Criterion Video games, developer of titles resembling Burnout and Want for Velocity: Scorching Pursuit, has formally joined EA Leisure, in keeping with a press launch written by EA’s Vince Zampella. Criterion has been an EA studio because it was acquired in 2004, however it’s going to now be primarily engaged on the Battlefield franchise.

“At the moment, Criterion is added to our world-class Battlefield studios devoted to ushering in a brand new period for the franchise,” wrote Zampella, who oversees studios engaged on Apex Legends, Star Wars Jedi, Battlefield, and Want for Velocity.

“The vast majority of the workforce will likely be working alongside DICE, Ripple Impact, and Ridgeline which are led by Byron Beede, GM of Battlefield. Criterion’s expertise with Battlefield, our expertise and constructing partaking experiences can have an instantaneous constructive affect as we proceed to work on Battlefield 2042, and as we proceed pre-production on a related Battlefield Universe.”

Whereas identified for racing video games like Burnout and Want for Velocity, Criterion has beforehand assisted on Battlefield video games and different shooters underneath the EA umbrella, together with the Star Wars Battlefront sequence. The final recreation Criterion launched itself was the shocking 2022 Want For Velocity Unbound.

Zampella goes on to emphasise that work on the Want for Velocity franchise isn’t ceasing because of this announcement, although he doesn’t particularly state that Criterion will likely be liable for future entries. 

“I’m actually trying ahead to working with a core group as we form what’s subsequent for the [Need for Speed] franchise,” mentioned Zampella.