Criterion handling entire Need For Speed franchise going forward

The Need for Speed franchise has had its definite ups and downs, with some epic titles and others that felt like they belonged in the bargain bin. This is due to a constant switch in developers between games, which can provide very mixed products.

This is about to change however, as not only the next title, but all future titles, will be handled by Criterion. This is the talented studio behind Burnout, so this could mean a more consistent higher quality in the franchise going forward.

Criterion VP Alex Ward commented on the annual change in developers: “Maybe it’s been that way in the past, but that’s changed this year with what we’re doing… Our stamp’s going to be in everything you see in Need for Speed and Burnout going forward in the future.”

“It’s not going to be spread anymore across different companies. Different studios have had a crack at it – it’s definitely a Criterion gig now.”

Ward didn’t confirm that every title going forward would be entirely developed by Criterion, but he did assure that there would be “strong involvement” from Criterion in all of them.

“Going forward now, with Most Wanted and what we’ll do in the future [will have], shall we say, a strong Criterion involvement,” he went on,” said Ward.

“I’m personally involved in how the cars drive, how the game will play out, how connected they are, and what the features are.”

Criterion’s 2012 Need for Speed: Most Wanted reboot is due out on October 30th on the three major platforms.