In the world of first-person shooters, the rivalry between Battlefield and Call of Duty has been a significant driving force, pushing both franchises to continually innovate and excite their audiences. Yet, despite their best efforts, Electronic Arts (EA) has often found itself a step behind its competitor, Activision, especially with the latter’s highly successful Call of Duty: Black Ops series. In an attempt to bridge this gap, EA planned to release Battlefield Hardline 2, aiming to counter Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. However, unforeseen circumstances tied to the United States’ volatile political climate have led to the indefinite shelving of this anticipated sequel.
The Ambitious Sequel That Never Was
Battlefield Hardline, released in March 2015, diverged from the traditional military-centric theme of the series by introducing gameplay centered around police and criminal city-wide operations. This game, developed by Visceral Games, not only topped sales charts in the UK but also introduced the innovative “Levolution” mechanic, which allowed the environment to change dynamically with each match, enhancing the gameplay experience.
Despite the fresh take and initial success, the game’s reception was mixed, and over time, it garnered a cult following who eagerly anticipated a sequel. Plans for Battlefield Hardline 2 were in motion, crafted to build upon its predecessor’s foundation with more engaging and dynamic urban crime scenarios.
A Project Halted by Political Sensitivities
The sequel’s fate was sealed by the political environment in America, particularly influenced by the aftermath of the 2014 Ferguson shooting, where Michael Brown, an 18-year-old African American, was fatally shot by a police officer. This incident sparked widespread controversy and discussions about police brutality and racial injustice in the United States.
In a revealing 2024 interview with VideoGamer, Thaddeus Sasser, the multiplayer design lead for the original Hardline, expressed the challenges faced during development: “I think, you know, maybe, maybe, there is a world where that game could exist but, at the time, the political climate, if you remember there’s Ferguson [shooting] and all that other bad stuff going on. It was just… too much. There was no way EA was going to do that.”
The Impact on Fans and the Future of Battlefield
The cancellation of Battlefield Hardline 2 not only disappointed its growing fan base but also demonstrated how real-world events could dramatically influence the gaming industry. While EA has never avoided depicting military conflicts, the specific focus on police versus robbers in Hardline was deemed too sensitive amidst the prevailing social climate.
With Visceral Games now defunct and EA returning its focus to traditional military warfare themes, the likelihood of revisiting the urban crime narrative of Hardline seems slim. The fans’ hopes for a sequel, which would delve deeper into the gritty and morally complex world of urban law enforcement, appear to be dashed as the company moves forward with other projects.
This episode in the Battlefield saga reflects a broader trend in the gaming industry, where developers must navigate not only the technological and creative challenges of game design but also the increasingly complex socio-political landscape that can shape and sometimes dictate the viability of game narratives. The shelving of Battlefield Hardline 2 serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between creative ambition and societal sensibilities.