Confirming its dedicated focus on the Battlefield series, Criterion Games, known for creating Burnout and its extensive involvement with Need for Speed, has officially adopted the new title `A Battlefield Studio.` This development has sparked concerns regarding the ongoing viability of the Need for Speed franchise.
An observant user on the Need For Speed subreddit first noticed the updated branding on EA`s official website, where `A Battlefield Studio` now accompanies Criterion`s familiar logo. This change has led to considerable apprehension among the subreddit`s community, given Criterion`s traditional role in the Need for Speed series.
This rebranding merely formalizes earlier announcements. Back in February, EA revealed that Criterion would be integrated into the Battlefield Studios division, primarily to assist with the single-player component of Battlefield 6. Concurrently, the development of the next Need For Speed game was put on hold, although EA has assured fans that the franchise will eventually return.
Criterion`s involvement with the Need for Speed series dates back to 2010 with Hot Pursuit, and they assumed the primary development role again in 2020 after Ghost Games. Their most recent release was Need for Speed Unbound in 2022. However, in the years following, most of their personnel were reallocated to assist with the Battlefield series as part of EA`s internal restructuring efforts.
Although EA has expressed intentions to revive the Need for Speed franchise, it remains uncertain whether Criterion will continue to be its developer, given its new designation within Battlefield Studios. Unsurprisingly, Battlefield 6 is currently EA`s primary focus, with the highly anticipated shooter scheduled for release on October 10, 2025.