What to know

  • Criterion, known for Need For Speed, is now officially a Battlefield studio.
  • This rebranding puts the future of the Need For Speed series in doubt.
  • EA is focusing Criterion's resources on supporting the Battlefield franchise.
  • Fans are left uncertain about upcoming Need For Speed titles or updates.

When you think of high-octane racing games, the Need For Speed series probably comes to mind. For years, Criterion Games has been a key developer behind some of the franchise's most beloved entries. But recent news, shared by a user on Reddit, has shaken up the racing game community: Criterion has been rebranded as a "Battlefield studio," and the future of Need For Speed is now uncertain.

Criterion has a long history with racing games, especially after taking over the Need For Speed franchise in the early 2010s. Their work on titles like Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit and Need For Speed: Most Wanted brought fresh energy and critical acclaim to the series. Fans have come to associate Criterion with the adrenaline-fueled, arcade-style racing that defines Need For Speed.

However, Electronic Arts (EA), the publisher behind both Need For Speed and Battlefield, has decided to shift Criterion's focus. The studio is now officially dedicated to working on the Battlefield franchise. This means that Criterion's expertise and resources will be used to support the development of new Battlefield games, rather than continuing the legacy of Need For Speed.

For fans of the racing series, this move raises a lot of questions. Will there be another Need For Speed game in the near future? Is the franchise being put on hold, or is it quietly being retired? EA hasn't provided clear answers, and the lack of official announcements about upcoming Need For Speed projects only adds to the uncertainty.

The decision to rebrand Criterion as a Battlefield studio likely reflects EA's current priorities. Battlefield is one of EA's biggest franchises, and recent entries have faced mixed receptions. By bringing in Criterion's talent, EA may be hoping to revitalize Battlefield and ensure its long-term success. But this comes at the cost of sidelining Need For Speed, at least for now.

It's not the first time EA has shifted studios around to support its major franchises. In the past, studios like DICE and BioWare have also seen changes in direction based on EA's strategic goals. For Criterion, this means a new chapter focused on first-person shooters rather than racing games.

If you're a Need For Speed fan, this news is understandably disappointing. The series has a passionate community and a rich history, and many players were hoping for new entries or remasters. With Criterion now focused on Battlefield, the future of Need For Speed is more uncertain than ever.

For now, all eyes are on EA to see if they will announce a new developer for Need For Speed or if the franchise will remain dormant. Until then, fans can only hope that the series will eventually make a comeback, even if it's under a different studio's direction.