From Burnout Paradise to Battlefield: Criterion’s New Chapter

Gamers, get ready for a trip down memory lane, because we’re talking about Criterion Games! If you’ve ever felt the thrill of an insane takedown in Burnout Paradise or zoomed through chaotic races with pure adrenaline, you know exactly why this UK-based studio holds a special place in our hearts. They’ve given us some truly unforgettable titles that defined arcade racing for a generation.

But hold on to your controllers, because there’s big news from Criterion. As they hit a significant milestone – their 30th anniversary, no less – the studio is undergoing a rebrand. Now, a rebrand usually means a fresh start or a new direction, and in Criterion’s case, it seems to highlight a significant shift in their focus.

For years, Criterion was synonymous with groundbreaking, high-speed racing titles. Beyond the Burnout series, they even contributed to other major franchises, but many remember them primarily for the speed and destruction. However, the gaming landscape has changed. Nowadays, Criterion finds itself as one part of a larger collective of “Battlefield Studios” under the Electronic Arts umbrella. This means their expertise is primarily being channeled into contributing to EA’s massive military shooter franchise, Battlefield.

This shift raises an important question for many long-time fans: does this mean we’ve seen the last of Criterion’s signature racing games? Is the high-octane, crash-and-burn action of Burnout truly a thing of the past, relegated to the rearview mirror as they focus on the next big warzone? While their contributions to Battlefield are undoubtedly valuable, it’s hard not to feel a pang of nostalgia for the days when Criterion was leading the charge on its own, creating unique and beloved experiences.

As Criterion embarks on this new chapter, we at PakGamersHub are keen to see what they bring to the table. While we appreciate their work on Battlefield, a part of us will always hope for a return to their racing roots. Here’s to 30 years of Criterion, and whatever exhilarating games come next!