Need for Speed Delay: Criterion Focused on Battlefield Development

The Future of Criterion Games and Need for Speed

Criterion Games, a British game development studio owned by EA, has become synonymous with iconic racing titles like Burnout and Need for Speed. The most recent entry in the latter franchise, Need for Speed Unbound, has kept players engaged through ongoing updates. However, indications suggest that a new installment in the series might be postponed as the studio shifts its focus elsewhere.

Transition to Battlefield Development

In a recent statement to IGN, Vince Zampella, the Head of Respawn and Group General Manager for EA Studios, announced significant changes for Criterion’s team. The entirety of the studio’s personnel is currently directed toward the development of the forthcoming Battlefield game. While he assured fans that the Need for Speed franchise would return, the timeline for its revival remains uncertain.

“The Need for Speed team at Criterion are joining their colleagues working on Battlefield, ”said Zampella.“As a company, it was important to us to take the last year to listen to our Need for Speed community and use their feedback to create content for Unbound. With an increased understanding of what our players want in a Need for Speed experience, we plan to bring the franchise back in new and interesting ways.”

Ongoing Support for Need for Speed Unbound

At the beginning of 2024, EA and Criterion announced an additional year of post-launch content for Need for Speed Unbound. Despite the majority of the studio’s resources being reallocated to the new Battlefield project in 2023, a dedicated group within Criterion had been tasked with maintaining focus on the racing game. However, this team is also now expected to shift gears fully towards Battlefield, as confirmed by Zampella’s recent comments.

What Lies Ahead for Battlefield

Details surrounding the new Battlefield title remain scarce, with no confirmed name or release date available. EA has initiated a community testing program, known as Battlefield Labs, which allows players to engage with pre-alpha versions of the game. This initiative aims to incorporate player feedback into the development process ahead of an official announcement and launch. The project is a collaborative effort involving DICE, Motive, Criterion, and Ripple Effect studios, all under the guidance of Vince Zampella.

As fans await further news, it remains clear that EA is positioning its resources strategically between cherished franchises, keeping the excitement alive through community involvement and innovation.

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