One of the most popular Battlefields was originally 'more like an MMO', but the remnants were well utilized
Battlefield 3 remains one of the most celebrated games in the franchise. Fans praise its realistic approach, from weapons and uniforms to a movement system designed to feel deliberate and heavy. Yet few know its development began as something entirely different—a scrapped MMO project.
The game was first conceived as an online multiplayer experience under the codename Project Venice. This MMO version never saw the light of day, and the entire project was eventually abandoned. A new team took over, shifting focus to the first-person shooter fans would later recognise.
While most of the MMO’s work was discarded, a few elements survived. The Paris setting for the campaign’s sixth mission, *Comrades*, was one of them. No other specific assets from the canceled project have been publicly confirmed as reused. When Battlefield 3 launched, it stood out for its grounded, non-futuristic tone. Maps like *Operation Firestorm*, *Metro*, *Caspian Border*, and *Noshahr Canals* became instant classics. The game’s emphasis on realism—from weapon handling to soldier movement—helped cement its reputation as a high point for the series.
The final version of Battlefield 3 bore little resemblance to its original MMO concept. Instead, it became known for its tactical gameplay and memorable multiplayer battles. The decision to reboot the project ultimately shaped one of the franchise’s most enduring titles.
