Fiona Sperry, former head of Criterion Games and a key figure behind the Burnout series, formed a new studio called When Tides Turn alongside veterans from Three Fields Entertainment to develop Wreckreation 2 [1, 2]. The new game is a direct follow-up to Wreckreation, released in October 2025, which was an open-world arcade racing game inspired by Burnout that emphasized fast-paced driving, aggressive AI, and spectacular crashes [1, 3, 4, 2].
The original Wreckreation launched with mixed reviews but lost publisher support when THQ Nordic cut ties with Three Fields Entertainment in December 2025, leading to layoffs and the studio's closure announcement [1]. Sperry said, "Wreckreation wasn’t actually an attempt to recreate Burnout. I think some people thought it was. But it was actually an exploration of freedom and creativity in racing games" [4]. However, others see Wreckreation and its sequel as spiritual successors to the Burnout games [1, 3, 2].
When Tides Turn aims to build on the lessons learned from the original game, delivering a more focused and polished experience. Wreckreation 2 will feature an urban map named Heartbreak City, with arcade-style handling and aggressive AI opponents closely aligned with the Burnout Paradise formula [3, 4]. The studio will fully own and develop Wreckreation 2, continuing the passion and ambition of the original Three Fields team [2].
Wreckreation 2 is in development for PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X platforms [1]. An early playable build shared with press in August 2026 showed improved stability and gameplay that more closely matches the feel of Burnout Paradise [1, 3].
Sperry acknowledged the financial challenge ahead, saying, "As an independent studio, we will not see revenue from game sales for the foreseeable future" [1]. Despite that, the team announced their progress confidently: "We’ve made a double announcement today. We’re making a sequel to Wreckreation … It’s built around aggression, pressure, risk, and of course consequence" [2].
The next steps for When Tides Turn include further development and plans for a wider public reveal. The project remains closely watched by fans of arcade racing as it advances from the early stages.
