As Criterion Studios celebrates its 30th anniversary, reports indicate a significant shift in the studio’s development priorities. According to recent coverage from IGN, the UK-based developer has officially rebranded internally as “Criterion: A Battlefield Studio.” This change signals that the team responsible for much of the Need for Speed franchise’s history is now exclusively dedicated to EA’s first-person shooter series.
The end of an era for Criterion’s racing legacy
Criterion has long been a powerhouse in the racing genre, credited with creating the beloved Burnout series and developing multiple entries in the Need for Speed lineup. However, when asked if the studio’s new scope might include projects outside of Battlefield, EA executive Bertrand Coutaz was explicit: “We are solely focused on Battlefield.” This statement effectively removes Criterion from the pool of potential developers for any future racing titles under EA’s umbrella.
EA’s shrinking racing portfolio
This pivot leaves a void in EA’s extensive library of racing franchises. Following the acquisition of Codemasters, which included Slightly Mad Studios (makers of Project Cars) and the developers behind Dirt and Grid, EA controls some of the most recognizable names in motorsport gaming. Yet, the active development status is bleak:
- F1 25: Currently the only major racing title actively supported by EA, operating as a live service game.
- Grid Legends: Servers are scheduled to shut down later this year, marking the end of support for the franchise.
- Burnout: Has seen no new entries since 2018.
- Project Cars: Effectively dormant with no announced future titles.
- Dirt/EA WRC: Development on future rally titles is currently on hold.
With Criterion now all-in on Battlefield 6, the studio that most recently maintained the Need for Speed brand has no bandwidth to return to it. This consolidation suggests EA is prioritizing its shooter franchises over its racing heritage, despite owning a vast collection of IPs.
A booming market left untapped
The decision to sideline Need for Speed comes at a time when the arcade racing genre is experiencing a resurgence. Competitors like Xbox’s Forza Horizon 6 and Ubisoft’s The Crew Motorfest are thriving, proving that players still crave open-world racing experiences. Even former Playground Games developers are launching their own title, Clutch, in 2027.
For Windows gamers, this means the competition for your attention and wallet is fierce, but EA’s contribution to the genre has dwindled to a single simulation-focused franchise. While Battlefield remains a profitable endeavor for EA, abandoning Need for Speed—a brand that defined car culture gaming for a generation—appears to be a missed opportunity in a market that is far from saturated.
What this means for you: If you are hoping for a new Need for Speed game developed by Criterion, it likely won’t happen. EA has not officially cancelled the franchise, but with its primary developer reassigned to Battlefield and other racing studios on hold or shutting down servers, the likelihood of a near-future release is low. Your best bets for arcade racing on Windows remain Forza Horizon 6 and The Crew Motorfest.
Source: Windows Central
Over to you: Do you think EA should revive Need for Speed with a different studio, or is the franchise better left to competitors like Forza?
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