Electronic Arts is reshaping its internal development structure in a move that directly impacts the future of its racing game franchises. Criterion Games, the studio behind the recent Need for Speed entries, is shifting its full attention to the Battlefield series. This realignment suggests that fans waiting for the next installment in the Need for Speed or Burnout series may face a prolonged wait, as these projects appear to be paused indefinitely.
Criterion Games moves exclusively to Battlefield, pausing racing franchises
The shift places Criterion Games in an exclusive support role for the Battlefield franchise. The studio has been assisting with Battlefield 6 development since 2023, a timeline that now extends into a primary focus. This move consolidates EA's resources around its military shooter, which is currently generating significant internal priority.
The status of the Need for Speed and Burnout series is now described as being on hold or on ice. While the exact operational details remain unclear, the immediate implication is that no new development work is active at Criterion for these titles. EA is undergoing a transition to become a private company valued at $55 billion, a change that is driving a strategic pivot toward safer, guaranteed hits rather than riskier franchise expansions.
This current pause contrasts with previous assurances from former Battlefield lead Vince Zampella, who stated that Criterion would continue working on the next Need for Speed project. Rebecka Coutaz, an executive at Battlefield studios Europe, recently clarified the studio's current stance, stating they are solely focused on Battlefield. The ambiguity surrounding the final status of these racing franchises leaves their future uncertain as EA restructures its priorities.
Source: TweakTown
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