Need For Speed Now Belongs to Burnout Developer Criterion

In a recent interview with Game Informer, Vice President of Criterion Alex Ward let loose the news that they had taken over the Need for Speed video game franchise in its entirety (with the exception of Dream Works and that whole “we’re making a movie about that” bit). Having been shopped out to numerous developers by Electronic Arts for years, Criterion now has full control of the reigns over one of gaming’s biggest racing franchises.

Ward was quick to stress that NFS games going forward will see much in the way of “strong Criterion involvement”, and that Ward himself will most certainly be “personally involved in how the cars drive, how the game will play out, how connected they are, and what the features are.”

Also of note was his interest in having all the Need For Speed titles connected together:

“I think it would be amazing in the future if there was one big game that had all of these (games) in it. That would be amazing.”

It should be noted (for those unaware) that Criterion is responsible for some of the most well-received and critically acclaimed racing titles around, including Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit and the Burnout franchise.

Good move Criterion and EA, good move.

[via Game Informer]