‘Battlefield 1’ Attempts To Break WWI Preconceptions With Little Known Characters


The Battlefield 1 announcement for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC signaled a significant direction change from DICE and Electronic Arts. While first-person shooters from competitors have stuck with modern and futuristic settings, DICE has elected to go back to World War I, scarcely covered in the gaming industry. The studio is using it as a chance to explore different aspects of World War I many may not know about and challenge preconceptions.

The single-player campaign of Battlefield 1 will actually be split between several characters. DICE is using this method of storytelling to explore the different theaters of war involved in the conflict during World War I — or the Great War, as it was known at the time. The trailer also shows air battles, sea battles involving battleships and planes, plus what is possibly some kind of espionage mission.

Locations confirmed so far include the infamous Western Front, the Italian Alps, and the sands of Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, known characters include the all-black 369 U.S. Army regiment, the Harlem Hellfighters and Bedouin warriors who fought a guerilla campaign against the Ottoman Empire in the Middle East in 1917 and 1918. Think Lawrence of Arabia.

Battlefield 1 (PS4, Xbox One, PC)
[Image via Electronic Arts]
This all leads to DICE Lead Design Daniel Berlin explaining the studio’s goal with Battlefield 1. The quotes come from an interview with Venturebeat.

“When we set out on this game, we wanted to depict not just the common view of what the war was like. We wanted to challenge some preconceptions,” Berlin told the outlet. “We want to delve into some of the unknowns of World War One. Maybe people don’t know that this person fought or that person fought, that this army was involved. We’re stretching out and bringing all those stories into the game. But I can’t go into any specific details as far as which armies or characters we’re depicting at this point.”

Berlin was then asked about the black character featured on the cover of the Battlefield 1 box art. He is clearly from the Harlem Hellfighters, but is also DICE showcasing the fact this is not the World War I game most will be expecting.

“That’s the thing. People don’t know that this was the case,” Berlin explained about the Harlem Hellfighters. “We want to show diversity in the game. That’s been a key goal. You can see in the trailer that there’s a Bedouin woman warrior on a horse. She’s a playable character in the single-player campaign.”

Neither Battlefield 3 nor Battlefield 4 were known for their strong single-player campaigns. In fact, they were met with some disappointment following the entertaining campaigns from the two Bad Company spin-off titles. It will be interesting to see how DICE manages to weave together the stories of several different characters from separate theaters of combat during World War I.

Battlefield 1 (PS4, Xbox One, PC)
[Image via Electronic Arts]
Battlefield 1 is scheduled to be released on October 18 for those that pre-order the $80 Early Enlister Deluxe Edition for the PS4, Xbox One, and PC. It grants early access plus comes with the Harlem Hellfighter Pack, Red Baron Pack, the Lawrence of Arabia Pack, plus five Battlepacks containing different items.

Those that decide on the Battlefield 1 Standard Edition for $60 will receive the game on Friday, October 21. It does come with the Harlem Hellfighter pack for those that pre-order.

Here is what the Harlem Hellfighter Pack includes, per a press release from Electronic Arts:

  • Hellfighter Trench Shotgun – Combat battered shotgun, etched with the Hellfighter insignia and “Men of Bronze” on the receiver and the unit number 369th on the barrel along with the carving “Go Forward or Die France 1918” on the wooden stock
  • Hellfighter M1911 – Reliable and timeless sidearm still used in action today affectionately called “old slabsides,” etched with the Hellfighter insignia on the breech and “Men of Bronze” on the muzzle.
  • Hellfighter Bolo Knife – Fearsome blade etched with the Hellfighter regiment number 369th that makes your enemy feel homesick at first sight.
  • Hellfighter Insignia – Wear this emblem to show your belonging to the elite Hellfighter unit and instill fear on the Battlefield.

An open beta is planned for Battlefield 1 prior to release. Details haven’t been announced yet, but those wishing to gain early access will want to sign-up as an “Insider” on the game’s official website.

[Image via Electronic Arts]

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