Defining the Culture of Haven
Today we’re starting with a small behind the scenes look into how our team brings new maps to life. When designing a new Season and its map, one of the things we look for is contrast. What can we do that feels different, and how can we explore new areas, themes, and emotions to enrich our available experiences? For our art direction this meant that with Season 6 you’ll have noticed an overall dark blue and cold color, which tied into fear, and represented the inhospitable place the Redacted map was set in. With Haven, you’ll instead notice a yellowish warm tone through its art. It’s the opposite of Redacted in not only thematic, but also narrative ways: Haven is about the fight for water, which is also an expression of life, versus the dark secrets that were buried in Redacted.
Gameplay wise we also look for that same contrast. Alongside the previous Season where we introduced an infantry focused map, with Haven we’re revisiting combined arms and suburban warfare to add further variety in gameplay experiences.
Putting those art and gameplay elements together, we also want to weave environmental storytelling through the map that you’re playing. An example of that is a series of posters our team created by hand, through a process that we call jelly prints.
Using these handcrafted posters, we transferred black and white prints onto a gelli plate, and then used acrylics to create a series of posters that we scanned into the game where you’ll encounter them as representations of the different factions at war on Haven. On one side you can see that there's resistance fighters spraying graffiti on the walls, and on the opposite side we have the Thousand Petals Coalition (TPC) and their logos visible -- be sure to keep an eye out for them across the map!
The Fight for Resources
Haven is set in Chile’s scorching Atacama Desert, where climate change has eroded much of the already dry desert. Only the toughest can survive here and are proud to call it home. Here in the lithium mining town of El Alicanto, the small community is harboring a secret -- access to one of the largest water subterranean reservoirs in the world. United TPC and Eastern forces have made landfall in Chile, wanting to seize the aquifer by any measure necessary. US forces have allied with the locals, to protect the world’s most valuable currency: Water.Dev Interview with Shashank Uchil
To dive even deeper into discovering Haven, we have teamed up with content creator and Battlefield connoisseur, TheBrokenMachine and placed Shashank Uchil, Lead Level Designer into the hot seat to answer a few questions about how this location came to be, what direction the team wanted to go in after Redacted, and discuss what players can expect when Haven launches as part of Season 7: Turning Point. Check out the interview on TheBrokenMachine’s YouTube channel below! [previewyoutube=w42ce6uTa8c;full][/previewyoutube]The Return to Urban Warfare
Feedback we’ve consistently heard from within our Community is to return to urban warfare. Following the chaotic close-quarters-combat on Redacted in Season 6, we’re happy to confirm that urban warfare is back this Season. However, just adding urban warfare to the mix by itself wasn’t enough for the team. We wanted to get another map into your hands with unique combat opportunities, distinct gameplay moments and standout visuals. That’s also where several historic maps across the Battlefield series inspired us as we looked across previous fan favorites such as Arica Harbor from Bad Company 2, Strike At Karkand from Battlefield 3, and Amiens from Battlefield 1. Taking that inspiration and the best gameplay moments from those maps, Haven and its urban setting is focused on 64-player gameplay combined warfare, with plenty of room for both full-on infantry and vehicle warfare.
Exploring Haven
[previewyoutube=qGuua2-gt5k;full][/previewyoutube] El Alicanto’s sizzling heat is unforgiving, but you will encounter more than just dunes and palm trees. To fight for control over the aquifer, you’ll battle it out in five unique locations.
A: Gas Station
The gas station is heavily fortified, and claiming it secures additional fuel to try and seize control over the Guarani aquifer. The surrounding infrastructure will allow for vehicles to put their mark on the battle as well. Combined with the semi-destructible buildings, fortifications and rocky surroundings, it will offer you a lot of choice on how to assault or protect the area.
B: Crash Site
The crashed US transport in the heart of the battlefield serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing conflict. But it’s also a sign of how you can use your surroundings to strengthen your approach.
The rocky desert environment of the Crash Site is the perfect playground for battling squads, with the remaining buildings offering plenty of opportunities for cover. However, stay vigilant as these buildings are a prime target for vehicles to be torn down.
C: Town Center
In the midst of this desert warzone stands the once lively marketplace. Now eerily silent, the vibrant colors are muted by dust and smoke of the ongoing conflict. It might be a last reminder for the locals as to what they are fighting for. While offering plenty of cover, the buildings in this area are again ready for destruction. Best to stay alert, as a nearby tank might prove itself useful to clear the area.
D: Oasis
The Oasis could be considered the last location of respite in the Atacama Desert. As a capture point it’s not only vital because of the remaining water, but also because of its lithium pools that provide a vital resource for the winning faction. It makes the Oasis the lifeblood of El Alicanto, and the ultimate prize in this conflict.
E: Checkpoint
On the very edge of El Alicanto lies the last checkpoint. A reminder of what civilization in this area looked like not too long ago. The fortifications allow any controlling force to hold a significant entrance to the town and its resources. The barriers and large barricades between the outskirts of the town will require brawn and brains to overcome. Losing this area might mean losing the town and access to water.
We’ll see you on the streets of Haven!
//The Battlefield Team
