Criterion Games joins EA Entertainment

Criterion Games joins EA Entertainment

The studio is added to EA’s world-class Battlefield studios.

Criterion Games joined EA Entertainment. Criterion has a rich history in gaming, having worked on Battlefield, Battlefront, Burnout, and of course, Need for Speed.

In Vince Zampella, Group General Manager’s message, he said“As we’ve said before, we’re all-in on Battlefield. Today, Criterion is added to our world-class Battlefield studios dedicated to ushering in a new era for the franchise. The majority of the team will be working alongside DICE, Ripple Effect, and Ridgeline that are led by Byron Beede, GM of Battlefield. Criterion’s experience with Battlefield, our technology and building engaging experiences will have an immediate positive impact as we continue to work on Battlefield 2042, and as we continue pre-production on a connected Battlefield Universe. There is no better studio to join us on this journey and I couldn’t be more excited. ”

EA announced in February 2020 that it had handed Need for Speed development duties back to Criterion as it planned to restructure Ghost Games, which made the last four entries in the racing series.

Best known for the Burnout series, Criterion had also developed two previous Need for Speed titles: 2010’s Hot Pursuit and 2012’s Most Wanted. It contributed to 2013’s Need for Speed Rivals too, and later to DICE’s Star Wars Battlefront II and Battlefield V.

“Work will also continue on what’s next for Need for Speed,” Zampella said. “Many of you might be familiar with my history in games, having worked with extremely talented teams on Apex Legends, Titanfall, and Star Wars Jedi here at Electronic Arts.

“But you might not know I have a passion for cars, which also makes Criterion a perfect match for me to explore another genre in gaming that I love. I’m really looking forward to working with a core group as we shape what’s next for the franchise.”