LogInA small core group is staying with Need for Speed.
Image credit: Criterion Games | Need for Speed Unbound
The majority of the Criterion team, the studio behind Need for Speed, is now going to focus on Battlefield. This doesn't mean NFS won't get any new games in the future; EA has left a small "core group" to take care of the franchise.
As reported by Eurogamer, Criterion will be working in the EA Entertainment department instead of EA Sports, and no employees have been laid off for this change. The studio has worked on Battlefield V and Battlefield 2042 before, so this isn't a new field for it.
"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," said Battlefield and Apex boss Vince Zampella.
Image credit: Criterion Games | Need for Speed Unbound
While a new Need for Speed game will probably not launch any time soon, racing "continues to be a critical part of the EA Sports portfolio," according to an EA Sports spokesperson. "Our focus is on creating authentic, best-in-class motorsports experiences through EA Sports F1 and our upcoming EA Sports WRC title."
Criterion's latest Need for Speed Unbound was released in December 2022. Soon after, five of its veterans left the studio to "explore new opportunities outside of EA." In March, its former developers formed Fuse Games – a company that aims to create "premium genre-leading interactive entertainment for PC and console" while prioritizing a healthy and efficient development process.
For now, we'll have to wait to see what the movements inside EA bring the company. Meanwhile, read its statement here and join our 80 Level Talent platform and our Telegram channel, follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, where we share breakdowns, the latest news, awesome artworks, and more.