When we spoke with Craig Sullivan around Burnout Paradise’s launch, he told us that you can’t expect gamers to stick with a series for a long time just by adding small changes. But since its launch, these small changes have been the primary focus of Paradise. What does the future hold for Burnout?

I don’t think a lot of the things we have added to Burnout Paradise can really be described as ‘small things’. I can’t think of many games which add whole new vehicles (Burnout Bikes) or entire new locations to the game. I believe Craig is right; people won’t stick around if all they are going to get is more of the same experience. Even our smallest update has added exciting new ways to play the game for people, people don’t know what is coming next… and that’s exciting.

In the same interview, Craig also mentioned that we would have to wait until later in the year (2008) for details on Burnout Paradise’s DLC “and the other cool stuff that [Criterion] are working on”. We know all about the DLC, but we’ve not yet heard any other announcements. Is there anything new and exciting being worked on at Criterion?

There are always new and exciting things happening at Criterion, just too much to talk about at any one time. Big Surf Island is our next release, after that… if only I could tell you…

Unlike a lot of other developers, Criterion has a strong focus on relaying news and information to its consumers directly through regular blog posts and video podcasts. Why do you believe it’s so important to talk to the community?

The community are the people who keep us going. Without them there would be no Burnout and no games industry. We want to make sure people can get the latest information from us directly. And to be really honest, it’s great fun! Making Crash TV and writing blog entries is just great, it helps us remember all the incredible things we do every day.

Talking of community, what do you make of PlayStation Home? Does Criterion have any plans to use it?

PlayStation Home is a really unique experience; I love to see all these new ways for people to interact with each other and game franchises. Right now we are focused on evolving the Burnout Paradise software… after that who knows…

Discounting Revenge’s HD-makeover and taking into account the focus placed on delivering DLC, is Paradise the only Burnout this generation of consoles will likely see?

I wish I could tell you…

Thank you very much for your time, Pete.

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