Criterion, a studio known for its work on licenses from publisher Electronic Arts such as Need for Speed, has just seen the departure of five developers who have worked for more than ten years in the company.
These developers held key roles at the studio. Matt Webstervice president, worked for Criterion for more than twenty-three years, and for Electronic Arts, since the development of the first FIFA. Andrei Shiresmeanwhile, had reached the position of technical director after sixteen years of work.
Pete Lake was an artist for the studio since 1996. They are followed by Alan McDairmantafter seventeen years of service and Steve Uphillin the position of “responsible for content” for about ten years.
All are leaving the studio, according to a statement, to “explore new opportunities outside of EA”. One of the main concerns of Electronic Arts now is to ensure that the teams working on Need For Speed are sufficient to follow up on the success ofe Need for Speed : Unbound.
A problem that does not date from these departures: it was already the reason for the merger of Criterion and the Codemasters studio in May 2022. According to Steve Cussat the head of Criterion, this is an opportunity to take their licenses to a new level, which have never been in such good shape.
« […] It’s been a really exciting time for us after the recent launch of Need for Speed Unboundthe successful release of EA SPORTS F1 22 earlier this year, as well as remarkable progress on the development of World Rally Championship. […] We see there is a real opportunity to evolve our games to allow them to reach an even wider audience.[…] » Steve Cussmessage to David Ruttersin charge of managing the licenses of Electronic Arts having appeal to the automobile.
It must be said that Criterion no longer only takes care of these licenses: the studio developers have been called upon to work in support of the latest opuses of Battlefieldas well as some episodes of the games Star Wars.
The merger with Codemasters had also been a way to distribute more work, the studio having planned four projects to be published by mid-2023.
The departure of figures like Matt Webster raises questions, as Criterion begins to return to the spotlight. The success of Need for Speed Unboundafter the disappointment that had been Need for Speed Heatputting the developer’s flagship license back in pole position against its rival Forza Horizon.