TL;DR
EA’s Criterion Games, the studio behind Need for Speed, has announced it is now exclusively working on Battlefield. This shift indicates a potential end to new Need for Speed titles from the studio.
Criterion Games, the studio behind the Need for Speed franchise, has confirmed it is now exclusively focused on developing Battlefield. This marks a significant shift in the studio’s direction and raises questions about the future of Need for Speed titles from Criterion.
Criterion Games announced in March 2024 that it is no longer working on Need for Speed games and is now dedicated solely to Battlefield development. This decision was confirmed via official statements from Electronic Arts, the publisher of both franchises. The studio’s focus on Battlefield appears to be a long-term or possibly permanent change, with no current plans for new Need for Speed titles from Criterion. EA has not disclosed whether other studios will take over the Need for Speed franchise or if it will be discontinued entirely from Criterion’s portfolio. This development follows previous reports of internal restructuring at EA and shifting priorities towards live-service and multiplayer games.Implications for the Need for Speed Franchise and EA’s Development Strategy
This shift signifies a potential end of new Need for Speed titles developed by Criterion, one of the franchise’s most prominent studios. It underscores EA’s broader strategic move towards live-service games and may impact the franchise’s future direction, fan engagement, and market presence. For gamers, it raises questions about whether Need for Speed will continue under other developers or if the franchise is being phased out. The decision reflects broader industry trends where major publishers prioritize multiplayer and ongoing service models over traditional single-player racing games.
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Background on Criterion’s Role in Need for Speed and EA’s Development Focus
Criterion Games has been a key developer for Need for Speed since the franchise’s revival in the early 2000s, delivering popular titles like Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit and Need for Speed: Most Wanted. Over recent years, EA has shifted its development focus toward live-service multiplayer titles such as Apex Legends and Battlefield. In 2023, rumors surfaced about Criterion’s internal restructuring, suggesting a possible change in project focus. The company’s recent statement confirms that Criterion is now solely dedicated to Battlefield, a franchise EA has heavily invested in as part of its multiplayer ecosystem. The move aligns with EA’s broader industry trend of prioritizing ongoing multiplayer experiences over traditional single-player racing games.“Criterion Games is now exclusively focused on Battlefield development. We are committed to delivering the best experiences for our players in this franchise.”
— EA spokesperson
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Unclear Future of Need for Speed and Criterion’s Role
It remains unclear whether other EA studios will take over the Need for Speed franchise or if EA plans to discontinue the series altogether. Additionally, it is not confirmed whether Criterion will return to racing games in the future or remain solely focused on Battlefield indefinitely. The long-term impact on the franchise’s development pipeline is still uncertain as EA has not provided detailed plans.
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Next Steps for Need for Speed and EA’s Development Strategy
EA is expected to clarify whether other studios will develop future Need for Speed titles or if the franchise will be paused. Fans and industry observers will be watching for any announcements regarding new racing games or franchise updates. Meanwhile, Criterion’s future projects are likely to be exclusively Battlefield-related, with no indication of returning to racing games in the near term. EA’s broader strategy may involve further expansion of multiplayer live-service titles, with the future of traditional single-player franchises remaining uncertain.
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Key Questions
Will Criterion Games develop any future Need for Speed titles?
Currently, EA has confirmed that Criterion is focusing solely on Battlefield, and there is no official indication that they will develop future Need for Speed games.
Does this mean the end of Need for Speed from Criterion?
It suggests that Criterion will no longer work on Need for Speed, but the franchise may continue under other developers or be discontinued entirely. EA has not made a definitive statement on this yet.
Are other EA studios working on Need for Speed?
There has been no official confirmation that other EA studios are developing Need for Speed titles. The future of the franchise remains unclear.
Why is Criterion focusing only on Battlefield?
EA appears to be prioritizing multiplayer and live-service titles, with Battlefield being a major focus for ongoing development and monetization strategies.
Could Criterion return to racing games in the future?
It is not yet known if Criterion will revisit racing games or if their focus on Battlefield will be indefinite. No official statements have been made regarding future projects beyond Battlefield.
Source: rss
