Let's do a "Vibe Check"

Tom Belous (The Lanky Soldier)
Jun 25
3 min read

This episode of the Battlefield podcast is a personal update from Tom, sharing insights about the show's progress, future plans, and the current state of the Battlefield franchise. Unlike typical episodes focused solely on game news, this one offers a behind-the-scenes look at the podcast's development, community interactions, and developer insights. It emphasizes the passion for Battlefield, the importance of community feedback, and the challenges faced in content creation.

Featuring: Tom Belous (TheLankySoldier)

Episode 33: Let's do a "Vibe Check"

Released on March 28, 2025

Length: 1 Hour & 30min

Listen on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/episode/643At9AtPsqqdAOFlFXYK6?si=IYJoYfviRfu5s9MErkGlxQ

Listen on Amazon Music

https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/964d70ad-e310-48e5-aba8-ce2844b85f03/episodes/ce013b42-84b4-4a40-8c20-95100456564d/battlefield-one-podcast-33-let's-do-a-vibe-check-battlefield-one-podcast

Listen on Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/33-lets-do-a-vibe-check-battlefield-one-podcast/id1677966719?i=1000701275599

TIME STAMPS:

04:54 - Podcast Vibe Check

41:39 - Playtest Details

47:42 - Gameplay Leaks

57:31 - Battle Royale Leaks

01:10:31 - Developer Tweets

01:26:31 - Conclusion

QUOTES:

"This podcast exists to bridge the gap between developers and the player base."

"Game development is not democracy."

"We can't rely on EA to produce the content for us... we have to rely on ourselves to produce the content."

"The franchise is really big in its history and developments, and there's loads of things to talk about."

"If I lose passion for this franchise, I don't think I will continue with the podcast."

HIGHLIGHTS:

Gratitude and Community Appreciation:
The host thanks listeners and supporters for choosing and supporting the podcast, emphasizing the importance of the community and Patreon supporters.
Podcast Purpose and Focus:
The show is a dedicated Battlefield podcast, discussing franchise history, leaks, developer insights, and community reactions, with an emphasis on honest, unfiltered opinions.
Personal Update & Transparency:
The host shares that this episode is a solo, spontaneous recording due to time constraints, and discusses the podcast’s growth, future plans, and challenges, including contemplating quitting YouTube to focus on the podcast.
Community Engagement & Feedback:
Encourages listeners to follow social media, leave reviews, join the Discord, and provide feedback via Google Forms, highlighting the importance of community interaction.
Patreon and Monetization:
Explains the role of Patreon in supporting the show, offering ad-free episodes, behind-the-scenes content, early access, and exclusive series like "Live Gaming Gathering." Emphasizes transparency about ads and the value of supporting the podcast.
Passion for the Franchise:
The host emphasizes that the podcast is driven by love for Battlefield, and that passion is crucial; if passion wanes, the show might end.
Franchise and Development Insights:
Discusses recent leaks, developer comments, and the direction of the new Battlefield game, including its safe, Battlefield 3-inspired design, return to classic features, and the focus on a "safe" reimagining rather than risky innovations.
Leaks and Playtest Insights:
Details about recent leaks, including new maps, mechanics (like sliding, weapon inspection, squad perks), and the laggy nature of early playtests due to netcode testing.
Community Reactions & Criticism:
Expresses frustration with community gatekeeping, especially regarding the inclusion of women, cosmetics, and game design choices, emphasizing that the franchise belongs to the developers and is shaped by their vision.
Battle Royale & Future Content:
Supports the idea of a Battlefield Battle Royale mode, arguing that Battlefield’s sandbox nature allows for diverse game modes, and criticizes community resistance to new ideas like Battle Royale.
Developer Statements & Industry Realities:
Shares insights from former and current developers (e.g., David Sirland), explaining that game development is driven by corporate decisions, not democracy, and that community feedback influences but does not dictate development.
Reflections & Optimism:
Despite frustrations, the host remains optimistic about the future of Battlefield, the podcast’s growth, and upcoming projects, including new guests and content.