We tried to create something more cinematic, not just multiplayer chaos and gunfights, that told an underlying story with defenders and attackers in an ever-changing battle. Not only was it the demo’s map, it was prominent in the Battlefield 1942 trailer, which was quite a unique asset. Wake Island was key to this breakthrough. With all the previous uncertainty this was truly a triumphant “Rocky moment” for us. The demo was sailing towards becoming one of the most popular games. I remember going out for dinner with the team – and Patrick Söderlund stayed behind to watch the demo figures coming in before joining us in the celebrations. But as rumor spread, the lines became longer.Īn early concept sketch of one of the island’s camouflaged concrete bunkers.Īnd then the demo with Wake Island was unleashed? It took a while until we could get an early version of Battlefield 1942 into the hands of players. They told us that if we could bring the Codename Eagle concept to a WW2 setting with 64 players, we’d have a deal. When pitching the concept of air-land-sea battles for 64 players, publishers were saying “You can’t do it.” For a year we didn’t even have a publisher at all. Bringing World War 2 into that, with all the gear from our favorite period movies, could be amazing.Īt a time when no one had heard of Battlefield, what was the plan to convince publishers and players?
Having created Codename Eagle when working for Refraction Games – which DICE later acquired – we knew that an air-land-sea setup with 64 players could work. However, back then, we were also quite confident that this map – and Battlefield 1942 as a whole – could turn out really well. If someone told you back in 2002 that you’d be reimagining Wake Island for an eager community 17 years later, I guess you’d question their sanity? In this penciled sketch of Wake Island, the notes highlight key points and units like barracks, AA guns, and a submerged submarine. Battlefield, with questions on the creation of the original Wake, the joy of early playtests, and how things have changed since 2002.Īnd, of course, whether the map is horseshoe- or banana-shaped. With the legendary map on its way to Battlefield ™ V as part of Chapter 5: War in the Pacific in December, the time is right for a stroll down memory lane. Having worked ten years at a ventilation company, he moved on to co-create – and recreate – one of the most iconic virtual fighting grounds ever: Battlefield ™ 1942 ’s Wake Island. Lars Gustavsson is no stranger to fan service. Wake Island Now and Then: Reimagining a Classic Battlefield veteran producer Lars Gustavsson shares insight into the map that started it all – and its upcoming reincarnation.
Overview Multiplayer Battle Royale Cooperative Single Player Tides of War Maps Overview Assault Class Medic Class Recon Class Support Class The Company Elites Trailers Screenshots Submit Your Clip Forums Latest News Game Updates Tips & Tricks Chapter 6 Chapter 5 Chapter 4 Chapter 3 Chapter 2 Chapter 1 Overview Elites Overview Multiplayer Battle Royale Cooperative Single Player Tides of War Maps Overview Assault Class Medic Class Recon Class Support Class The Company Elites Trailers Screenshots Submit Your Clip Forums Latest News Game Updates Tips & Tricks Chapter 6 Chapter 5 Chapter 4 Chapter 3 Chapter 2 Chapter 1 Overview Elites Wake Island Now and Then: Reimagining a Classic Battlefield V Battlefield 1 Battlefield 4 All Battlefield Games