Criterion Rebrands for 30th Anniversary as Battlefield Becomes the Primary Focus
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
Criterion Games is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a rebrand as a dedicated Battlefield studio, raising questions among fans about the future of classic racing franchises like Burnout.
Criterion Games is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a major rebrand, cementing its new identity as a dedicated support developer for EA's massive military franchise. As reported by Eurogamer, the legendary UK studio now proudly carries the subtitle A Battlefield Studio. While the team played a critical role in shaping the campaign and supporting production for Battlefield 6, the shift leaves many longtime fans wondering what this means for beloved arcade racing franchises like Burnout. Studio leadership insists that the rebrand does not mean erasing the past, but current realities point to a studio fully absorbed into the machinery of live service shooters.
The games industry remains in a precarious spot, and the multi-studio approach adopted by EA offers stability at a time when layoffs and studio closures are unfortunately common across the sector. Director of operations Amy Pejic acknowledged the complexities and growing pains of this collaborative model during a recent press visit, while producer Stefan Wittlesburger pointed to strong post-launch roadmaps as proof of the system working. Even so, the transition from boundary-pushing arcade racers to co-developing a massive military sandbox marks a stark evolution for a developer once famous for high-speed crashes and open-world driving.
For players who grew up watching Criterion define the racing genre, seeing the studio tethered indefinitely to a single tactical shooter feels bittersweet. While the developers emphasize that the core talent and creative thumbprint of the studio remain intact, several senior leads have departed in recent years to found new ventures. As live service economies and seasonal battle passes dictate where publisher money flows, classic arcade racers continue to take a back seat. Criterion may have a secure future within the broader Battlefield ecosystem, but the era of the high-octane street racer appears firmly parked in the rearview mirror for now.
Tags: Criterion, Battlefield, EA, Burnout, Industry News
Original article: Eurogamer