Criterion Games, recently rebranded as Criterion: A Battlefield Studio, has not definitively closed the door on future installments in its acclaimed Need For Speed and Burnout series. Despite the studio's sole focus now being EA's Battlefield franchise, key personnel have indicated that a return to those racing titles is not out of the question.
This new direction comes as Criterion celebrates its 30th anniversary. The studio, known for developing the Burnout series and more recently handling Need For Speed titles as well as contributing to Star Wars: Battlefront, will now be one of four studios supporting EA's expanded Battlefield efforts. Criterion has had prior involvement with Battlefield, dating back to 2015's Battlefield 1, but this rebranding signifies an end to working on projects outside of EA's flagship shooter.
Senior producer Danny Isaac addressed concerns about creative limitations, stating that while the studio won't be developing games about dinosaurs, there is substantial creative freedom within the vast Battlefield universe. He pointed to areas like the Portal user-generated content mode, multiplayer, and single-player campaigns as opportunities for innovation. Isaac also quoted a colleague who noted that "sometimes that constraint can drive creativity."
Amy Pejic, Director of Operations at Criterion, emphasized that the studio's integration into the Battlefield team is based on its unique skills and that this new focus does not dilute what makes Criterion distinct. She asserted that EA's approach to studio collaboration promotes consistency without enforcing conformity, allowing each studio to maintain its identity within the larger portfolio.
When pressed about the future of non-Battlefield projects, Isaac acknowledged that while Burnout has been set aside, the possibility of another Need For Speed game remains open. "Yes, for now, we're focused on Battlefield Studios," Isaac stated. "But you've seen the journey that we've been on, I'd never say never. Things change. EA changed. They've different viewpoints, but we're on Battlefield."
Pejic echoed this sentiment, adding, "We can do any game, right now we're focused on Battlefield." This suggests that while Criterion's immediate future is dedicated to the Battlefield franchise, a return to its beloved racing series remains a possibility as EA's strategic direction evolves.