Criterion joins EA Entertainment to focus on Battlefield development

Criterion Games has moved divisions within Electronic Arts to work on the Battlefield franchise.

EA restructured its studios into two organisations this summer, and Criterion has switched from EA Sports to EA Entertainment.

It will also continue to work on the Need for Speed series, according to Respawn co-founder Vince Zampella, who now leads the EA studios responsible for Apex Legends, its Star Wars and Battlefield games.

“As we’ve said before, we’re all-in on Battlefield,” he said in a blog post. “Today, Criterion is added to our world-class Battlefield studios dedicated to ushering in a new era for the franchise. The majority of the team will be working alongside DICE, Ripple Effect, and Ridgeline that are led by Byron Beede, GM of Battlefield.

“Criterion’s experience with Battlefield, our technology and building engaging experiences will have an immediate positive impact as we continue to work on Battlefield 2042, and as we continue pre-production on a connected Battlefield Universe.”

EA announced in February 2020 that it had handed Need for Speed development duties back to Criterion as it planned to restructure Ghost Games, which made the last four entries in the racing series.

Best known for the Burnout series, Criterion had also developed two previous Need for Speed titles: 2010’s Hot Pursuit and 2012’s Most Wanted. It contributed to 2013’s Need for Speed Rivals too, and later to DICE’s Star Wars Battlefront II and Battlefield V.

Its most recent game was December 2022’s Need for Speed Unbound, which was delayed after Criterion was moved into a support role on Battlefield 2042.

Further reading

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Electronic Arts is restructuring its studios into two organisations

EA Entertainment, which houses owned and licensed IP, and EA Sports

“Work will also continue on what’s next for Need for Speed,” Zampella said. “Many of you might be familiar with my history in games, having worked with extremely talented teams on Apex Legends, Titanfall, and Star Wars Jedi here at Electronic Arts.

“But you might not know I have a passion for cars, which also makes Criterion a perfect match for me to explore another genre in gaming that I love. I’m really looking forward to working with a core group as we shape what’s next for the franchise.”