Battlefield 6 Faces Backlash Over Missing Developer Credits, Ex-Ridgeline Lead Exposes Industry-Wide Issue

Credits Controversy Rocks Battlefield 6 Launch

Battlefield 6, despite achieving record-breaking sales for Electronic Arts, is facing significant criticism for how it has handled developer credits. Marcus Lehto, former Halo designer and general manager of the now-defunct Ridgeline Games, has publicly called out the omission of numerous developers from the game’s credits, including himself., according to recent innovations

Lehto’s Emotional Revelation

In a revealing LinkedIn post that has since gained traction across gaming communities, Lehto expressed his disappointment that many of his former Ridgeline Games colleagues were not properly credited for their work. “These talented developers worked tirelessly for 1 to 2.5 years, building the foundation of the game,” Lehto stated, emphasizing the substantial time and effort invested by the team before his voluntary departure and the studio’s subsequent closure., according to industry analysis

The situation is particularly troubling because most laid-off developers were reportedly relegated to a “Special Thanks” section at the very end of the credits, while several were omitted entirely. In a move to properly recognize his colleagues, Lehto shared an image with their names and roles as they should have appeared in the official credits., according to industry experts

The Rise and Fall of Ridgeline Games

Ridgeline Games was established in late 2021 as part of a major franchise restructuring following the disappointing launch of Battlefield 2042. The shakeup also included appointing Respawn’s Vince Zampella as the new head of the Battlefield IP. The studio was initially tasked with developing the single-player campaign for Battlefield 6, but ultimately couldn’t deliver, leading to its closure last year., according to according to reports

The single-player campaign responsibility eventually shifted to Criterion and Motive, though reviews consistently identified it as the game’s weakest component. This development history raises questions about how credit attribution handles projects that transition between multiple studios and teams., as our earlier report

Broader Industry Implications

This incident highlights a persistent issue in game development: the proper acknowledgment of contributors, especially those who work on projects during early development phases or at studios that close before a game’s completion. The gaming industry has seen increasing calls for better credit standards, particularly as:

• Studio closures and layoffs become more frequent
• Projects frequently change hands between development teams
• Developers rely on credits for career advancement and portfolio building

Lehto’s decision to publicly name his omitted colleagues sets an important precedent for industry accountability. Proper crediting isn’t just about recognition—it’s about preserving professional histories and ensuring developers receive due credit for their work, regardless of studio fate or project evolution.

Community and Industry Response

The gaming community has largely supported Lehto’s stance, with many developers sharing similar experiences of being omitted from credits despite significant contributions. This incident has sparked renewed discussion about establishing industry-wide standards for credit attribution, particularly for developers who work on projects during formative stages.

While Battlefield 6 has been commercially successful, this controversy serves as a reminder that how companies treat their developers matters as much as final sales figures. As the industry continues to evolve, proper crediting practices may become an increasingly important factor in developer satisfaction and studio reputation.

Electronic Arts has yet to comment on the specific credit omissions, but the situation continues to develop as more attention focuses on this often-overlooked aspect of game development.

References & Further Reading

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