Criterion Games shifts sole focus to Battlefield series
Criterion Games has rebranded as a Battlefield studio, moving away from its racing origins to focus exclusively on the Battlefield franchise.
Criterion Games shifts sole focus to Battlefield series
Criterion Games, the Guildford-based developer recognized for its influence on the racing genre, has officially rebranded as Criterion: a Battlefield Studio
. The shift marks a definitive move away from the studio's origins in high-speed driving toward exclusive support for Electronic Arts' military shooter franchise.
Rebecka Coutaz, VP and GM of Battlefield Studios Europe, confirmed the studio's narrow scope during celebrations for Criterion's 30th anniversary. When asked if the studio's scope might include projects other than the shooter, Coutaz stated: "We are solely focused on Battlefield."
The rebranding integrates Criterion into a quartet of developers working on the franchise alongside DICE, EA Motive, and Ripple Effect. While EA Motive continues to work on other titles such as Marvel’s Iron Man and potentially a new Dead Space, Criterion is now tied almost entirely to Battlefield.
A Legacy of Intensity
The studio was formed in January 1996 by Fiona Sperry and Alex Ward as a subdivision of Criterion Software. Originally owned by Canon, the studio was intended to demonstrate the capabilities of Renderware, a 3D API and graphics engine released in 1993. Renderware became a critical industry tool, licensed over 200 times for games including Rayman 2 and Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX. Rockstar utilized the engine for Grand Theft Auto 3 in 2001, Vice City in 2002, and San Andreas in 2004.
Early titles like 1996's Scorched Planet and 1997's Speedboat Attack and Sub Culture emphasized 3D visuals. By the time EA acquired the studio in 2004, Criterion had established itself through the Burnout series. The 2001 release of Burnout introduced a subversive approach to racing, rewarding players for driving close to oncoming traffic. This "bodywork-shattering" style influenced later titles such as Need for Speed Unbound and Forza Horizon 6.
The studio also branched into first-person shooters with 2006's Black. Alex Ward stated at the time that the game aimed to do for shooters what Burnout did for racing games
. Coutaz believes the DNA of Black and Burnout remains fundamental to Criterion's current work.
Transition to Collaboration
Criterion's involvement with Need for Speed saw a shift in 2010's Hot Pursuit and 2012's Need for Speed: Most Wanted, where the studio removed narrative-heavy plotlines to focus on tactical vehicular combat. Starting in 2013, the studio moved toward a collaborative model, partnering with Ghost Games on NFS releases and providing "additional work" for Star Wars Battlefront and the Battlefield series starting in 2016.
This collaborative experience has culminated in the studio's current work on Battlefield 6. Senior producer Danny Isaac, who joined Criterion on 2019's Need for Speed Heat, noted the studio's distinct identity, stating, We are unashamedly British
and emphasizing a dry sense of humor that persists even during difficult work days.
Uncertainty for Racing Fans
The transition has raised questions regarding the future of racing titles at EA. Need for Speed Unbound, released in 2022, is considered the studio's most recent and likely final racing release. Furthermore, Speedhunters, an EA-funded car culture website launched in 2008, effectively ceased operations in early April of this year. Blogger Dino DC reported that EA requested the team stop posting new material without providing an explanation.
The loss of Speedhunters is particularly notable as the team helped Need for Speed developers integrate current car culture trends into the games. Some former contributors have since launched a new project called Turnpike.global.
As the studio focuses its animation, audio, and technical expertise on Battlefield 6, the possibility of a Burnout revival appears distant. The studio's current role as a specialized division within the Battlefield ecosystem suggests that the era of Criterion as a primary racing developer has ended.
