Criterion Games,developerof titles such asBurnoutandNeed for Speed: Hot Pursuit, has formally joined EA Entertainment, according toa press releasewritten by EA’s Vince Zampella. Criterion has been an EA studio since it was acquired in 2004, but it will now be primarily working on theBattlefieldfranchise.
“Today, Criterion is added to our world-class Battlefield studios dedicated to ushering in a new era for the franchise,” wrote Zampella, who oversees studios working onApex Legends,Star Wars Jedi,Battlefield, andNeed for Speed.
“The majority of the team will be working alongside DICE, Ripple Effect, and Ridgeline that are led by Byron Beede, GM ofBattlefield. Criterion’s experience withBattlefield, our technology and building engaging experiences will have an immediate positive impact as we continue to work onBattlefield 2042, and as we continue pre-production on a connectedBattlefieldUniverse.”
While known for racing games likeBurnoutandNeed for Speed, Criterion has previously assisted onBattlefieldgames and other shooters under the EA umbrella, including theStar Wars Battlefrontseries. The last game Criterion released itself was the surprising 2022Need For Speed Unbound.
Zampella goes on to emphasize that work on theNeed for Speedfranchise isn’t ceasing as a result of this announcement, though he doesn’t specifically state that Criterion will be responsible for future entries.
“I’m really looking forward to working with a core group as we shape what’s next for the [Need for Speed] franchise,” said Zampella.
