Need for Speed developers Criterion Games will now be focusing on the Battlefield franchise
Criterion will work on improving Battlefield 2042 and the future of the franchise
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EA has announced thatNeed for Speedstudio Criterion Games will focus its efforts on theBattlefieldfranchise.
In a newpostshared today, it was confirmed that Criterion has moved over to EA Entertainment to work on improvingBattlefield 2042, as well as to focus on the future of the franchise, while a “core group” will continue to develop games for theNeed for Speedseries.
“Criterion has a rich history in gaming, having worked onBattlefield, Battlefront, Burnout,and of course,Need for Speed. I’m thrilled to have a studio with such pedigree join the studios I oversee,” said Respawn boss Vince Zampella.
“As we’ve said before, we’re all-in onBattlefield. Today, Criterion is added to our world-classBattlefieldstudios dedicated to ushering in a new era for the franchise. The majority of the team will be working alongside DICE, Ripple Effect, and Ridgeline [which] 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.”
Criterion has previously been credited onBattlefield 5andBattlefield 2042, as well asStar Wars Battlefront 2, but will be making a return to the series to improve upon2042.
Zampella explained that the work will continue on what’s nextNeed for Speed, saying that he has 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.”
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Battlefield 2042launched in 2021 but quickly went on tolose popularity on Xbox two months later. In June 2022,DICE said that despite the rocky launch, it wouldn’t be shifting its focus away from the gameand would reorganize, restructure, and improve. The game currently has a “Mixed” reception onSteam, and according to theSteam Chartshas seen a large drop in players over time.
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