Criterion takes control of the Need for Speed franchise
Numerous developers have made Need for Speed projects over the years, including Criterion Games. But after taking a two year break from the series, the studio says “it’s definitely a Criterion gig now.”
Vice president Alex Ward provided the following explanation as to how Need for Speed will be handled from here on out:
“Maybe it’s been that way in the past (releasing a new Need for Speed every year), but that’s changed this year with what we’re doing… Our stamp’s going to be in everything you see in Need for Speed and Burnout going forward in the future. It’s not going to be spread anymore across different companies. Different studios have had a crack at it – it’s definitely a Criterion gig now.
You may have noticed that Ward’s remarks weren’t entirely clear as to whether or not Criterion will actually create each new Need for Speed release from here on out. After all, it’s possible that the developer will act as an overseer of sorts. Unfortunately, Ward wouldn’t go into specifics.
