Need for Speed Unbound follows up on the success of Need for Speed Heat while 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 latest Need for Speed game, coupling the game’s vibrant art style with a memorable soundtrack. Further, Need for Speed Unbound marks Need for Speed’s departure from last-gen consoles in 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 following Need 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 of Need for Speed Unbound to “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 of the Need for Speed franchise. Additionally, Codemasters developer Geoff Smith takes the new senior director role of product development at Criterion Games for Need 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 of Need for Speed: Unbound.
Need for Speed: Unbound has room for improvement, and the developer exodus may be a sign of EA’s initiative to improve and build upon the Need for Speed series going forward with new talent. The changes made by Criterion Games may not be felt until the next Need for Speed game, however.
Need for Speed fans 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 about Need for Speed Unbound’s flaws to create an even better racing game in the future.
Need for Speed Unbound is available now for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
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Source: GamesIndustry.biz
