EA is reportedly planning to release a new Battlefield game annually within the next 5-6 years, cycling through three studios to develop these titles, similar to the Call of Duty franchise.

Some industry insiders, like former Blizzard president Mike Ybarra, predict Battlefield 6 could outperform Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, hinting at a competitive future for the series.

This strategy involves each studio working on their own project, with the goal of maintaining a steady yearly release schedule for Battlefield, though achieving back-to-back annual releases is still 5-6 years away.

While this approach marks a significant shift for the franchise, its success remains uncertain and will depend on EA's ability to uphold high-quality standards, especially after the mixed reception of Battlefield 2042.

The success of this plan hinges on EA's capacity to deliver quality, as the franchise has faced challenges with launch issues in the past, and rushing releases could damage its reputation.

Industry analyst Michael Patcher, who shared this information based on a conversation with EA's General Manager, has seen his credibility questioned recently, and EA has not officially confirmed these plans.

Meanwhile, Battlefield 6, scheduled for release on October 10, 2025, is currently generating positive anticipation, with leaks suggesting larger maps that might address beta concerns.

Despite the promising beta, Battlefield 6 is unlikely to match Call of Duty's sales or player numbers, but its success could influence EA's broader strategy.

However, there are concerns that releasing Battlefield annually might harm the franchise’s quality and audience engagement, raising questions about franchise fatigue and burnout.

The transition to an annual release cycle is expected to take at least five or six years due to extensive development efforts, and the approach could involve smaller updates or new game modes.

This shift is seen as a strategic move by EA to better compete with Call of Duty, which has generated over $35 billion and sold more than 425 million copies.

Ultimately, the success of this ambitious plan will depend on EA’s ability to maintain high standards and avoid damaging its flagship IP, especially after the mixed reception of previous titles.