What’s the best way to make Battlefield as popular as Call of Duty again? Bring on a team that’s mostly known for racing games, it seems, as Vince Zampella, Group General Manager for the Apex Legends, Star Wars Jedi, Battlefield, and Need for Speed brands, has announced that Criterion Games is being transferred from EA SPORTS to EA Entertainment’s roster of world-class Battlefield studios, joining the likes of DICE, Ripple Effect, and Ridgeline to help develop its premier shooter franchise. Criterion is best known for its Need for Speed and Burnout games, including last year’s Need for Speed Unbound, but it’s no stranger to Battlefield, having worked on both Battlefield V and Battlefield 2042, which released in 2018 and 2021, respectively. No lay-offs are planned, according to an EA spokesperson.
Hi Everyone,
Today I’d like to share that the talented team at Criterion Games will be joining EA Entertainment. Criterion has a rich history in gaming, having worked on Battlefield, Battlefront, Burnout, and of course, Need for Speed. I’m thrilled to have a studio with such pedigree join the studios I oversee.
As we’ve said before, we’re all-in on Battlefield. 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. There is no better studio to join us on this journey and I couldn’t be more excited.
Work will also continue on what’s next for Need for Speed. 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.
Join me in welcoming Criterion to the team.
Thanks,
Vince