Criterion Games has moved divisions within Electronic Arts to work on the Battlefield franchise.
EA restructured its studios into two organisationsthis summer, andCriterionhas switched fromEA Sportsto EA Entertainment.
It will also continue to work on theNeed for Speedseries, according toRespawnco-founderVince Zampella, who now leads the EA studios responsible forApex Legends, its Star Wars and Battlefield games.
“As we’ve said before, we’re all-in on Battlefield,” he said in ablog post. “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 workingalongside DICE, Ripple Effect, and Ridgelinethat 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 onBattlefield 2042, and as we continue pre-production ona connected Battlefield Universe.”
EA announced in February 2020 that it had handed Need for Speeddevelopment duties back to Criterionas it planned to restructureGhost Games, which made the last four entries in the racing series.
Best known for the Burnout series, Criterion had also developed two previous Need for Speed titles: 2010’s Hot Pursuit and 2012’s Most Wanted. It contributed to 2013’s Need for Speed Rivals too, and later toDICE’s Star Wars Battlefront II andBattlefield V.
Its most recent game was December 2022’sNeed for Speed Unbound, which was delayed after Criterion wasmoved into a support role on Battlefield 2042.
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“Work will also continue on what’s next for Need for Speed,” Zampella said. “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 atElectronic 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.”
