Exciting News: Next Battlefield Game in the Works! Plus, Prepare for More High-Octane NFS Action!

Burnout studio Criterion Games, owned by Electronic Arts, has been confirmed to join EA Entertainment and collaborate on the next Battlefield game, which is currently in the early stages of development. Additionally, the UK-based studio will also contribute to the future of the Need for Speed franchise.

In a recent blog post, Group General Manager Vince Zampella stated that Criterion will play a supportive role within the broader network of teams responsible for shaping the "new era" of Battlefield. Working alongside DICE, Ripple Effect, and Ridgeline, Criterion will operate under the leadership of Byron Beede, a former executive of Call of Duty who now serves as the General Manager of Battlefield at EA.

Criterion has previously worked on successful game titles like Battlefield V, Battlefield 2042, and Star Wars Battlefront II. However, the studio is primarily recognized for its exceptional contributions to racing franchises Need for Speed and Burnout. Zampella expressed confidence in Criterion's expertise and highlighted their experience in developing immersive experiences and cutting-edge technology. This partnership is expected to bring immediate positive effects on the ongoing development of Battlefield 2042, as well as the pre-production of a connected Battlefield universe. Zampella further asserted that Criterion is the ideal studio to join this exciting journey, and his enthusiasm for this collaboration is unmatched.

Zampella stated that the team will be continuing their work on the future of the Need for Speed franchise, but did not confirm any development of new games. He expressed his excitement for exploring a different genre in gaming, citing his passion for cars and the compatibility with Criterion. Zampella looks forward to collaborating with a core group to shape the future of the franchise.

EA CEO Andrew Wilson described the upcoming Battlefield game as a "reimagination" of the series. It will feature a connected universe of some kind.

EA is currently developing various new Battlefield projects, which include a single-player campaign led by Marcus Lehto's new studio, known for his work on Halo. Additionally, DICE is working on a multiplayer experience, while Ripple Effect, another Battlefield studio, is creating a completely fresh Battlefield encounter. This new experience aims to enhance and expand upon the existing series' core elements, according to EA. They have initiated a global initiative that involves multiple studios, led by experienced industry professionals, in order to construct a cohesive Battlefield universe.

Battlefield 2042, despite facing challenges, emerged as the fifth highest-selling game in the US in 2021. However, the plans to launch Battlefield Mobile and its associated developer were abruptly terminated by EA.