EA has reportedly put its long-running Need for Speed franchise on hiatus, raising doubts about the future of the iconic racing series. While no official announcement has been made at the moment, clues from within the Need for Speed community and EA's recent business moves suggest the gaming giant is shifting gears - possibly for good.
Need for Speed has stood among EA's tentpole franchises for decades. First launched with 1994's The Need for Speed, the series has earned a reputation for fast-paced arcade racing, open-world exploration, extensive customization, and a distinctive visual style. Over the past decade, though, the Need for Speed franchise has lost some momentum, with its latest entry - 2022's Need for Speed Unbound - initially showing promise but ultimately recording a lukewarm commercial performance.
The Need For Speed series used to be on top of the racing game world. These are some of the best games that capture the feel of the iconic series.
Concerns surrounding the future of Need for Speed began arising when franchise developer Criterion Games was fully drafted into Battlefield 6 development earlier this year. At the time, Criterion did promise that the Need for Speed...
