Introduction: Three Decades of High-Octane Speed
Thirty years ago, a small British developer named Criterion Software emerged, eventually transforming into Criterion Games—a studio that would redefine the arcade racing genre forever. For gamers who grew up in the early 2000s, the name Criterion is synonymous with one thing: pure, unadulterated, metal-twisting speed. The Burnout franchise didn't just challenge the racing status quo; it shattered it with a sledgehammer, rewarding players for near-misses, oncoming traffic navigation, and spectacular, slow-motion crashes.
Now, in 2025, Criterion is celebrating its 30th anniversary. However, the mood among long-time fans is bittersweet. Following a major internal rebrand and realignment within Electronic Arts (EA), the studio is increasingly being deployed as a support pillar for massive shooter franchises like Battlefield, alongside their ongoing stewardship of the Need for Speed series. With no new Burnout title on the horizon and the industry shifting toward live-service models, we must ask the hard question: has one of gaming's most beloved racing franchises finally fallen away into the rearview mirror?
The Golden Era of Crash and Burn
To understand why the absence of Burnout hurts so much in 2025, we have to look back at what made it special. While franchises like Gran Turismo and Forza chased pixel-perfect simulation, Criterion chased the visceral feeling of speed.
Burnout 3: Takedown (2004) and Burnout Revenge (2005) perfected the formula. They turned aggression into a core mechanic. Shunting an opponent into a concrete barrier at 180 mph wasn't just satisfying; it was the primary way to win. Then came Burnout Paradise in 2008, which seamlessly translated this aggressive DNA into an open-world playground.
What made these games work was their accessibility combined with high-skill ceilings. Anyone could pick up a controller and trigger a spectacular multi-car pileup in "Crash Mode," but mastering the drift physics and boost management required genuine focus.
The 2025 Reality: Rebranding and Realignment
As Criterion hits its 30-year milestone, the studio's identity is undergoing its most significant shift yet. EA has consolidated many of its core studios to focus on massive, blockbuster intellectual properties. While Criterion still technically holds the keys to the racing kingdom, their primary focus has drifted.
Their recent work on Need for Speed Unbound showed flashes of the classic Criterion brilliance—particularly its stylized, cel-shaded smoke effects and arcade-leaning physics—but it lacked the chaotic soul of Burnout. Furthermore, with Criterion developers frequently pulled to assist EA's DICE on the next Battlefield installment, dedicated resources for a niche, single-player or physics-heavy arcade racer are slimmer than ever.
In 2025, the gaming landscape is dominated by live-service giants and open-world simulators. A game built entirely around crashing cars and high-speed takedowns faces monetization challenges in the eyes of modern publishers. Yet, the demand for nostalgic, high-quality arcade racing has never been higher.
How to Relive the Glory Days: The Best Gear for Arcade Racing
While we wait to see if EA will ever greenlight a true Burnout sequel, modern technology allows us to experience classic arcade racing—and its spiritual successors—in ways the original developers could only dream of. Whether you are emulating classic PS2-era titles, playing Burnout Paradise Remastered, or diving into modern destructive racers like Wreckfest, here is the ultimate gear to bring that adrenaline back to life.
1. Logitech G923 Racing Wheel & Pedals
* Approximate Price: $349.99 Why it's essential: While Burnout was traditionally played on a gamepad, modern arcade-style racers and spiritual successors feel incredible with a dedicated wheel. The Logitech G923 features "TRUEFORCE" high-definition force feedback, which connects directly to game physics engines. When you scrape against a guardrail or slam into an opponent in Wreckfest or Need for Speed*, you will feel every vibration and impact right in your hands. It is compatible with PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.2. ASUS ROG Ally X
* Approximate Price: $799.99 Why it's essential: If you want to take your nostalgic racing on the go, the ASUS ROG Ally X is the absolute gold standard for handheld gaming in 2025. With its upgraded battery life, 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and robust AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, it handles high-end emulation flawlessly. You can run Burnout 3: Takedown via PCSX2 or play Burnout Paradise Remastered* natively at a locked 60 FPS. It brings the arcade cabinet experience directly to your couch or commute.3. Xbox Series X
* Approximate Price: $499.99 * Why it's essential: For console gamers, the Xbox Series X remains the ultimate preservation machine. Thanks to Microsoft's robust backward compatibility program, you can play several classic backward-compatible racing titles with auto-HDR and improved framerates. It is the most seamless way to enjoy physical or digital legacy games on a modern 4K television without dealing with emulator configurations.4. Burnout Paradise Remastered (PS4 / Xbox One / Nintendo Switch / PC)
* Approximate Price: $19.99 * Why it's essential: If you haven't played it yet, this is the definitive modern release of Criterion's open-world masterpiece. It includes all original DLC (including the legendary Big Surf Island) and runs at a buttery-smooth 60 FPS. On the Nintendo Switch, it is one of the best-performing ports on the platform, offering a perfect slice of 2008 gaming history optimized for 2025 playability.Our Verdict: The Bottom Line
As Criterion Games celebrates 30 years, it is clear that the studio we once knew has evolved. The reality of modern game development means that a AAA, big-budget Burnout game is highly unlikely to happen in the current economic climate. EA’s focus remains on safer, established brands like Need for Speed and massive multiplayer experiences.
However, the spirit of Burnout is far from dead. It lives on in the DNA of modern indie developers, in the robust emulation community, and in our collective gaming memories. By pairing modern hardware like the ASUS ROG Ally X for portable retro sessions or a tactile wheel like the Logitech G923, players can still experience the unmatched thrill of the Takedown. Criterion may be moving forward into a new era, but their legendary past remains easily accessible for anyone willing to grab the wheel.