EA shuts down Speedhunters and reorients Criterion Games: goodbye Need for Speed, hello Battlefield

The historic web of automotive culture disappears and Criterion Games focuses on EA's war saga.

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In recent hours, Electronic Arts has made a significant shift in its internal strategy that affects both the car community and the future of one of its most recognized studios. On one hand, the portal Speedhunters, a reference for motor enthusiasts for over a decade and linked to Need for Speed, has definitively closed after months of inactivity. On the other hand, the legendary Criterion Games, creator of Burnout and a key part in Need for Speed, is now officially known as Criterion – A Battlefield Studio.

This move comes just as Need for Speed is on indefinite hiatus, while the Battlefield saga prepares for its big return with the release of its new installment on October 10th.

Speedhunters, Farewell to an Icon Linked to Need for Speed

Founded in 2008, Speedhunters established itself as a unique platform where photographers, designers, and players shared their passion for cars. With thousands of articles and spectacular visual reports, it became a symbol of Need for Speed and a global showcase for automotive culture.

However, the website had been inactive since April, and its closure now confirms EA’s change of direction. For many fans, this outcome reflects the uncertain future of Need for Speed, a saga that currently remains on pause and without immediate plans for a new release.

Criterion Games, Now a Battlefield Studio

The other significant change affects Criterion Games, a British studio with over 30 years of history in the industry. After leaving its mark with Burnout and collaborating on several Need for Speed titles, the team is now fully integrated into the Battlefield franchise.

On EA’s official website, it is now listed under the new Battlefield Studios label, alongside DICE, Ripple Effect, and Motive. With this, Criterion confirms that its future is tied to reinforcing Battlefield, without ruling out occasional collaborations on other projects.