Criterion Games
From Burnopedia, the Burnout wiki
[edit] History
Criterion Software Ltd was created to commercialize 3D graphics rendering technology created by Canon's European Research Lab. Its two co-founders were both previously employed by Canon. Criterion Software is a game company specializing in the development of the RenderWare family of middleware technology, including graphics, AI, audio and physics components. RenderWare is used in such games as Grand Theft Auto III, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, which are developed by Rockstar Games, and the successful Burnout series, developed in house by Criterion Games.
In August 2004 Electronic Arts announced they had acquired Criterion Games and Criterion Software for a rumored £40 million, taking into account the purchase price and existing debt. After the purchase, both Criterion and EA declared that RenderWare would continued to be made available to third party customers. However, some clients decided it was too risky to rely on technology owned by a competitor. EA has since withdrawn RenderWare from the commercial middleware market, although it is increasingly used by EA's internal developers.
In the summer of 2006, after a protracted stay of execution, the company decided to close their Derby satellite office, making all of their programmers and support staff redundant. In early March 2007 EA moved their Chertsey UK development Studio and Criteron Games to a new building in Central Guildford, creating a single UK Studio that now has approximately 500 full-time developers.
[edit] Burnout games
- Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box (2009)
- Burnout Paradise (2008)
- Burnout Revenge (2005)
- Burnout Legends (2005)
- Burnout 3: Takedown (2004)
- Burnout 2: Point of Impact (2002)
- Burnout (2001)
