Need For Speed, Burnout developer Criterion moving away from the racing genre

Apparently developer Criterion is feeling a little “Burnout” on racing games, as today the Burnout and Need For Speed developer stated "it is time to make something new” and that they are moving away from the racing genre.

The news comes from a series of tweets from the UK studio’s boss Alex Ward who told fans to not get their hopes up for a new Need For Speed, Burnout, or Road Rash title anytime soon.

“Here is what I want folks to know," said Ward. "Some folks are eternally disappointed. Nothing I can do about that. So many tweets asking for new Burnout."

"Equally many tweets asking for a new NFS game from us. Also Road Rash. Whilst I love all of those games, I am personally not doing any."

"As a diehard NES gamer in the late '80s UK I was misled by many gaming mags hinting at games to be released," said Ward, adding that "most games did not get a PAL release. Most of the hot stuff was JPN and USA only. Hence I hate to mislead ANYONE."

"No point saving up hard earned money for your fave game not to come. Trust me, I have been there."

"After over a decade of making racing games it's time to make something new. It is early days thus I have nothing to 'announce' or talk about."

"I will do my best to keep folks in the loop who want to follow what we play or what inspires us. Or what we might be listening to."

"But if you are following me expecting some Megaton of a new Burnout game, or an Underground remake then I have to disappoint you."

However, Ward did not rule out the possibility of a new Burnout game down the road saying, “I am proud of all of the Burnout games. When it feels right we will make another one. We are creative people." Need For Speed fans should also not worry as EA confirmed that Gothenburg-based studio Ghost will be handling future titles for that specific franchise using DICE’s impressive Frostbite Engine.

We’re sure that many of you are disappointed to hear this news, as are we, but this news raises an important question: Will franchises like Grand Turismo or Forza flourish even more with an absence of Need For Speed and Burnout, or should we expect a rise of new series’? Let us know your thoughts by commenting below.

Source: [GameSpot]