DICE Have Canceled Battlefield 5’s 5v5 Competitive Mode

DICE have announced than they are pulling back from the promised 5v5 competitive mode for Battlefield 5.

DICE is no longer going forward with the development of a five vs. five competitive mode for Battlefield 5, according to a blog post on the EA website. Ryan McArthur, the game’s senior producer, wrote the post. McArthur shares the difficult decision getting made and the need to focus on other areas of the game.

The added focus on improving the quality of the experience and adding more of the content you want has led us to step back from our original plans to offer a competitive 5v5 mode. Not creating this mode was a tough decision, but vital for us to more quickly reach our bug-crushing and content goals.

While the game has received plenty of support with new content, a battle royale mode, and other limited-time events, it seems DICE cannot split their focus enough to work on a competitive mode.

Battlefield, as a series, has had a competitive scene for years now. The competitive scene has flourished with little support within the game itself. The game didn’t get a spectator mode until Battlefield 4. Additionally, life has become more difficult for those in the competitive scene because DICE has not made private servers available for players to rent.

There has always been a bit of a clash between the esports concept and the appeal of Battlefield. Most people who play the series do so for the 32 and 64 player servers, the vehicle gameplay, and the long and protracted tactical fights that can occur between skilled players. Most esports shooters focus on fast and frantic rounds between smaller groups. As such, it is not surprising that the idea of a competitive mode got dropped from the game.

Still, I’m sure the majority of players will be happy with the focus going to other areas of the game.