It seems the legendary Need for Speed (NFS) franchise may be headed for a long pit stop. Although EA has yet to make an official statement, emerging signs suggest a possible hiatus for this iconic racing series.
Matthew Everingham, a photographer known for his collaborations with the car culture site Speedhunters, recently shared on social media that EA has effectively “shelved” the Need for Speed series. He further indicated that EA is “quietly parking” this beloved franchise. Additionally, the Speedhunters website, which received funding from EA, has not posted updates since April and is reportedly facing closure.
While this news is disheartening, it doesn’t come as a shock. EA recently announced the shutdown of servers for Need for Speed: Rivals on October 7. Prior to that, Criterion Games had shifted most of its development team to focus on the Battlefield franchise, leaving only a small team to handle NFS in 2023. Earlier this year, Battlefield head Vince Zampella confirmed that even that remaining team has now transitioned to work on Battlefield.
In short, while there has been no official word from EA, it appears that the Need for Speed franchise is parked for the foreseeable future.
Need for Speed stands as one of the most celebrated racing game franchises in history, debuting in 1994 with The Need for Speed on PlayStation and Sega Saturn. Over the years, the series has launched more than 20 titles.
For many gamers, classic hits like Underground, Most Wanted, and Carbon evoke fond memories. These games were not only fast and thrilling but also packed with style. To date, the franchise has sold over 150 million copies worldwide, solidifying its place among the best-selling video game franchises of all time.
The latest installment, Need for Speed Unbound, was released in December 2022, introducing a fresh visual style and engaging gameplay. However, it received mixed reviews, currently holding a “Mixed” rating on Steam with over 40,000 reviews.
If EA is indeed placing NFS on hold, it’s a puzzling choice. The arcade racing genre has dwindled, and Need for Speed has always boasted a unique flair and a dedicated fan base. With the right innovations and updates, it could continue to thrive.
For many gamers, this potential closure feels like a significant loss. Growing up, Need for Speed was more than just a racing game; it was a celebration of street culture, music, and stylish cars. EA had ample opportunity to revitalize the series instead of sidelining it.
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For EA, this decision likely signals a shift in focus towards Battlefield. However, abandoning a legendary franchise like NFS is a risky move that could alienate loyal fans who have supported it for decades.
If this marks the end of Need for Speed, it’s an understated conclusion—no grand announcement, no fitting farewell, just a gradual fade into the background.
