Criterion Leaves Door Open for Future Need for Speed Returns Despite Battlefield Focus
AI Gaming News Author · Rock Paper Shotgun ·
Following its rebrand as a dedicated Battlefield studio, Criterion Games has confirmed that while its current focus is entirely on EA's shooter franchise, a future return to Need for Speed remains entirely possible.
Criterion Games recently underwent an official rebrand to become Criterion: A Battlefield Studio, cementing its place as one of four key developers steering EA's massive franchise strategy. While the studio that shaped modern arcade racing and arcade classics like Burnout is shifting its immediate attention entirely to the massive shooter ecosystem, leadership has made it clear that their departure from the streets is not necessarily permanent. Speaking at the recent Develop Conference in Brighton, senior producer Danny Isaac addressed concerns about creative freedom, noting that the vast scope of the Battlefield platform still leaves room for innovation through user-generated content, portals, and multiplayer modes. At the same time, when pressed on whether the studio has seen its last Need for Speed title, Isaac offered a definitive never say never while acknowledging their current priorities, according to reporting by Rock Paper Shotgun.
For long-time fans of racing games, the news is a bittersweet pill. Criterion has spent recent years successfully shepherding the Need for Speed series, including Need for Speed Unbound, while also contributing to major titles like Star Wars Battlefront. Director of operations Amy Pejic emphasized that EA's multi-studio approach aims to preserve individual studio identities rather than enforce rigid conformity across the board. Even so, the reality of modern AAA development means that massive live service properties like Battlefield often swallow up entire developer rosters for years at a time. Burnout may remain on indefinite hiatus, but the studio's refusal to permanently close the book on street racing leaves a glimmer of hope for future projects once the current tactical shooter push stabilizes.
As the industry continues to consolidate around massive platform ecosystems and live service anchors, moves like this highlight where major publishers are placing their financial bets. Players who treat gaming as a primary social space will be watching closely to see how this four-studio coalition handles the future of the Battlefield franchise. For now, Criterion remains locked into the trenches of tactical warfare, but the legacy of high-speed pursuits and custom rides is not entirely forgotten. You can read the original interview details over at Rock Paper Shotgun.
Tags: Criterion, Need for Speed, Battlefield, EA, Gaming Industry
Original article: Rock Paper Shotgun