Electronic Arts (EA) is stirring up concerns among fans as they contemplate making Battlefield an annual franchise, stepping into the competitive ring with the powerhouse that is Call of Duty. After the success of two recent Open Beta weekends, it seems like Battlefield is making a valiant comeback, albeit with some glitches that need addressing.

However, industry analyst Michael Pachter, known for his connections in the gaming world but a mixed prediction record, has revealed that EA might shift Battlefield to an annual release schedule. In a recent episode of the Pachter Factor Show, he dropped this pivotal news, claiming Byron Beede, the General Manager of the Battlefield franchise, hinted at plans to organize three studios working on Battlefield games on a rotating three-year cycle.

"I spoke with EA, and they outlined their ambitious goal to have annual releases within five to six years," Pachter stated. This could mean that the gap between Battlefield 7 and 8 could be significantly shortened compared to the long wait fans faced for the current installment.

But in the world of gaming, simply having new releases doesn’t guarantee success. Initial reactions to this announcement have been overwhelmingly negative, with fans taking to social media to air their grievances. Comments ranged from outrage to frustration, with one user exclaiming, "WORST IDEA EVER,” and lamenting the current state of the franchise.

Concerned Battlefield veterans voiced that they aren't keen on seeing a new title each year, advocating instead for meaningful updates and additional maps, citing that the annual release model contributed to the decline of quality in games like Call of Duty.

Another weary gamer shared their apprehension, stating, "They are digging their own grave if there’s no substantial innovation. This strategy could turn into just a cash grab, pushing players to keep buying new versions without added value.”

To compete with Call of Duty successfully, Battlefield will need to carve its own identity within this structure while ensuring that each release justifies the price tag—expected to soar to $70 or even higher by 2030. Getting rid of franchise fatigue will also be key.

But ultimately, any plans for annual releases depend on EA's ability to successfully deliver consistently engaging content. As fans wonder why changes are being proposed before even fully committing to Battlefield 6, the question remains: Would you welcome a new Battlefield title every year? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!