Need for Speed Faces Another Setback; EA Puts Franchise on Hold Due to Unimpressive Results

Electronic Arts Temporarily Halts Need for Speed Due to Waning Player Interest

Since the release of Need for Speed Unbound last year, Electronic Arts’ racing franchise has struggled to capture public interest. Despite post-launch updates, the game received a tepid reception. This lukewarm response appears to have prompted EA to temporarily pause the franchise.

Criterion Games Shifts Focus to Battlefield, Indicating Altered Future for Need for Speed

Criterion Games’ shift in focus began following Need for Speed Unbound’s release. The studio has primarily contributed to the development of Battlefield 6, a project also involving DICE, Ripple Effect Studios, and Motive Studios. This increased involvement aligns with EA’s strategy to revitalize the Battlefield franchise, especially after Battlefield 2042’s tepid reception from players. Early indications point to promising results for this new installment, solidifying Criterion Games’ position within the Battlefield development team. Further reinforcing this pivot, Criterion Games’ official studio website now prominently displays “A Battlefield Studio” under its logo. This change signals a strong commitment to the Battlefield franchise and indicates a diminished role for Need for Speed in the near future. The Need for Speed franchise has a history of changing developers, with EA Black Box, EA Canada, Ghost Games, Firemonkeys Studios, and more having worked on it at some point.

Battlefield’s Rise Threatens Need for Speed’s Future Amid EA Strategy Shift

This strategic shift by EA has raised concerns among Need for Speed fans. EA has openly stated its primary objective is to position Battlefield as a formidable competitor to Call of Duty, even if it requires a different approach. Industry whispers suggest a plan to annualize the Battlefield franchise, mirroring Activision’s strategy with its studios such as Treyarch, Raven Software, Sledgehammer Games, and Infinity Ward. Should this plan materialize, Criterion’s confirmed role within the Battlefield development collective would render its future involvement with Need for Speed increasingly uncertain. Despite this, back in February, Battlefield boss Vince Zampella informed Eurogamer that EA intended to revive the Need for Speed franchise in a “new and interesting way.” However, the current emphasis on Battlefield development indicates this revival may be delayed. While EA has not yet provided official confirmation regarding the Need for Speed franchise’s future, the current trajectory has fans anxious for clearer communication.

In Case You Missed It

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Carlos Mendoza

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