Battlefield's Next Chapter: Leaning Mechanics and a Return to Modern Warfare

The upcoming installment in the Battlefield series is poised to reintroduce a highly beneficial mechanic that enhances tactical gameplay. Many of the primary titles in EA's Battlefield series have incorporated a feature known as Leaning, which has become familiar to most players of first-person shooters. Recent speculation suggests that this element, originally popularized by Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege, will be included in the next iteration of the game. It has been three years since Battlefield 2042 was launched, and during that time, the series has continuously contended with the Call of Duty franchise. With the success of Black Ops 6 making waves, EA is under pressure to deliver the next Battlefield title to eager fans. The absence of Leaning in Battlefield 2042 was notably disappointing for players, and it seems EA has come to understand the significance of this feature to the player experience.

Leaning Is Set to Make a Comeback

A well-known insider has disclosed via their social media that Leaning will return in the next Battlefield title. This gameplay feature enables players to gain sightlines around corners while keeping vulnerable areas, like the feet and legs, concealed. Players of Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege have extensively employed this mechanic, highlighting its tactical advantage.

Players of the Battlefield series were notably frustrated when features such as Leaning and crouch running were omitted in Battlefield 2042. The launch of the game did not align with player expectations due to rampant technical concerns, a lack of essential features, and significant gameplay alterations. This time around, it appears that EA is revisiting its past missteps and intends to evoke nostalgia to reconnect with gamers.

Next Battlefield Game Will Have a Contemporary Theme

During a recent discussion with IGN, the leader of Respawn and the general manager for EA Studios Organization discussed the direction of the next Battlefield game. They emphasized a return to the modern settings reminiscent of Battlefield 3 and 4, noting, "If you reflect on the high point of Battlefield, it’s during the time of Battlefield 3 and 4, where everything was grounded in modernity." They asserted the importance of returning to the fundamental aspects of Battlefield and excelling at them, while considering future possibilities.

The general manager of Battlefield, Byron Beede, also indicated earlier this year that Battlefield 2042 would transition away from a seasonal model as the studio aims to shift its focus towards upcoming projects, confirming that work on the next title is progressing smoothly.

During the same interview, the competition between Battlefield and Call of Duty was acknowledged. The general manager pointed out that historically, “the most successful Battlefields have surpassed certain Call of Duty titles and vice versa.” He conveyed optimism that the upcoming game could outperform Call of Duty; however, he clarified that their ambition is not to dethrone Call of Duty but to create a unique experience that stands apart.