Which war is Battlefield 4 about?

Which War is Battlefield 4 About?

Battlefield 4, a first-person shooter game developed by DICE and published by Electronic Arts (EA), is a futuristic warfare game that takes players on a thrilling adventure amidst the chaos of war. Released in 2013, the game’s plot is set in a fictional storyline, blending elements of geopolitical tensions, terrorism, and military conflicts. But which war is Battlefield 4 about? Before diving into the answer, let’s explore the context and themes of the game.

Campaign Storyline and Setting

The game takes place in the near-future, approximately between 2020 and 2030. The storyline follows the character of Lieutenant Recker, a US naval officer, and his platoon, as they encounter various military conflicts, ranging from China’s People Liberation Army (PLA) to Russia’s Federal Protective Service (FSB), and the United States of America. The narrative intertwines political tensions, environmental disasters, and cyber threats, all set against a backdrop of global unrest and instability.

Global Landscape and Conflicts

Without revealing too much, it’s safe to say that Battlefield 4 explores real-world political tensions, extrapolating potential scenarios based on current global issues. China, the United States, and Russia are embroiled in a web of conflicts, alliances, and rivalries, echoing recent global power shifts and national interests.

Why War?

In the War of 2020, Battlefield 4 pits three global superpowers, the United States, the People’s Republic of China, and the Russian Federation, against each other, as each nation strives for dominance. The conflict originated from the collapse of Iran, followed by a cascading collapse of economies across the Middle East and Western Asia, leading to social unrest and chaos. Power vacuum-fueled global tensions rise, triggering territorial disputes, proxy wars, and eventual full-blown conflict between the three leading nations.

The United States of America

US forces are led by Sergeant Dunn, a veteran naval officer, and Lieutenant Harrelson, an aerial commander. Their platoons engage in combat actions, air support operations, and sabotage missions to halt the aggressive expansion of Russian and Chinese forces. Notably, the United States’ narrative focuses on China’s String of Pearl initiative, which Beijing uses to exert military presence in the Pacific region. This concept is eerily reminiscent of China’s proposed String of Pearls strategic initiative in Asia.

The People’s Republic of China

PLA forces in Battlefield 4 are presented as aggressive and opportunistic, capitalizing on America’s vulnerability and pursuing long-standing territorial claims in Taiwan, the South China Sea, and the Asia-Pacific region. The PLA deploys its formidable arsenal of tanks, artillery, anti-aircraft systems, and advanced infantry equipment, driven by an insatiable desire to expand China’s global influence.

Russian Federation

Russian forces are deployed in FSB Special Forces, utilizing stealth combat tactics and advanced warfare, to achieve strategic objectives worldwide. Moscow’s motives reflect its near abroad policy, which seeks to counterbalance the growing presence of Western forces in the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Baltic Region.

In-Game Conflicts and Focal Points

Throughout the gameplay, Battlefield 4 encompasses various battle scenarios, mirroring historical and modern political tensions. Some of these conflicts include:

• Occupation of Istanbul: Russia’s forces deploy in Istanbul to capture the city’s strategic Bosphorus Strait.
• Storming of the Golden Horde: PLA forces besiege the historic city of Nalchik in northern Russia, attempting to divert Russian attention.

• Tornetta (Tiananmen War): The US marine platoon engages Chinese PLA forces attempting to crush the US’s anti-China protests.

• Bolshivka: The PLA encircles Russian forces attempting to capture key infrastructure, exposing Moscow’s vulnerabilities.

In Conclusion

Without delving into further revelations, it’s evident that Battlefield 4 weaves a fictional narrative amidst genuine global political tensions and instability. By exploring historical geopolitical contexts and extrapolating into the future, the game presents an engaging and relevant story that mirrors modern politics.