Battlefield 2042

Criterion Games has been through so many changes already, and now it's going through yet another shift. The studio, best known for the Burnout series and later its contributions to the Need for Speed franchise, is now primarily a Battlefield support studio.

As reported by Eurogamer, the UK-based studio will be putting the majority of its work into the Battlefield franchise, supporting DICE on Battlefield 2042 and future entries in the shooter series. That said, a "core group" within Criterion will still be working on Need for Speed. The change in direction for the studio will not result in any redundancies.

Vince Zampella says EA is "all-in" on Battlefield, naming Criterion alongside DICE, Ripple Effect, and Ridgeline as a now four-strong studio lineup for the series. As for Need for Speed, he's positive about the future of the racing series too: "I'm really looking forward to working with a core group as we shape what's next for the franchise."

To recap, many Criterion alumni formed Ghost Games, which would helm the Need for Speed series for many years. Those remaining at the older studio worked support on EA's Battlefield and Star Wars games in the meantime, but eventually, responsibility for Need for Speed returned to Criterion, launching Need for Speed Unbound at the end of last year. While it was received positively, it was ultimately a bit of a flop.

What do you think of this change at Criterion Games? Discuss in the comments section below.

[source eurogamer.net]