The Battlefield series has long stood as one of EA’s most high-profile franchises, but its release schedule has never been as predictable or consistent as some of its rivals. That could be changing in the near future. According to recent claims from industry insiders, EA and DICE are laying the groundwork to transform Battlefield into an annual franchise within the next five to six years.

If true, the move would represent a major shift in how the series has been managed. Unlike Call of Duty, which has operated on an annual release cycle for nearly two decades thanks to its multiple development studios, Battlefield has typically launched new entries every two to four years. This slower pace has been both a strength and a weakness allowing for technological leaps between games, but also leaving long gaps where rival shooters dominated the conversation.

The push toward an annual cycle is reportedly tied to EA’s recent restructuring of the Battlefield brand. The publisher has invested heavily in multiple studios, including Ripple Effect, Criterion, and DICE, all of which are contributing to the future of the franchise. Insiders suggest that EA wants to establish a similar model to Call of Duty, where multiple teams rotate development duties to keep fresh content flowing year after year.

Of course, this strategy comes with risks. The Battlefield franchise has struggled with uneven launches in recent years Battlefield V faced content shortages, while Battlefield 2042 launched in a troubled state that damaged community trust. To pivot toward an annual model, EA will not only need to expand its development resources but also ensure quality control doesn’t falter under tighter deadlines.

Still, with a live-service framework already in place and multiple teams working behind the scenes, EA appears determined to position Battlefield as a direct competitor to Call of Duty’s market dominance. Whether fans welcome this change or fear it could dilute what makes Battlefield unique remains to be seen.

For now, the franchise is preparing its next installment, which EA has described as a “reimagining” of the series. If the annual release plan materializes, it could mark the beginning of a new era for one of gaming’s most recognizable shooters good or bad.