This uncertainty is reinforced by the announcement that Black Ops 6 skins won`t transfer to Black Ops 7, a rule that conspicuously excludes the battle royale mode, Warzone, where unconventional skins will persist. This suggests Activision might be attempting a strategy to satisfy both traditionalists and those who enjoy cosmetic variety.
Of course, discussing “Fortniteification” necessitates mentioning Fortnite itself, which is currently featuring a season centered around the Mighty Morphin` Power Rangers. Virtually any major IP from film, television, video games, or even music (via Fortnite Festival) has likely appeared in Fortnite at some stage. Fortnite`s distinct, stylized aesthetic might protect it from the same criticisms leveled at other games; however, for “military simulations” such as Call of Duty and Battlefield, there`s an inherent expectation of realism that many fans are reluctant to abandon.
Commendably, the developers of Battlefield 6 have, so far, articulated a commitment to maintaining the game`s authenticity. Vince Zampella recently informed Eurogamer that Battlefield 6 will “remain true to Battlefield,” featuring cosmetics that align with the franchise`s “core visual identity.” This stance has been well-received on online forums like Reddit, though one commenter voiced a common sentiment, hoping this assurance isn`t “an empty promise.”
While I respect the desire for Battlefield to offer the most “authentic” experience possible—whatever that truly entails—it would be utterly naive to believe the franchise will forgo collaborations entirely. Electronic Arts, like any major publisher, is driven by revenue and aims to maximize its earnings. The proliferation of outlandish Call of Duty skins is a direct result of Activision recognizing their profitability, and EA would be foolish to ignore such a lucrative opportunity.
To be clear, I`m not suggesting that Battlefield will inevitably feature characters like Ronald McDonald squaring off against Burger King (though Fortnite might find that intriguing). My point is that expecting Battlefield 6 to remain free of external collaborations for its entire lifespan is an illusion, as the financial incentives for such partnerships are simply too substantial to ignore.
Nevertheless, there are strategies to integrate future IP collaborations cohesively within Battlefield`s aesthetic and gameplay. This involves selecting partners that naturally complement a military simulation game. Such opportunities exist, and I`d wager that IP owners would be eager to participate in Battlefield 6 if the full release in October replicates the open beta`s success.
Consider Helldivers 2, for instance. A collaboration wouldn`t need to be extensive—perhaps just armor skins or a weapon or two—but the futuristic defenders of democracy from Helldivers 2 could integrate well into Battlefield 6. Metal Gear Solid is another strong candidate; many Battlefield players who are also MGS enthusiasts would surely appreciate iconic elements like the Foxhound logo, Snake`s bandana, or various Big Boss camouflage patterns from MGS 3 for their characters. It`s also worth recalling that Battlefield 2042 previously featured collaborations with Mass Effect and Dead Space, suggesting EA might revisit these internal IPs.
Beyond video game IPs, there`s significant potential for partnerships with other media. The Amazon Prime series Reacher, for example, comes to mind; if Alan Ritchson were to provide voice lines and his likeness for a Battlefield interpretation of Jack Reacher, it would be a fitting addition. EA could also tap into nostalgia with another iconic “Jack,” Jack Bauer from 24, particularly if Kiefer Sutherland contributed his voice and image.
These are merely speculative suggestions, but the underlying principle holds: with a degree of discretion, Battlefield 6 could capitalize on the immense financial potential of external IP collaborations. The key is to do so in a manner that “stays true to Battlefield,” as Vince Zampella has indicated is the objective. Collaborating with other IP holders doesn`t necessitate immediately introducing outlandish characters like Pennywise the Clown. By being selective, EA has an opportunity to navigate this delicate balance, bringing external IPs into Battlefield 6 without transforming the game into a self-parody.
My hope is that the Battlefield 6 teams at DICE and other studios will successfully manage this challenge, as it`s an almost certainty they`ll face it eventually. The financial gains from such ventures are simply too significant for EA to overlook.
Battlefield 6 Open Beta Outpaced Grand Theft Auto 5 On PS5 And Xbox
