Battlefield 6 Credits Controversy: Halo Co-Creator Calls Out EA for Overlooking Ridgeline Games’ Foundational Work

Industry Veteran Speaks Out on Credit Recognition

Marcus Lehto, the celebrated co-creator of Halo and former head of Ridgeline Games, has publicly expressed his frustration with Electronic Arts’ handling of credits for Battlefield 6. In a heartfelt LinkedIn post, Lehto revealed that numerous developers who spent years building the game’s foundation received inadequate recognition in the final product., according to emerging trends

Industry Veteran Speaks Out on Credit Recognition
The Rise and Fall of Ridgeline Games
The Credit Controversy Unfolds
Broader Industry Implications
EA’s Evolving Battlefield Strategy
The Human Impact of Studio Closures

The Rise and Fall of Ridgeline Games

Ridgeline Games was established with significant promise in 2022, specifically tasked with developing the narrative campaign for the next Battlefield installment. Lehto, whose credentials include serving as creative director on Halo: Reach, joined EA during a period when the company faced criticism for Battlefield 2042‘s lack of single-player content. The studio represented EA’s commitment to restoring narrative depth to the franchise.

The studio’s journey was cut short in February 2024 when EA implemented massive layoffs affecting approximately 670 employees. Ridgeline Games was among the casualties, closing less than two years after its formation. At the time of closure, EA Entertainment president Laura Miele assured that the single-player campaign work would continue under the leadership of Criterion’s Danny Isaac and Darren White., according to recent studies

The Credit Controversy Unfolds

Following Battlefield 6‘s record-breaking release, Lehto discovered that many former Ridgeline staff members were either relegated to the “Special Thanks” section or omitted entirely from the credits. This treatment came despite their substantial contributions spanning 1 to 2.5 years of development work.

“I’m disappointed to see that many of my former teammates from Ridgeline Games were not properly credited,” Lehto stated. “These talented developers worked tirelessly, building the foundation of the game, before I left voluntarily and the studio was subsequently shuttered.”, according to industry developments

In his post, Lehto took the extraordinary step of listing his former colleagues’ names and roles as he believed they should have appeared in the official credits, emphasizing that “game development is a team effort, and every contributor deserves fair acknowledgment.”

Broader Industry Implications

This situation highlights ongoing concerns about credit attribution in game development, particularly when studios undergo restructuring or closure. The video game industry has historically struggled with proper recognition for developers, especially when projects transition between teams or studios.

The timing of this controversy is particularly noteworthy given Battlefield 6‘s commercial success contrasted with its critical reception. While the game broke sales records and received praise for its multiplayer components, the campaign—the very element Ridgeline was established to create—earned mediocre reviews, including a 5/10 score from IGN that described it as “a safe, dull reimagining of what Battlefield once was.”

EA’s Evolving Battlefield Strategy

Following Ridgeline’s closure, EA announced the formation of Battlefield Studios, a collective of four development studios now steering the franchise’s future: DICE, Ripple Effect, Motive, and Criterion. Some former Ridgeline staff joined Ripple Effect to continue their work on the Battlefield franchise.

This restructuring represents EA’s broader shift away from licensed IPs and toward strengthening its flagship franchises. However, Lehto’s revelations raise questions about how companies handle credit attribution during such transitions and whether the contributions of dissolved teams receive appropriate recognition.

The Human Impact of Studio Closures

Beyond the credit controversy, this situation underscores the human cost of studio closures and industry restructuring. Developers who dedicated years to a project found their professional contributions minimized in the final product, potentially affecting their career trajectories and portfolio recognition., as related article

Lehto’s decision to publicly name his colleagues represents a growing trend of industry professionals advocating for better recognition practices. As he emphasized, proper credit isn’t just about acknowledgment—it’s about respecting the creative labor that forms the foundation of successful games.

IGN has reached out to EA for comment regarding the credit attribution concerns. The gaming community and industry observers await the publisher’s response to these serious allegations about recognition practices.