Criterion Games, the talented developer behind the Need for Speed series, is about to embark on an exciting new mission. Electronic Arts, the gaming giant, is making a strategic shift, placing its bets on the beloved first-person shooter franchise, Battlefield. This decision has prompted a significant reorganization within the company, including relocating Criterion Games from its sports division to the prestigious EA Entertainment unit.
The primary focus of Criterion Games will now be to collaborate closely with renowned teams such as DICE, Ripple Effect, and Ridgeline on the development of future Battlefield games. This move underscores Electronic Arts’ unwavering commitment to revitalizing the Battlefield series and ensuring its continued success. However, it’s not all hands on deck for Battlefield; a select “core group” from Criterion Games will remain dedicated to nurturing the Need for Speed franchise.
What makes this transition particularly intriguing is that Criterion Games isn’t a newcomer to the world of Battlefield. Over the years, they have honed their expertise by contributing to the development of vehicles in previous Battlefield titles. This background makes them a seamless fit to lend their talents to this iconic franchise.
Vince Zampella, the mastermind behind Apex Legends, Star Wars Jedi, Battlefield, and Need for Speed teams, expressed his optimism about this change. He stated, “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.” Clearly, the collaboration between Criterion Games and other Battlefield development teams holds great promise.
Speaking of Battlefield 2042, it’s fair to say that the game encountered a few bumps on its release journey. Launching with some notable bugs and core issues, it took DICE several months to iron out the kinks before the game’s first season could begin. However, despite these challenges, Electronic Arts added Battlefield to the portfolio of franchises overseen by Vince Zampella, a first-person shooter veteran with experience on titles like Titanfall and Medal of Honor.
Electronic Arts is no stranger to the need for successful, enduring franchises. Alongside stalwarts like EA FC, Madden, Apex Legends, and The Sims, they are on the hunt for the next big hit. Battlefield emerges as a prime contender in this quest, given its historically strong track record. While competing with the behemoth that is Call of Duty remains a formidable task, Electronic Arts seems to have a well-defined strategy in place and is bolstering its roster of talented developers to achieve this goal.
In summary, Electronic Arts’ strategic pivot towards Battlefield signals their determination to reignite the franchise and establish it as a cornerstone of their gaming portfolio. With Criterion Games now in the mix, bringing their expertise and passion to the world of Battlefield, gamers can expect exciting developments on the horizon. The competition in the world of first-person shooters is fierce, but with this renewed focus and dedication, Electronic Arts is gearing up for an epic battle in the gaming arena.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Gaming Industry Transition
What prompted Electronic Arts to shift Criterion Games to the EA Entertainment unit?
Electronic Arts made this strategic move to bolster the Battlefield series, emphasizing its commitment to the franchise’s success.
Why is Criterion Games considered a logical fit for working on Battlefield?
Criterion Games has prior experience with Battlefield, particularly in developing vehicles for the series, making them a natural fit to contribute to Battlefield’s development.
What are the specific responsibilities of Criterion Games within the Battlefield development teams?
Most of Criterion’s team will collaborate with DICE, Ripple Effect, and Ridgeline on Battlefield games, while a core group will continue working on the Need for Speed franchise.
What challenges did Battlefield 2042 face upon its release?
Battlefield 2042 encountered a buggy launch and core issues that took several months to resolve before the start of the game’s first season.
Why did EA add Battlefield to Vince Zampella’s portfolio of franchises?
Vince Zampella, an FPS veteran, was tasked with overseeing Battlefield as part of EA’s strategy to strengthen the franchise and ensure its long-term success.
What is Electronic Arts’ goal in bolstering its portfolio of franchises, and why is Battlefield significant in this context?
EA aims to secure another successful, enduring franchise alongside titles like EA FC, Madden, Apex Legends, and The Sims. Battlefield, with its strong track record, is a key contender in achieving this goal.
How does Electronic Arts plan to compete with other major franchises like Call of Duty?
While competing with Call of Duty remains challenging, Electronic Arts is devising a clear strategy and expanding its team of developers to enhance its position in the highly competitive first-person shooter market.
4 comments
ea FC and madden still rockin’, but bring on battlefield action!
battlefield 2042, yea, had sum problms but still fun. hope dis mean we get a bettr game nxt time.
wow! ea makin’ big moves with battlfield n stuff. criterion knows vehicls, so this shud be cool.
ea need new hits, like the sims and battlefild. call of duty got competition!