Criterion states that Burnout is not overlooked, yet that is precisely what concerns me.

      In a recent interview with IGN, Criterion discussed its 30-year history, highlighting its contributions to titles like Burnout and Need for Speed, as well as its role in reviving Battlefield. The studio emphasized that while Burnout is a significant part of its identity, its future is now focused on Battlefield. Appropriately, Criterion’s new 30th anniversary logo features the tagline: “Criterion: A Battlefield Studio.”

      This shift makes sense on many levels. Battlefield 6 has emerged as one of EA's most successful titles in recent years, revitalizing a franchise that many had dismissed, achieving the largest launch in Battlefield history, and reminding players why it was once a strong competitor to Call of Duty. As a fan of Battlefield, this news is exciting, though it elicits mixed feelings for those who love Burnout.

      Burnout is not forgotten; it’s simply awaiting its moment.

      The encouraging news is that Criterion has not turned its back on its origins. The developers openly recognized Burnout's lasting impact on the studio’s identity. However, the downside is that acknowledging a franchise doesn't equate to actively developing it.

      “We are solely focused on Battlefield.” – Rebecka Coutaz, VP & GM of Battlefield Studios Europe

      For the time being, Criterion is prioritizing Battlefield. All its talent and EA’s resources are directed towards this title, and given Battlefield 6’s success, it seems unlikely to change soon. From a business standpoint, this is a logical decision for EA, but it does mean fewer studios are creating arcade racing games.

      The arcade racing genre has quietly faded away.

      Burnout’s legacy lies not in its realism but in its exuberant fun. The franchise thrived on high-speed chases through traffic, launching opponents into barriers, and orchestrating spectacular crashes. It didn’t aim to replicate real life; it simply sought to deliver joy to players. Unfortunately, this spirit seems to be waning in the racing genre today.

      Nowadays, most major racing games focus on authenticity. Cars exhibit realistic behavior, damage models are intricately detailed, and physics engines strive for realism. Even the popular Forza Horizon series, which perhaps best balances realism and arcade gameplay, is centered around licensed cars and believable driving mechanics. While it excels in its own right, it’s not trying to recapture the essence of Burnout, and that's perfectly acceptable. The issue is that there are few others attempting to do so.

      Need for Speed deserves some recognition for its daring approach with Unbound, showcasing a vibrant cel-shaded art style. However, many fans felt it didn’t fully reclaim the carefree arcade charm of its earlier days. Beyond that, Burnout has faded from view. MotorStorm, Blur, Split/Second, and even Ridge Racer have become mere nostalgic reminders. Gradually, we’ve seen a decline in games that prioritize chaos purely for fun.

      Players continue to appreciate games with character.

      Interestingly, recent years have demonstrated that players often prefer personality over realism. Titles like Astro Bot, Balatro, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 have found success by embracing creativity and fun, rather than adhering to photorealism or strict simulation.

      Burnout understood this principle long before many in the industry. Players weren't drawn to it for its accurate driving simulation but for the thrill of launching rivals into traffic, causing spectacular crashes, and reveling in the chaos.

      The same holds true for Need for Speed: Underground 2 and Most Wanted (2005). These games are celebrated not for their realistic handling but for their memorable soundtracks, intense police pursuits, cheesy narratives, and gameplay that prioritized excitement over authenticity. The reason these titles are still discussed two decades later speaks volumes.

      EA’s current direction seems to be the right choice… which makes it a bittersweet situation.

      It's important to clarify that this isn’t a critique of Battlefield. The success of Battlefield 6 illustrates that EA made a sound decision. Criterion has significantly contributed to the franchise’s revival, and from a business angle, focusing one of its top studios on a successful endeavor is hard to dispute.

      The trade-off, however, is clear. While Battlefield benefits from one of the industry's leading developers, arcade racing suffers the loss of Criterion. The studio asserts that Burnout remains a cherished part of its history, and I want to believe that. However, after years of hopeful murmurs of “maybe someday,” one can't help but question if that day will ever arrive.

      I sincerely hope I’m mistaken. The gaming world doesn’t require another hyper-realistic racing simulator nearly as much as it craves a studio willing to prioritize fun. Burnout didn’t just deliver speed; it embodied personality, chaos, and a kind of joy that has become increasingly scarce in modern racing games. That’s a legacy that deserves revival.