Criterion Takes Charge of Need for Speed Franchise

In a recent interview with Game Informer, Criterion vice president Alex Ward, has revealed that the company will now be in charge of the entire franchise.  When asked about the franchise and it’s future Ward states, “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.”

Criterion is most known for being the development team behind the Burnout series and most recently, critically acclaimed Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit.

It is still unclear about whether the company will actually create Need for Speed games internally, or simply oversee the projects but the above quote seems like they will play a big part in all future titles.

As for a new title in the Burnout series, Ward only said the studio “[thinks] about it all the time.”

Criterion certainly knows how to handle a racing game, but I worry about the two franchises blurring together after this announcement.  Even though I’m ecstatic about the new Need for Speed: Most Wanted, it definitely seems a lot like Burnout Paradise.  However, Criterion is a very capable developer so I’m going to stay hopeful.

Source : Criterion Takes Over Entire Need For Speed Series