Overview
Crashes as content. Criterion made destruction beautiful with Burnout’s slow-motion wreckage and Crash mode challenges. Their RenderWare engine powered countless games across the industry. EA acquired them, eventually transitioning the team to Need for Speed—a logical fit for their high-speed expertise.
Fast facts
- Founded: 1996.
- Location: Guildford, England.
- Parent: Electronic Arts (acquired 2004).
- Key tech: RenderWare engine.
Burnout series
| Title |
Year |
Innovation |
| Burnout |
2001 |
Near-miss boost |
| Burnout 2 |
2002 |
Crash mode |
| Burnout 3 |
2004 |
Takedowns |
| Burnout Paradise |
2008 |
Open world |
RenderWare impact
| User |
Application |
| Rockstar |
GTA series |
| EA Sports |
Multiple titles |
| Third parties |
Widespread licensing |
Need for Speed era
| Title |
Year |
| NFS: Hot Pursuit |
2010 |
| NFS: Most Wanted |
2012 |
| Ongoing support |
Various titles |
Design philosophy
| Principle |
Implementation |
| Speed sensation |
Blur effects, FOV |
| Reward aggression |
Boost from danger |
| Destruction detail |
Deformation physics |
| Accessible skill |
Easy to play, hard to master |
See also