Definition: Criterion Games is a British video game developer known primarily for its work on racing and action games, notably the "Burnout" series and contributions to the "Need for Speed" franchise.
Overview: Criterion Games, officially Criterion Software Ltd., was founded in 1996 and is based in Guildford, Surrey, England. The studio became a subsidiary of Electronic Arts (EA) in 2004, following EA's acquisition of the Criterion Software Group. The company gained prominence for its high-speed racing games emphasizing vehicular combat, crash physics, and open-world gameplay. Criterion has also contributed technology and development support to other EA projects, particularly in the "Need for Speed" series after the release of "Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit" (2010).
Etymology/Origin: The name "Criterion" reflects a standard or benchmark, suggesting the company's aspiration to set industry standards in game development and graphics technology. The studio originated from a group of developers who previously worked on rendering technology and real-time 3D graphics under the Criterion Software brand, which was initially part of Canon Europe.
Characteristics: Criterion Games is recognized for its proprietary game engine, the Criterion Engine (often referred to in external sources as the RenderWare engine during earlier years, though RenderWare was a separate product of Criterion Software prior to the studio's focus on game development). The studio emphasizes polished gameplay mechanics, realistic vehicle handling, and visually impressive crash and destruction sequences. Notably, the "Burnout" series introduced the "Crash Mode" and "Impact Time" features, which became defining elements of its identity.
Related Topics:
- Burnout (video game series)
- Need for Speed
- Electronic Arts (EA)
- RenderWare
- Video game development
- Racing video games
- Open-world game design