Criterion Games will be added to EA Entertainment to work on the next Battlefield as well as the next Need for Speed.
The news was announced by Group General Manager for EA’s Studios Organization, Vince Zampella, via a new blog post on EA’s website. Some months ago, EA CEO Andrew Wilson announced that the publisher would be evolving into two separate organizations – EA Entertainment and EA Sports. In the same press release, Wilson also reconfirmed that Respawn’s Vince Zampella would keep serving as head for the Battlefield franchise, while also leading Respawn Entertainment.
In today’s new blog post, Zampella writes that the Criterion team, having worked on the Battlefield franchise in the past as well as the Need for Speed series, will be working alongside EA DICE, Ripple Effect, and Ridgeline. “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”, Zampella writes. “There is no better studio to join us on this journey and I couldn’t be more excited.”
Although a new entry has yet to be confirmed, EA’s Group General Manager also confirmed that the Criterion team will be working on “what’s next” for the Need for Speed series. “Work will also continue on what’s next for Need for Speed”, Zampella added. “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.”
Rumors about a new Need for Speed entry surfaced some months ago after a job listing already suggested that Criterion might be working on a new entry.
We’ll update you as soon as more information about the next Battlefield and Need for Speed comes in.
