Next Need for Speed Game Will Be Developed by Criterion Games

Electronic Arts has announced that next installment of Need For Speed will be developed by Criterion Games instead of Ghost Games.

Criterion is famous for the Burnout series and two NFS games: Hot Pursuit (2009) and Most Wanted (2012). Both games have received critical acclaim. It’s clear that somebody at EA finally noticed the last four NFS games were received very poorly.

“Criterion is a fantastic studio, and we’re looking forward to adding to their talented team and building a great future for Need for Speed,” EA told GamesIndustry.biz. “The engineering teams in Gothenburg are also vital to our ongoing plans across EA.”

Ghost Games, the studio behind these last four games, is set to go back to its previous name EA Gothenburg. They will take a supportive role as Frostbite engine specialists. EA is planning to transfer many of the staff to positions at Criterion or other places within the organization. However, 30 jobs remain at risk.

So, let’s hope that Need For Speed will get the treatment it deserves. Although both Hot Pursuit and 2012’s Most Wanted are pretty good games, many players would say that whole series needs a breath of fresh air. The series needs to create something as cool as the original Most Wanted (2005) was.