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"I really want Criterion to be considered the best studio in the UK" – why the home of Burnout has a future with Battlefield
Criterion Games, known for the Burnout series and Need for Speed Unbound, is now fully focused on the Battlefield franchise, contributing significantly to Battlefield 6. Studio leadership emphasizes that the core principles of controlled chaos and spectacle that defined their racing games are still present in their current work on Battlefield. The studio has grown and is aiming to be considered the best in the UK.
Small Axe Studios is a New AAA Team Under 2K Working on a New Sports Franchise
2K Games has established a new AAA development studio in Vancouver called Small Axe Studios, led by industry veterans including Aaron McHardy and Gary Paterson. The studio is focused on creating a new sports franchise, though the specific sport has not yet been revealed. Several key leadership and development roles have been filled by individuals with extensive experience in sports game development at companies like Electronic Arts.
EA Has Officially Been Sold, And What Comes Next Could Be Painful
Electronic Arts has been acquired by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund in a $55 billion leveraged buyout, making it the largest LBO in history. The deal has raised concerns about potential layoffs, studio closures, and game cancellations due to the significant debt involved. EA CEO Andrew Wilson will remain in his position, but the company's future financial operations will be less transparent as it moves from public to private ownership.
EA boss got £29,000,000 bonus for Battlefield 6 while the devs were laid off
Electronic Arts CEO Andrew Wilson received a bonus of nearly $39 million for the 2026 financial year, despite the company laying off employees from studios working on Battlefield 6. This bonus is an increase from the previous year and does not include his base salary. Other executives also received significant bonuses, while games like Battlefield 6, EA Sports FC, and Apex Legends were highlighted for their success, alongside a generative AI strategy.
Wreckreation 2 Brings Back Classic Series
When Tides Turn has announced Wreckreation 2, a sequel to the arcade racing game, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC. Led by Fiona Sperry, formerly of Criterion Games, the sequel will focus on chaotic arcade gameplay with close-quarter racing and crashes across various city settings. While a release date is not yet announced, a playtest is expected soon.
2025 PlayStation 5 Open World Game Getting Unexpected Sequel
Wreckreation 2, a sequel to the 2025 open-world racing game Wreckreation, has been announced for PlayStation 5. The new title is being developed by When Tides Turn, a studio founded by Criterion Games co-founder Fiona Sperry, and aims to incorporate player feedback into its design. The original game was developed by Three Fields Entertainment and published by THQ Nordic.
Developer of Burnout spiritual successor Wreckreation has formed a new studio working on a sequel
Three Fields Entertainment, the developer behind the arcade racer Wreckreation, has announced a sequel to the game and formed a new studio called When Tides Turn. Studio head Fiona Sperry stated that Wreckreation 2 is being developed with player feedback, focusing on handling, progression, and world design. The new studio will serve as the dedicated home for the Wreckreation franchise.
Wreckreation 2 in development from Fiona Sperry's new studio
Fiona Sperry, former co-founder of Criterion Games and Three Fields Entertainment, has announced Wreckreation 2 through her new studio, When Tides Turn. The sequel will shift focus from the open-world driving playground of the original Wreckreation to a more dedicated arcade racing experience with aggressive driving and risk-reward mechanics. The game is in early development for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Building on Burnout and an underwhelming predecessor are Wreckreation 2’s missions, and so far it’s a promising patch of Paradise
Wreckreation 2, developed by Three Fields Entertainment under the new name When Tides Turn, aims to recapture the spirit of Burnout Paradise with a more focused and physical arcade racing experience. The sequel moves away from the open, bland environments of its predecessor to a city setting, featuring improved car collision physics and a more natural driving model. The team plans an open development process, utilizing public demos for player feedback before release, and is self-publishing the title.
EA seems to have killed off the Need for Speed franchise
Electronic Arts appears to have discontinued the Need for Speed franchise. Criterion Games, the long-time developer of the series, has been reassigned to support the Battlefield franchise, indicating the end of new Need for Speed titles.
Star Wars Galactic Racer is "a marriage made in heaven" for its creators at Fuse Games
Fuse Games, comprised of former Criterion developers, is creating Star Wars: Galactic Racer, a spiritual successor to Star Wars Episode I: Racer. Creative Director Kieran Crimmins discusses the studio's passion for arcade racers and the importance of capturing the authentic feel of podracing, which is considered the pinnacle of racing in the Star Wars universe. The game will feature multiple vehicle types, including landspeeders, skim speeders, speeder bikes, and the iconic podracers, with a focus on building rivalries and distinct character personalities.
"The combinations are in the trillions": Star Wars Galactic Racer’s creative director on speeder specialisation, storycrafting, and having “a bit of a smash”
Star Wars: Galactic Racer creative director Kieran Crimmins discusses the game's blend of arcade racing and roguelike elements, emphasizing the deep customization options for speeder builds. He highlights how players can create unique combinations, with trillions of possibilities, and how the game encourages aggressive playstyles. Crimmins also touches on the story's post-war setting and the studio's goal of innovating within the racing genre.
The Best Star Wars Games Of All Time
This article ranks the best Star Wars games of all time, spanning various genres from flight simulators to RPGs and VR experiences. It highlights titles like Star Wars: TIE Fighter, Knights of the Old Republic, and Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, discussing their impact and gameplay.
Is Fortnite Toxic? An Honest Answer Backed by Data (2026) | TAG
Data suggests Fortnite's reputation for toxicity is more nuanced than commonly perceived, with lower rates of identity-based harassment compared to other competitive shooters. While age-driven trash talk and skill-gap frustration are prevalent, especially in modes like Ranked, Epic Games has implemented moderation tools and default communication settings to mitigate harm, particularly for younger players.
Games Inbox: Is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 worth the hype?
Readers discuss whether Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which won multiple awards including Best Game at the BAFTAs, lives up to the hype, with some considering purchasing it despite not typically enjoying RPGs. Other topics include the merits of the PlayStation 4 generation, the future of VR, and the perceived bias in the BAFTA video game awards.
How Battlefield 6 Redefines the Modern Shooter Experience
Battlefield 6 aims to redefine the modern shooter experience with a focus on large-scale destruction, a complex single-player campaign set in 2027, and enhanced teamplay mechanics. Developed by EA's largest-ever Battlefield team, the game introduces a new Kinesthetic Combat System and the Portal Builder for custom matches. Electronic Arts is targeting a massive player base, potentially leveraging a free-to-play battle royale component, and is scheduled for release by March 31, 2026.
Fear Not, Collectors, PS5's Star Wars: Galactic Racer Is Getting a Physical Release
Star Wars: Galactic Racer, developed by Fuse Games, will receive a global physical release for the PlayStation 5 later this year. Publisher Secret Mode has partnered with Plaion for distribution of the boxed copies. The arcade-style racing game is also available to wishlist on the PlayStation Store.
WarioWare director Goro Abe leaves Nintendo after 25+ years
Goro Abe, director of the WarioWare series, has left Nintendo after over 25 years with the company. Separately, Electronic Arts has laid off an unknown number of employees across its Battlefield studios, including Criterion, Dice, Ripple Effect, and Motive Studios.
Valve sued for allegedly using its musical works ″without permission″
Electronic Arts has initiated layoffs across its various Battlefield studios, including Criterion, Dice, Ripple Effect, and Motive Studios. This news follows the record-breaking launch of Battlefield 6.
Crusader Kings 3 is getting a Roblox adaptation
Electronic Arts has laid off an unspecified number of employees across its Battlefield studios, including Criterion, Dice, Ripple Effect, and Motive Studios. This news follows the record-breaking launch of Battlefield 6. Separately, Crusader Kings 3 is receiving an adaptation on the Roblox platform.
