The next Battlefield campaign is shaping up to be something different-and a little darker.
According to Motive executive producer Philippe Ducharme, the game’s story pulls inspiration from the survival horror classic Dead Space and Alex Garland’s recent war thriller Civil War. It’s an unusual pairing for a first-person shooter, but the creative team seems intent on pushing the boundaries of the franchise’s storytelling.
In an interview with Inverse, Ducharme explained how both Dead Space and Civil War have influenced their approach. “I really enjoyed Civil War,” he said. “Some of the things that we’re pushing [in the next Battlefield], the film is actually a good reference.” Garland’s movie, known for its bleak tone and grounded portrayal of domestic conflict, is being used to shape the game’s atmosphere and narrative tension.
From the Dead Space side, Ducharme says it’s all about how tension builds and releases throughout the experience. “On Dead Space, we talked a lot about the curve of tension. How to go from beat to beat, having the highs and the lows to keep players hooked, and even play with their expectations a little bit.” He’s clear that while Battlefield is a very different game, that pacing and emotional rhythm are being brought into the new campaign.
Motive is leading the development alongside Criterion and DICE, with the three studios previously teaming up for Star Wars: Battlefront II back in 2017. While DICE is often seen as the Battlefield brand’s core, Ducharme says they’ve been fully collaborative, especially when it comes to multiplayer and map design. “DICE has been extremely generous in giving feedback,” he said. “It’s made a huge difference.”
The result? Some of the best maps Motive has ever built, according to Ducharme. “I play [Motive’s maps] more, so maybe it’s the knowledge I have of the spaces. But they’re extremely fun, and I think the results show just how our teams really worked together to get there.” That’s a strong promise, especially for longtime fans who care deeply about level design in Battlefield.
While EA hasn’t dropped many official details about the next Battlefield yet, the direction being teased sounds promising-cinematic influences, a sharper sense of tension, and refined collaboration between studios. It’s clear this isn’t just another war shooter.
For players wondering how all this plays out in gameplay, we’ll have to wait for a reveal. But one thing’s certain: this next Battlefield campaign won’t feel like the last. Expect something a little more unsettling, a little more grounded-and maybe a lot more memorable.
