Burnout Paradise developer Criterion Games has seemingly confirmed that the company is moving away from the racing scene for the foreseeable future.
News comes by way of a series of Tweets from Criterion’s Alex Ward, who suggested fans not get their hopes up for a new Burnout or a remake of Need for Speed: Underground.
In fact, it seems racing games in general are off the cards for now; Ward said the time is right to move on to something fresh.
Here’s what he had to say:
"Here is what I want folks to know. 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.
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.
I am proud of all of the Burnout games. When it feels right we will make another one. We are creative people.
So I hope you will join us on a new journey. Hope it makes sense. #Butit’syourkidsMarty! #PromiseMeWe’llBeBackInTime.
No Black2 either folks. Volumes to tell on that topic, but will save that for when I get a book deal…
Thanks for the support everybody. We won’t let you down! #tothefuture."
The fact Criterion isn’t working on a remake of Underground shouldn’t come as a surprise; Ward dismissed Internet chatter regarding the title last week. Furthermore, a new Need for Speed game is currently in the works at Ghost, formally EA Gothenburg, so it’s not as if the franchise has been hung out to dry.
In regards to a new Burnout title, Ward told followers: “No plans at present,” before adding, “Will do it when it feels right. After 13 years it’s not that time right now.”
The studio’s last Burnout title was the downloadable hit Burnout Crash in 2011, with Burnout Paradise previously launching in 2008. Criterion also made two Need for Speed titles: 2010’s Hot Pursuit and last year’s Most Wanted reboot.
Finally, it also churned out the cult hit Black, a first-person shooter released for PlayStation 2 and Xbox in 2006.
via Eurogamer