Criterion Games, the studio most known for developing racing games in the Need for Speed and Burnout franchises, is now all-in and focused on the Battlefield series.
This was announced by Vince Zampella, Group General Manager of Apex Legends, Star Wars Jedi, Battlefield and Need for Speed.
- Related Reading: Battlefield 2042 Specialists Failed Because Players “Didn’t Understand” How It Was Supposed to Work, Says DICE Producer
In the statement, Zampella notes that the majority of Criterion staff will now be working alongside DICE, Ripple Effect, and Ridgeline, and is being led by Byron Beede GM of Battlefield. As for the Need for Speed franchise, a smaller, “core group” of staff members from Criterion will help shape its future per Zampella.
Here’s the important bit from the announcement:
As we’ve said before, we’re all-in on Battlefield. Today, Criterion is added to our world-class Battlefield studios dedicated to ushering in a new era for the franchise. The majority of the team will be working alongside DICE, Ripple Effect, and Ridgeline that are led by Byron Beede, GM of Battlefield. Criterion’s experience with Battlefield, our technology and building engaging experiences will have an immediate positive impact as we continue to work on Battlefield 2042, and as we continue pre-production on a connected Battlefield Universe. There is no better studio to join us on this journey and I couldn’t be more excited.
Work will also continue on what’s next for Need for Speed. Many of you might be familiar with my history in games, having worked with extremely talented teams on Apex Legends™, Titanfall, and Star Wars™ Jedi here at Electronic Arts. But you might not know I have a passion for cars, which also makes Criterion a perfect match for me to explore another genre in gaming that I love. I’m really looking forward to working with a core group as we shape what’s next for the franchise.
Note that this is not Criterion’s first time with the Battlefield franchise, as the studio has helped develop Battlefield Hardline, Battlefield 1, Battlefield V and even the latest entry in the franchise, Battlefield 2042.
The studio’s latest game, Need for Speed Unbound, was released last year for current-gen platforms and was met with primarily a positive response, though it doesn’t seem to have made quite an impact to gamers given the tepid post-launch support we’ve seen thus far.
Here’s to hoping the studio fares better in their Battlefield project.
Source: EA
More Battlefield Reading: