Ward and Sperry depart from Criterion

Matt Webster takes over as work on "Project Zero" continues. Ward and Sperry start afresh.

Polygon reports that Criterion Games co-founders Alex Ward and Fiona Sperry have left the company. An EA representative issued the following statement:

"We appreciate their many contributions through the years and wish them well in their future endeavours.

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. 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."

Alex Ward later went on Twitter to confirm his departure: "Just decided to start afresh and form a new games company with @FionaSperry #freshstart".

Criterion Games were picked up by EA in 2004 and recently move away from creating Need for Speed titles with the lion share of the studio becoming Ghost Games UK.

Need for Speed: Most Wanted - the most recent Criterion title released.