EA Shifts Focus from Need for Speed to Battlefield

In a significant shift within its gaming portfolio, Electronic Arts (EA) has paused all development on the beloved Need for Speed (NFS) franchise. Instead, the company has redirected the efforts of Criterion Games, the studio behind NFS, to work on the next installment of the Battlefield series. This decision comes as EA prepares to unveil pre-alpha gameplay footage of the upcoming Battlefield title and introduces a new community testing program aimed at enhancing player engagement. While Criterion’s full team is now dedicated to Battlefield, EA has assured fans that the NFS franchise will eventually return, albeit in a new direction.

Criterion’s Transition to Battlefield Development

Vince Zampella, the head of Respawn Entertainment at EA, confirmed the transition of Criterion Games to the Battlefield team in a recent interview with Eurogamer. He emphasized the importance of listening to the NFS community over the past year. This feedback will help shape the future of the franchise. Zampella stated, “The Need for Speed team at Criterion are joining their colleagues working on Battlefield.” This collaboration aims to leverage the expertise of Criterion while focusing on the military shooter genre.

In September 2023, EA announced that Criterion would be integrated into the EA Entertainment division, under Zampella’s leadership. This move aligns Criterion with other renowned Battlefield studios, including DICE and Ripple Effect. Zampella noted that the majority of Criterion’s team would contribute to the next Battlefield game, which is set to usher in a new era for the franchise. However, he also reassured fans that a core group at Criterion would continue to explore the future of the NFS series. Since the release of Need for Speed Unbound, the last title in the franchise, Criterion has been actively updating the game with new content.

Insights into the Upcoming Battlefield Game

EA is diligently working on the next Battlefield installment, which aims to compete directly with Activision’s Call of Duty series. Following the disappointing reception of Battlefield 2042 in 2021, EA has committed to incorporating player feedback and returning to the franchise’s roots. The upcoming game is confirmed to feature a modern setting and will reintroduce 64-player maps, a hallmark of earlier Battlefield titles.

In September 2024, EA shared concept art and details about the new game, generating excitement among fans. Recently, the company showcased a brief clip of pre-alpha gameplay, offering a glimpse of what players can expect. Additionally, EA announced the launch of Battlefield Labs, a community testing program designed to gather player input and refine the final product. This initiative reflects EA’s commitment to engaging with its player base and ensuring that the next Battlefield game meets their expectations.

The Future of Need for Speed

While Criterion Games shifts its focus to Battlefield, the future of the Need for Speed franchise remains a topic of interest among fans. Zampella has indicated that the insights gained from the NFS community will play a crucial role in shaping the franchise’s next chapter. He expressed optimism about bringing the series back in “new and interesting ways.” This suggests that EA is not abandoning NFS but rather taking the time to re-evaluate and innovate.

Since Criterion has been involved with the NFS franchise since 2010, its expertise will be invaluable when the studio returns to develop future titles. The last game, Need for Speed Unbound, has received several content updates, indicating that EA is still invested in the franchise. As Criterion collaborates with other studios on Battlefield, fans can anticipate a thoughtful and strategic approach to reviving NFS when the time is right.


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