Battlefield 6 Credits Controversy: Former Studio Head Reveals Uncredited Development Team Contributions

Industry Veteran Calls Out Inadequate Recognition for Core Development Team

Marcus Lehto, co-creator of the legendary Halo franchise and former head of Ridgeline Games, has publicly expressed his frustration regarding what he describes as inadequate credit attribution in the recently released Battlefield 6. The industry veteran revealed that numerous developers who spent years building the foundation of the blockbuster title received minimal recognition in the final credits.

Industry Veteran Calls Out Inadequate Recognition for Core Development Team
The Foundation Builders Left in the Shadows
Studio Closure and Restructuring Background
Industry-Wide Crediting Challenges
Critical Reception vs. Commercial Success
Broader Implications for Development Recognition

The Foundation Builders Left in the Shadows

In a detailed LinkedIn post that has since gained significant traction within the gaming community, Lehto outlined how his former colleagues at Ridgeline Games were largely relegated to a “Special Thanks” section at the very end of the credits, despite their substantial contributions to the game’s development. Several team members, including Lehto himself, were reportedly omitted from the credits entirely.

“These talented developers worked tirelessly for 1 to 2.5 years, building the foundation of the game,” Lehto emphasized in his statement. His post included a comprehensive list of names and roles as he believed they should have appeared in the official credits, serving as both recognition and protest against the current crediting system., according to market trends

Studio Closure and Restructuring Background

The controversy stems from Electronic Arts’ broader restructuring initiative in February 2024, which resulted in the closure of Ridgeline Games and approximately 670 employee layoffs. The studio, co-founded by Lehto specifically to develop Battlefield 6’s narrative campaign, operated for less than two years before being shuttered following Lehto’s voluntary departure., according to market developments

At the time of the studio’s closure, EA Entertainment president Laura Miele stated that work on the Battlefield single-player campaign would continue under the leadership of Criterion producer Danny Isaac and studio head of creative Darren White. Some Ridgeline team members reportedly transitioned to Ripple Effect to continue their work on the franchise., according to emerging trends

Industry-Wide Crediting Challenges

This incident highlights ongoing concerns within the video game industry regarding proper attribution for development work. The complex nature of game development, often involving multiple studios, contractor transitions, and corporate restructuring, frequently leads to crediting disputes.

Lehto’s statement that “game development is a team effort, and every contributor deserves fair acknowledgment” resonates with many developers who have faced similar situations. The controversy emerges as the industry continues to grapple with standardized crediting practices, particularly when studios close or projects change hands mid-development.

Critical Reception vs. Commercial Success

Battlefield 6 has achieved remarkable commercial success since its release, setting new franchise records for sales. However, the single-player campaign—the very component Ridgeline Games was established to create—received mixed reviews from critics and players alike., according to market developments

IGN’s review of the Battlefield 6 campaign scored it 5/10, describing it as “a safe, dull reimagining of what Battlefield once was, rather than a bold reinvention of what it could be.” This critical reception stands in stark contrast to the praise received by the game’s multiplayer components.

Broader Implications for Development Recognition

The situation raises important questions about how development contributions are valued and recognized in an industry known for its high turnover and frequent studio reorganizations. As EA moves forward with its four-studio Battlefield collective—comprising DICE, Ripple Effect, Motive, and Criterion—the treatment of former Ridgeline developers may influence how future studio integrations and attributions are handled.

Electronic Arts has yet to issue a public statement regarding the crediting concerns raised by Lehto. The gaming community and industry observers continue to watch how one of gaming’s largest publishers addresses what many see as a fundamental issue of professional respect and recognition.