We’ve learned that five long time members of Criterion are leaving their positions in the company.

The key staff are resigning (via Games Industry) following the launch of Need for Speed Unbound, noting they are all leaving to “explore new opportunities outside of EA”.

Departing staff include Matt Webster, who had been with EA since 1990 and was a member of the original team who created the FIFA series; Pete Lake, who had been with the company since 1996; and Andrei Shires, who had been on the team for 16 years.

Head of Studio Development Alan McDairmant is also leaving after 17 years, and finally there’s Steve Uphill – who has the least amount of years, but still at double digits with ten.

All of these former members had leadership roles in Criterion, meaning that things have been shaken up heavily for the company following their recent release.

Interestingly, this trend seemingly has continued with other notable departures occurring at companies such as 343 Industries and Rocksteady.

Meanwhile, their most recent game in Need for Speed Unbound is available now for Windows PC (via Steam, the Epic Games Store, and Origin), Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5.