For years, the Battlefield and Call of Duty franchises have defined the FPS genre, fostering a fierce rivalry with every new release. With the impressive success of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and the struggles of Battlefield 2042, this competition is more intense than ever. Looking forward, Dice might consider taking a few cues from Treyarch and Raven Software to innovate its next Battlefield offering.
A key lesson could be drawn from the standout Hunting Season mission in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. Esteemed by players and critics alike, this mission redefined expectations for campaign experiences. It would be logical for future titles to build on this innovation. While Call of Duty certainly has plans to evolve this concept, it seems almost tailor-made for the Battlefield series.
In the Hunting Season mission, Black Ops 6 took players to an open, sprawling Iraqi desert, offering them the freedom to chart their own course. Tasked with destroying three Scud Launchers, players also uncover secrets, tackle enemy encampments, and complete varied bonus objectives. It’s arguably Call of Duty’s closest embrace of an open-world style, and fans love it.
Although Modern Warfare 3 hinted at similar elements, Black Ops 6’s execution truly set it apart. By blending traditional and innovative campaign styles, it crafted an unforgettable experience. This could be the blueprint for Battlefield’s future campaigns.
Battlefield, renowned for its expansive multiplayer maps, where players navigate tanks through destructible environments, should consider incorporating similar open-world missions. Imagine being thrust into a sprawling war zone with a primary objective, surrounded by countless other tasks waiting to be discovered. Leveraging Battlefield’s hallmark destructible environments and massive settings, this approach could craft an epic campaign experience. Provided the narrative is compelling, players might find it hard to step away.
The Hunting Season mission in Black Ops 6 was a game-changer, and if Battlefield can draw inspiration from it, the upcoming installment could deliver a groundbreaking experience. After Battlefield 2042, the franchise needs to make a powerful statement with both its multiplayer and single-player offerings. By merging its traditional strength with fresh ideas, Battlefield has the opportunity to create something truly remarkable and unforgettable.
