Battlefield 6: Console-First Development and Crossplay Options for Players

Anticipation Builds for Battlefield 6’s Launch

With only three weeks left until its eagerly awaited release on October 10, Battlefield 6 fans are buzzing with excitement. The recent beta testing has generated positive feedback, and developers are actively sharing insights through various interviews. Notably, Technical Director Christian Buhl highlighted how optimizing for lower-spec hardware, like the Xbox Series S, has inadvertently enhanced performance on more robust platforms.

Prioritizing Console Gaming Experience

In a recent discussion with IGN, Buhl, alongside Senior Console Combat Designer Matthew Nickerson, delved into the crucial goal of delivering an exceptional experience specifically for console users. Nickerson humorously remarked that the development approach could be described as “secretly console first.”

Christian Buhl: “From the outset of Battlefield 6’s development, we prioritized the console experience. Our aim was to design the game primarily for console players. While we certainly have PC gamers in mind, it’s important to note that previous installments were often conceived as PC-centric before being adapted for consoles. In contrast, this game has been meticulously crafted for both platforms simultaneously, ensuring it feels like a console game at its core.”

Matthew Nickerson: “At Ripple Effect, we often say ‘Secretly Console First’ as a light-hearted acknowledgment of our commitment to the console experience. We’re dedicated to honoring Battlefield’s legacy as a PC game, but our focus is firmly on delivering quality for console players. Since the beginning, we have been diligently refining our efforts to meet high standards, ensuring Battlefield 6 is a polished product.”

Enhanced Features for Console Players

Additionally, Buhl and Nickerson revealed that Battlefield 6 will allow console players to disable cross-play with PC. This option may be particularly appealing for those concerned about hacking issues while still enabling cross-play between Xbox Series S|X and PlayStation 5 users. When cross-play with PC is activated, the matchmaking system is designed to prioritize finding console players first. The system only extends to PC players if necessary, ensuring a balanced lobby.

The developers have also improved the aim assist system compared to Battlefield 2042, addressing the need for fairness in cross-play environments.

Ongoing Developments in Battle Royale Testing

Meanwhile, testing for the highly anticipated Battle Royale mode is progressing on the Battlefield Labs platform, keeping fans eager for what lies ahead.

Source & Images