Criterion Loses Five Veteran Leaders Following Need for Speed Unbound Release

Significant changes have occurred at EA's Criterion studio, with the departure of five high-ranking veterans. Matt Webster, the studio's VP and GM, has left after over 23 years with Criterion and more than three decades with EA, where he contributed to the first FIFA game. Other notable departures include executive producer Pete Lake, who joined in 1996, senior technical director Andrei Shires, a 16-year veteran, head of studio development Alan McDairmant, who spent 17 years with EA, and head of content Steve Uphill, who leaves after his latest 10-year stint. All five are pursuing new opportunities outside of EA, following the launch of Need for Speed Unbound. In response to these changes, David Rutter, GM of EA's racing group, has announced the appointment of Charity Joy as executive producer for Need for Speed, joining from the EA Sports UFC franchise. Additionally, Geoff Smith will take on the role of senior director of Product Development for Need for Speed, having previously overseen the Dirt and Grid games at Codemasters. Smith will report to Joy while also overseeing EA's WRC game until its launch in the spring. Both will work alongside Steve Cuss, head of studio operations at Criterion, who continues in his role and reports to Rutter. According to Rutter, the past year has seen the combined teams of Codemasters and Criterion drive the future of racing entertainment, with the recent launch of Need for Speed Unbound marking a new era for the franchise, alongside the successful release of EA SPORTS F1 22 and progress on WRC. Rutter expressed excitement for the future, highlighting the opportunity to evolve games and experiences, leveraging strengths in licensed motorsports and arcade/open-world racing, and expressed confidence in achieving great things in 2023 with the current team and plans in place.