Ghost Games UK struck by layoffs

Ghost Games UK, formerly known as Criterion, has been hit by a round off layoffs.

As reported by Polygon, contractors are said to have been let go by EA, while full-time employees have been told they can leave with compensation or work in collaboration with Visceral on a new Battlefield-related title, code-named Havana.

It was also claimed that an unannounced Need for Speed game has been put on hold following the layoffs.

At the beginning of January, Criterion founders Alex Ward and Fiona Sperry left the studio after 20 years to form a new games company.

At the time an EA spokesperson said executive producer Matt Webster was leading development of a new game at the studio, but this now appears to have been shelved for the time being.

"The incredibly creative and talented team at Criterion are hard at work on a new project for next-gen consoles as new IP continues to be a major priority across EA," read a statement.

"Matt Webster is leading development of the new game and the Criterion studio moving forward. Matt has been part of Criterion for years and has an exciting vision for this new game."