A recent update from Criterion Games has confirmed that the developer currently does not have any plans to return to its popularBurnoutfranchise. While the studio has become more known in recent years forits work onNeed for SpeedandBattlefield, the over-the-top franchise was once a staple of racing games throughout the sixth and seventh console generations. The series has since been dormant for quite some time with the last major entry coming over a decade ago. Now, it looks like the long-awaited return of the series won’t be anytime soon.
Despite the series' former popularity,Burnouthas fallen mostly quiet over the past decade. The last newBurnoutgame to launch came withBurnout Crash!,a top-down game focusing on the crash aspect of the series on PS3 and Xbox 360, later releasing for iOS.Burnout Paradisewould receive a remastered version in 2018 on PS4, Xbox One, and PC with a Switch version launching in 2020. However, fans waiting for a newBurnoutgame won’t be seeing one in the near future, according to Criterion.
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During a recent interview with Eurogamer,Need for Speed Unboundcreative director Kieran Crimmins spoke on the future ofBurnout. Crimmins confirmed that Criterion Games currently has no plans to return to the franchise at the moment, stating a newBurnoutis “not the next game they’re working on.” However, Crimmins did express interest in making a new title, claiming that the studio holds “the most passion” forNeed for SpeedandBurnout. Criterion isset to launchNeed for Speed Unboundlater this week on December 2.
While Crimmins discussed the potential of aBurnoutrevival, much of the interview with Eurogamer pertained to the studio’s upcomingNeed for Speed Unbound. Criterion has already given fans plenty of reason to be excited for the return of theNeed for Speedfranchise, showing off plenty ofgame modes set to feature inNeed for Speed Unbound.Unboundis set to be a major return for the studio with Criterion’s lastNeed for Speedcoming with 2013’sNeed for Speed Rivalsalongside Ghost Games, who would take over development of the series.
Burnoutmay not be slated for a revival in the near future, but recent years have seen renewed interest in the fast-paced action racing franchise. A survey from Sony last year wasgauging interest about a potentialBurnoutreturnfollowing the release ofBurnout Paradise Remasteredon Switch in 2020. Despite the franchise’s absence in recent years, many fans still hold the original games in high regard among racing titles. While Criterion may not be working on a revival yet, both fans and the studio itself have shown they want one.
