As Criterion rebrands on its 30th anniversary, are its beloved racing franchises like Burnout falling away in the rearview mirror?
Electronic Arts is pivoting Criterion Games away from racing titles to become a dedicated Battlefield studio.
Velocity
How fast coverage is spreading — measured hourly from article rate × source diversity. How this works →
The brief
Electronic Arts has transitioned Criterion Games into a pure Battlefield studio. This strategic rebrand coincides with the studio's 30th anniversary, signaling a departure from its established racing game tradition.
Coverage from PlayFront, levelup.com, and Eurogamer.net emphasizes the impact on Criterion's racing portfolio. Reports highlight that the Need for Speed franchise has been left on "life support," while the fate of franchises such as Burnout remains a central point of discussion.
Future developments depend on how EA manages the transition of the Need for Speed franchise and the studio's integration into the Battlefield series.
Synthesized by Archynetys from the headlines below under a strict no-invention contract. ✓ fact-checked: all claims supported by sources Updated 1h ago.
Quick answers
What is Criterion Games' new focus?
According to PlayFront, Criterion Games has become a pure Battlefield studio.
What is happening to the Need for Speed franchise?
levelup.com reports that EA has left the Need for Speed franchise on life support.
When is this rebranding occurring?
The rebrand is taking place during Criterion's 30th anniversary.
Coverage (4)
- EA cuts racing game tradition: Criterion Games becomes a pure Battlefield studio PlayFront · 1d ago
- The Sunday Papers Rock Paper Shotgun · 1d ago
- EA Confirms Fate of Criterion, Leaving the Need for Speed Franchise on Life Support levelup.com · 1d ago
- As Criterion rebrands on its 30th anniversary, are its beloved racing franchises like Burnout falling away in the rearview mirror? Eurogamer.net · 1d ago
Topics
Related trends
Criterion’s Future Is Battlefield, but Don’t Forget the Burnout Heritage Within Its Walls
Criterion Games is shifting its entire focus toward the Battlefield franchise, signaling a potential end to its racing game era.
With Star Wars: Galactic Racer, former Burnout devs have built on N64 and PS2 classics to make what they call "the purest expression of gaming"
Former Burnout developers have launched Star Wars: Galactic Racer, aiming to redefine the gaming experience