Electronic Arts has already let slip that they weren’t entirely sold out the idea of a World War 1 setting for the new Battlefield title, but apparently their reservations extended beyond feeling trench warfare wouldn’t be all that exciting.
Speaking at the Bank of America Merill Lynch 2016 Global Technology Conference, EA’s CFO Blake Jorgensen said there was “some debate” concerning the setting of the hotly anticipated Battlefield 1.
“We were worried that many of the younger consumers out there didn’t know there was a World War 2 or Vietnam,” he said, going on to add that EA naturally assumed the same would apply to World War 1.
Fortunately the gamble paid off, as Battlefield 1’s debut trailer bagged a rapturous reception at its reveal event in London, with the YouTube upload receiving more ‘Likes’ than competing shooter Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare.
Battlefield 1 equips gamers with rifles, shovels and biplanes as it brings the action to WW1
Developed by acclaimed studio DICE, Battlefield 1 attempts to recreate the brutality and close-quarters combat of World War 1, taking gamers to a variety of locations inspired by historic events from the Great War.
Players will not only engage in trench warfare armed with traditional rifles and bayonets, but also mix it up with the likes of tanks, battleships and biplanes. Melee combat has also been given an overhaul, with soldiers able to whack each other with the likes of shovels, clubs and sabres.
In addition to the single-player campaign, Battlefield 1 also features an extensive multiplayer component for up to 64-players. Gamers can look forward to battling it out across locations including Arabia, the Western Front, and the Alps.
Battlefield 1 is due out on PlayStation 4, PC and Xbox One in October.