DigitalBattle has been sent a news tip about Battlefield 3 in the form of a PDF document. The document contains a list of game features and other info which is apparently meant for investors. For example, the list states the game is powered by Frostbite DX game engine (the same one the upcoming Battlefield Bad Company is using) and should be released in late 2008, with a possible beta happening in the Summer. Full list from the document follows:

• Release in late 2008
• Powered by “Frostbite DX”
• Set in year modern day
• Will ship with 8 maps, each supporting up to 40-players per team
• Two playable factions, NATO and MEC (Middle Eastern Coalition)
• Same “ticket-based” gameplay style as before
• Maps are mostly urban, based in Middle East
• Squads and Commanders are present, introduced are “Battalions” which consist of three to four squads.
• Five playable classes; Sniper, Assault, Engineer, Medic and Support
• Will feature 48 different vehicles (24 for each faction)
• Will feature 34 different weapons (17 for each faction) and another 22 unlocks (for both factions), in total 56 different weapons.
• Other unlocks include different types of ammunition, body armor, helmets, camouflage and accessories.
• Possible public beta in “Summer 2008?
• Online stats tracking, awards and “real world ranks”
• “Soldier” feature, looks like MMO-styled characters and avatars
• Ranked servers will be available for resellers weeks before the game ships
• In-game replay and recording feature
• VoIP, friends list, in-game IM-client and “extensive clan support”
• Built-in auto software updater
• Widows Vista and OS X
• Announcement and teaser trailer in January 2008.

EA has already responded to comment requests with the standard “no comment” statement. But considering the success of the Battlefield series, we wouldn’t be surprised one bit if BF3 is in the works. In fact, we absolutely expect it to be.