Multiple longtime Criterion Games developers have left the studio following the launch ofNeed for Speed Unboundearlier this month. Development ofNeed for Speed Unboundwas led by Criterion Games' longest-serving developers, which have been with the company since its founding in January 1996. However, leadership at Criterion Games is changing drastically as newly hired developers step up for the recently vacated roles.
Need for Speed Unboundfollows up on the success ofNeed for Speed Heatwhile bringing unique, stylized effects into its high-speed day and night races. High-profile rapper and record executive A$AP Rocky also lends his appearance and music for the latestNeed for Speedgame, coupling the game’s vibrant art style with a memorable soundtrack. Further,Need for Speed UnboundmarksNeed for Speed’s departure from last-gen consolesin favor of PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The series may undergo even more changes going forward under new leadership at Criterion Games, as longtime developers have left the studio followingNeed for Speed Unbound’s release.
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A new report by GamesIndustry.biz reveals five longtime Criterion Games developers have left the studio after the release ofNeed for Speed Unboundto “explore new opportunities outside of EA.” These developer departures include former Criterion Games vice president Matt Webster, executive producer Pete Lake, senior technical director Andrei Shires, head of development Alan McDairmant, and head of content Steve Uphill. Each developer has more than 10 years of experience at Criterion Games and EA, with Webster being the longest-tenured developer at over 23 years with the companies. In fact, Webster worked on the very first FIFA game in 1990 before heading to Criterion Games. Lake has been with Criterion Games since its founding year in 1996, first serving as an artist before eventually becoming an executive producer.
Following the developer departures, EA general manager David Rutter announced Charity Joy is joining Criterion Games as the new executive producer oftheNeed for Speedfranchise. Additionally, Codemasters developer Geoff Smith takes the new senior director role of product development at Criterion Games forNeed for Speed. These two developers will work alongside Steve Cuss, the head of studio operations at Criterion Games. Cuss will continue his role at the studio while reporting to Rutter. Rutter wrote to Criterion Games staff about the hires, claiming it’s an “incredibly exciting time for our group” following the launch ofNeed for Speed: Unbound.
Need for Speed: Unboundhas room for improvement, and the developer exodus may be a sign of EA’s initiative to improve and build upon theNeed for Speedseries going forward with new talent. The changes made by Criterion Games may not be felt until the nextNeed for Speedgame, however.
Need for Speedfans still yearn for remakes, so EA and Criterion Games may consider fan interest and revisit older titles. At the same time, the developers could take critical feedback aboutNeed for Speed Unbound’sflaws to create an even better racing game in the future.
Need for Speed Unboundis available now for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
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