Battlefield 2042 is the latest game in EA’s premiere AAA shooter franchise. However, unlike its predecessors, Battlefield 2042 is a multiplayer-only game with no free-to-play aspect. After its release back in November, critics and audiences immediately slammed Battlefield 2042. The lack of a single-player campaign and several issues that remain unfixed combined to make Battlefield 2042 the subject of criticism. Things have gotten so bad that a known cheating group has dropped support for Battlefield 2042 because there weren’t enough people playing the game anymore. Having said that, the few remaining Battlefield 2042 players were hopeful that the release of the game’s first season would help turn things around.
Unfortunately, as confirmed by the DICE’s senior producer, Ryan McArthur, Season One of Battlefield 2042 won’t arrive until early summer 2022. As detailed further in his blog post, Battlefield 2042’s next update will add an improved in-round scoreboard with kill-to-death scoring and end-of-round reports scheduled down the line. DICE also plans on adding voice communication as part of its commitment to “enhance team play and communication” in Battlefield 2042. In the future, DICE will include a refined ping system and gameplay loop that’s designed to encourage players to stick to the objective. Meanwhile, one of Battlefield 2042’s bright spots, the Portal mode, will get ongoing updates as well. Finally, DICE wants audiences to know that it intends to make future Battlefield 2042 updates more transparent and that it will be more open to feedback. By delaying Battlefield 2042’s first season to early summer 2022, those who bought Gold and Ultimate editions of the game will have to wait for more than half a year to get their freebie. But, if it’s any consolation, DICE is giving these players a special tribute. On top of the Battle Pass, owners of Gold and Ultimate versions of Battlefield 2042 will receive an exclusive bundle as soon as the game’s next update drops. The only problem here is that DICE didn’t confirm when Battlefield 2042’s next update is coming. If DICE sticks to its current two-month cycle, the next changes coming to Battlefield 2042 should be coming in March. Ultimately, McArthur’s latest statement about Battlefield 2042 disproves the earlier leaks. At the same time, what’s happening is worse. There’s no telling if players will continue sticking to Battlefield 2042 given its current state. At this point, DICE might have no choice but to make Battlefield 2042 free-to-play just to bring players back. On the bright side, fans do have another premiere shooter from Electronic Arts to look forward to as part of Respawn Entertainment’s upcoming slate of Star Wars games.
