Former Battlefield 3 designer, David Goldfarb, recently shed light on the game's development, revealing the existence of two cut single-player missions. While Battlefield 3, released in 2011, is lauded for its impressive multiplayer and visuals, its campaign received mixed reviews, often criticized for a lack of narrative cohesion and emotional depth.
The omitted missions centered around the character Hawkins, the jet pilot featured in the mission "Going Hunting." These missions would have depicted Hawkins' capture and subsequent escape, potentially adding significant character development and a more compelling narrative arc. This revelation has sparked renewed interest in the game's single-player experience and its potential.
The linear structure and reliance on scripted sequences in the released campaign were frequent points of contention. These cut missions, focusing on survival and character development, could have provided a more dynamic and engaging experience, potentially mitigating the criticisms leveled against the original campaign.
This news has fueled fan discussions regarding the future of the Battlefield franchise, particularly in light of Battlefield 2042's absence of a single-player campaign. The hope among many is that future installments will prioritize a more robust and engaging story-driven mode alongside the series' renowned multiplayer component. The lost potential of Battlefield 3's cut content serves as a reminder of the importance of strong narrative in first-person shooter games.