Need For Speed Future In Doubt As Criterion Is Rebranded "A Battlefield Studio"

The news article discusses the future of the Need for Speed franchise as Criterion, the long-time developer of the series, is now officially branded as "A Battlefield Studio" by Electronic Arts (EA). Key points: - Criterion, known for developing the Burnout series and various Need for Speed titles, has been rebranded as "A Battlefield Studio" on EA's website. - This rebranding confirms that Criterion is now primarily focused on supporting the Battlefield franchise, with the development of the next Need for Speed title being paused. - Criterion has been the main developer for the Need for Speed series since 2020, but with the studio's shift to the Battlefield franchise, the future of the Need for Speed franchise is now uncertain. - EA has stated that the Need for Speed franchise is not dead, but it's unclear whether future games will still be developed by Criterion or by a different studio. - The focus for EA at the moment is on the upcoming Battlefield 6, which is scheduled to release in October 2025.