"I really want Criterion to be considered the best studio in the UK" – why the home of Burnout has a future with Battlefield

The British video game studio Criterion has built a reputation for producing high-octane racing experiences, most notably the Burnout series. This franchise, which featured adrenaline-pumping car chases and a punk rock soundtrack, propelled Criterion to the forefront of British games development. However, as the studio enters its 30th year, its focus has shifted from racing to the world of combat in the popular Battlefield franchise.

EA Entertainment, the parent company of Battlefield, brought Criterion under its EA Entertainment banner in 2023, aiming to leverage the studio's expertise in AAA gaming. While Criterion will continue to lead development on future Need for Speed titles, Battlefield has become its primary focus.

Producer Stefan Wittelsberger emphasized that Criterion is now officially a Battlefield studio, with the studio's leadership framing this as a continuation of its storied AAA legacy. The studio's expertise in creating thrilling gameplay, immersive environments, and memorable moments is now being applied to Battlefield, where it has contributed to previous entries in the series.

Criterion's involvement in Battlefield 6 has been particularly significant, with the studio working on the game's single-player missions, particularly its last two missions. These missions were widely praised for their intensity, realism, and the studio's distinctive gameplay style.

Despite this shift in focus, Criterion's leadership maintains that the studio's DNA, characterized by its ability to create compelling, chaotic, and spectacle-filled gameplay, remains intact. The studio's goal is to continue delivering memorable gaming experiences that players will talk about for years to come.