Since the rather poor launch, the developers at DICE have been steadily working to expand Battlefield 5 . A lot has improved, a lot has been added. But fans are still not really happy. They expect a lot from the upcoming fall.
The expectations for the current Battlefield 5 installment were high – both from fans and the publisher EA. Visually, the game looked great, and the absence of a premium model brought much joy to the fans. Finally, all additional content was free for all players. But what was the mood at launch?
How Battlefield 5 started
That’s why many were disappointed by the launch: The launch of Battlefield 5 in November 2018 didn’t go very well. Some problems became apparent even beforehand. Development apparently couldn’t keep up, and the release was postponed. Nevertheless, many fans saw the game as unfinished at launch. Several promised features that were supposed to be there at launch were missing or delayed.
Here were some of the biggest points of criticism: One major issue was that the previously advertised rescuing of wounded soldiers was first delayed, then completely scrapped. The in-house Battle Royale Firestorm was also postponed to 2019.
Overall, many considered the launch’s scope to be meager, and many missed iconic maps or locations. Fans were worried about an impending content drought. At that time, DICE reassured players to “chill”, but this problem has not been fully addressed until today.
This caused additional turmoil: Additionally, there were all kinds of controversial discussions about women in World War II, the degree of realism, as well as statements from the developers, suggesting that if players think differently, they simply shouldn’t buy the game.
How Battlefield 5 has developed since launch
This is how many copies Battlefield 5 has sold: Despite the relatively poor start and fan criticism, Battlefield 5 has sold quite well.
In February 2019, EA reported that they had sold approximately 7.3 million copies of Battlefield 5 within about two months after launch. While many developers can only dream of such numbers, EA itself apparently was not satisfied. Because with that number, they fell short of their own expectations. The target was 8 million.
These features are now in Battlefield 5: Since launch, the developers have continuously worked to expand Battlefield 5.
Further content chapters have been released through the free Tides-of-War service. New maps, modes, weapons, vehicles, cosmetics, and more have been added since launch.
Moreover, the coop mode Combined Arms and the in-house Battle Royale Firestorm are finally in the game, providing more variety than at launch.
Particularly, the recently released map Mercury has improved the mood in the community. DICE has also responded to many fan requests regarding numerous features – such as the once controversial adjustment of the Time to Kill or the desire for more ranks in the progression system.
What is the current mood around Battlefield 5
How is Battlefield 5 doing at the moment? Currently, the 4th chapter “Against All Odds” is live. And this seems to be further uplifting the mood in the community. By the end of May, the new map Mercury already excited many players. Many fans’ moods had noticeably improved.
And the 4 new maps, which will be gradually released during chapter 4, are also being very well received by fans. The corresponding trailer was flooded with praise and positive comments. Many players are particularly looking forward to the upcoming reboot of the classic Metro. Compared to the launch and the first months in 2019, the mood among fans has improved at least somewhat.
In short: Battlefield 5 seems to be doing better compared to the launch phase. A lot has happened, new content has been added, and many aspects have resonated well with fans. But many are still not really happy. But why?
This is causing frustration among fans: What has continued to cause frustration since launch are occasional microtransactions, some bugs, and especially the flow of content.
Because although the content at launch was really meager and many things were missing, DICE has not delivered new content fast enough and sufficiently in the eyes of many players against their promises.
Many criticize that the new content is mostly good, but it takes far too long to arrive. Also, it is simply too little to keep players entertained in the long run. Some even claim that with the premium model, the flow of content was much better. They would even be willing to pay for that again now if they still had the choice.
Some of the biggest wishes currently include more maps, more factions, and iconic scenarios like in the Pacific. And this might soon actually come true.
Therefore, many are eagerly awaiting fall for Battlefield 5
This gives fans hope: Although not everyone is currently happy, many Battlefield fans have high hopes for the fall. Because in chapter 5, expected in the fall, they apparently deliver exactly what many fans desire:
- The iconic Pacific scenario, which was already very popular with fans in Battlefield 1943
- New maps – including the battle of Iwo Jima
- 2 new factions: Japan and the USA
- Corresponding new items, weapons, gadgets, and vehicles
When the Pacific scenario was teased, there was a great response and much excitement felt. Many believe or at least hope that DICE will manage a comeback at the latest with these contents. The hype is definitely back, according to the general sentiment in the community.
Furthermore, DICE will fulfill another major wish for many fans in late summer or fall. Finally, private servers in the form of Private Games are expected to come to Battlefield 5.
After Battlefield 5 had to do without this for a long time and it was unclear for a long time whether the popular and requested RSP program (Rented Server Program) would even come, DICE announced some time ago that it will officially return soon in an improved form.
More information can be found here: Battlefield 5 fulfills a major fan wish – This is what the new private servers can do
Quo vadis, Battlefield? It will be interesting to see whether Battlefield 5 can convince fans with its future content deliveries. Currently, it seems that a comeback could actually succeed in the fall of 2019, provided DICE delivers what they promised without delays or significant bugs.
What do you think of the development of Battlefield 5 since launch? Are you loyal to the game and still play regularly, or is it gathering dust in your drawer? What do you think of the current content and the fall features?
