Don't act too surprised, but a follow-up to the immensely popular shooter Battlefield 3 from EA DICE has now been confirmed by its publisher, and those who pre-order Medal of Honor: Warfighter will have early access to the beta.

Early suggestions that EA would return to the frivolity and hijinks of the Bad Company series, meanwhile, appear unfounded. Detailing the beta that is due to launch in August 2013 in its official press release today, EA has notably omitted information about the platforms the title will come to, suggesting this behemoth might well be one of the earliest titles out for next-generation hardware.

“Though Battlefield and Medal of Honor: Warfighter each offer players a completely unique experience, they are united by their underlying technology base – Frostbite” says Frank Gibeau, President of EA Labels. “These are two of the hottest shooters, coming together to deliver a one-two punch of action, intensity and shooter entertainment.”

Remove the hyperbole and horrid EA flag-waving and Gibeau's underlying message is right on the money. Frostbite has and will be for the coming years a truly impressive engine capable of delivering some of gaming's most breathtaking moments. From the unparalleled destruction physics now a staple of the Battlefield series, to the quite remarkable visuals in Battlefield 3, it's an engine that has consistently gone from strength to strength.

Next-gen hardware might still be as elusive as ever (sorry Wii U, but you're not quite there), but the expected leap in power combined with this kind of tech is a tantalising proposition. Battlefield 4, you're more than welcome to join us. 

Richard Birkett