Criterion’s Future Is Battlefield, but Don’t Forget the Burnout Heritage Within Its Walls
EA’s Criterion studio abandons racing games to double down on *Battlefield*—but its legacy of *Burnout* lingers in the shift
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The brief
The move marks a dramatic pivot for Criterion, which has historically been a driving force in competitive racing games. Coverage emphasizes the abruptness of the shift, with *Nexus Hub* and *IGN* framing it as a strategic realignment by EA rather than a creative or market-driven decision. *Yahoo Tech* highlights industry speculation that the change may alienate long-time fans of the racing genre, while *IGN* notes the studio’s deep ties to *Burnout*, a franchise that defined its early identity.
The announcement comes amid broader industry trends of consolidation and genre specialization among game developers. What to watch next: Whether EA will rebrand or repurpose the *Need for Speed* and *Burnout* IPs under other studios, and how Criterion’s transition to *Battlefield* will impact its creative output.
Coverage does not yet specify whether existing projects or unreleased titles will be affected by the shift.
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Quick answers
Is *Need for Speed* being canceled entirely?
Coverage from *Nexus Hub* and *SavePoint Gaming* states that EA has 'shut the door' on the franchise, implying no future development under Criterion. However, the IP may be reassigned to another studio.
Will *Burnout* return in any form?
No current coverage confirms a revival, but *IGN* references its 'heritage' within Criterion, suggesting EA may reconsider the franchise’s future.
Is this a temporary reallocation or permanent shift?
*The Drive* reports Criterion’s *Need for Speed* studio is now 'solely focused on *Battlefield* now and maybe forever,' indicating a long-term commitment to the shooter genre.
Coverage (5)
- Need for Speed has no future and I think EA is making a mistake Yahoo Tech · 1d ago
- Criterion Games’ Racing Era May Be Over as Battlefield Becomes Its Full Focus SavePoint Gaming · 1d ago
- EA Shuts The Door on Need for Speed and Burnout Franchises Nexus Hub · 1d ago
- Need for Speed Studio Is ‘Solely Focused on Battlefield’ Now and Maybe Forever The Drive · 1d ago
- Criterion’s Future Is Battlefield, but Don’t Forget the Burnout Heritage Within Its Walls IGN · 1d ago
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