Criterion Games is hitting the brakes on the development of the next Need for Speed game to, once again, lend a hand on the next Battlefield entry.
The UK-based studio will now align its primary energies and expertise to act as a key support studio for DICE following a similar move ahead of the release of Battlefield 2042 two years ago.
It’s an era of adaptation for a studio whose longstanding contributions to the Burnout and Need for Speed series have made them a fan-favourite among racing fans. This recent shift reshapes the studio’s primary focus and signifies EA’s intensified efforts on solidifying Battlefield’s position in the competitive first-person shooter market. While a dedicated segment within Criterion will remain involved with Need for Speed, this new direction is clear evidence of EA’s plans for the Battlefield series, which Sony previously threw under the bus while arguing against Microsoft’s now-all-but-closed deal to buy Activision Blizzard. Notably, despite the significant change in direction, there will be no job losses at the studio.
EA’s commitment towards Battlefield comes at an interesting juncture. The recent launch of Battlefield 2042 was riddled with challenges – from technical glitches to player dissatisfaction. Despite a vast array of updates and fixes, the game is still facing a considerable amount of criticism. This move of strengthening Battlefield’s development team might be an attempt to steer the franchise back into favorable waters. After all, with the FPS market saturated with heavyweights like Call of Duty, establishing a foothold requires more than just incremental updates – it demands innovation, commitment, and robust support.
Activision Blizzard fields over a dozen support studios to help out Infinity Ward, Sledgehammer Games, and Treyarch in developing the mainline Call of Duty titles.
This isn’t Criterion’s maiden voyage into the Battlefield series. The studio’s expertise, particularly on the vehicle dynamics front, has been tapped into over the years, making them a logical addition to the franchise. Vince Zampella, overseeing major franchises at EA, including Battlefield, in a memo, highlighted Criterion’s role. He underscored their value, especially given their deep experience with Battlefield. When paired with Battlefield’s existing tech infrastructure, Criterion is xpected to have a positive, immediate influence on the forthcoming projects.
The future of Need for Speed, however, remains intriguing. The franchise has changed hands frequently in recent years. Criterion’s role, initially as developers and later as custodians when many of its team members formed Ghost Games, has always been pivotal. The release of Need for Speed Unbound at the end of the previous year showcased a possible resurgence. Yet, while the game garnered positive reviews, it failed to spark significant commercial success. This could be a factor in EA’s decision to lean more on the Battlefield series.
But, as the dust settles on this recent shift, EA’s strategy is clear. With a collection of powerhouse development studios, led by DICE along with Ripple Effect, Ridgeline, and now Criterion, rallying behind Battlefield, one can anticipate a potent force to reinvigorate the franchise.
Reports indicate that EA isn’t aiming for another game; they envision a cohesive “Battlefield Universe”. The words from EA’s CEO hinted at the next Battlefield installment not just being another title, but a complete “reimagination”. A fresh slate and a unified team of seasoned developers will help realize the potential of a groundbreaking Battlefield experience.
It’s unclear what this means for the rumored Need for Speed Most Wanted remake from earlier this year, if that’s indeed true.
For now though, a better Battlefield is an enticing promise that will hopefully make Activision Blizzard reconsider going all-in on turning Call of Duty into Fortnite.
