While the first-person shooter genre at times can oversaturated at times, that does not simmer the excitement surrounding upcoming releases – especially when it comes to juggernaut releases such as Halo, Call of Duty, and Battlefield. Well, all three franchises shipped a new installment last fall and DICE’s latest entry, Battlefield 2042, suffered the most at release.
From our review, “Most of the game design feels built around the massive 128 player count however, and unfortunately the rest of the modes feel like they suffer as a result.” In December, DICE General Manager Oskar Gabrielson stepped down leaving Vince Zampella to oversee the entire franchise. Even more, a separate reveal shared Disintegration, Halo creator Marcus Lehto would be joining Electronic Arts in a new Seattle-based team.
Now coming to fruition, Electronic Arts officially opens Ridgeline Games with Lehto overseeing the new Washington studio. The new division will be responsible for an upcoming, story-driven Battlefield experience.
It is a great honor to have the opportunity to collaborate with DICE and Ripple Effect and lead the charge on expanding the narrative, storytelling and character development opportunities in the Battlefield series.
Marcus Lehto, Ridgeling Games Head
“We’re continuing to invest in the future of the franchise by bringing in new talent and perspectives. With Marcus and his team at Ridgeline Games joining the world-class global team we have already in place, Battlefield is in the strongest position to succeed,” says Battlefield franchise head Vince Zampella.
For those needing a refresh on Lehto’s recent history, he kicked up V1 Interactive for a new IP, Disintegration. The title despite the quick traction plateaued after release and less than a year later shuttered its multiplayer. The studio itself officially closed its doors back in March 2021 where new later followed Lehto’s involvement now at Electronic Arts/DICE.
Additionally, the Seattle-based team also fosters other talent as well before both Lehto and even Zampella managing the entirety of Battlefield. In that, Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor development lead Kevin Stephens established the new, unnamed studio in Seattle back in May 2021. You can read the full report by heading here.
Are you interested what Marcus Lehto will have cooked up for Battlefield’s future?
Source: Electronic Arts
