Need for Speed Series Put on Hold as EA Shifts Focus to Battlefield

TL;DR

Criterion Games, developers of Need for Speed and Burnout, are now fully focused on EA’s next Battlefield game.
Need for Speed Unbound has received its final update, marking the end of its post-launch support.
EA confirms that the Need for Speed franchise is not canceled but is on an extended hiatus.
The series will return in the future with new and innovative approaches based on community feedback.

Criterion’s Shift to Battlefield

In a significant move, EA has announced that Criterion Games, the studio behind the Need for Speed series and the beloved Burnout franchise, is now entirely dedicated to developing the next installment of Battlefield. This shift comes as part of EA’s broader strategy to revitalize its flagship first-person shooter series.

“The Need for Speed team at Criterion are joining their colleagues working on Battlefield,” stated Vince Zampella, Head of Respawn & Group GM for EA Studios Organization, in a recent statement. This move signals a strategic realignment of resources to bolster the Battlefield franchise, which has faced intense competition in recent years.

What This Means for Need for Speed Fans

While Criterion’s focus is now on Battlefield, EA has reassured fans that the Need for Speed franchise is not canceled. Instead, it is entering a period of dormancy, allowing the studio to regroup and plan for the future.

“As a company, it was important to us to take the last year to listen to our Need for Speed community and use their feedback to create content for Unbound,” Zampella explained. This indicates that EA is committed to understanding what players want from the Need for Speed series before bringing it back in new and exciting ways.

The End of Support for Need for Speed Unbound

Need for Speed Unbound, the latest installment in the series, launched in December 2022 and has since received regular updates. However, EA has now confirmed that the game has reached the end of its post-launch support cycle.

Key Points About Unbound’s Final Update:

No New Content: Players will no longer receive new updates or expansions for Unbound.
Game Availability: The base game and all previously released content will still be available for purchase and play.
Community Feedback: The feedback gathered during Unbound’s lifecycle will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Need for Speed series.

The Future of Need for Speed

While Need for Speed is on hiatus, EA has made it clear that the franchise is far from dead. The studio plans to bring the series back with “new and interesting ways” to engage players. However, fans may have to wait several years before a new Need for Speed game is released.

What Could the Future Hold?

Innovation: EA has hinted at introducing innovative features to revitalize the series.
Community-Centric Approach: Player feedback will be at the heart of any future developments.
Potential Release Window: Given the current focus on Battlefield, a new Need for Speed game is unlikely to arrive before 2026 at the earliest.

The Bigger Picture: EA’s Strategy

The decision to pause Need for Speed and focus on Battlefield reflects EA’s broader strategy to strengthen its core franchises. By consolidating resources under the Battlefield Studios umbrella, EA aims to create a more cohesive and impactful experience for fans of the Battlefield series.

Other Studios Involved in Battlefield:

DICE: Known for its work on the Battlefield series and Star Wars: Battlefront.
Ripple Effect Studios: Developers of Battlefield 2042’s Hazard Zone mode.
Motive Studio: Creators of Star Wars: Squadrons and Dead Space remake, also working on an Iron Man game.

Community Reaction and Expectations

The news has sparked mixed reactions within the gaming community. Some fans are disappointed by the extended hiatus of Need for Speed, while others appreciate EA’s commitment to listening to feedback and improving the franchise.

“I’m sad to see Need for Speed take a backseat, but if it means a better game in the future, I’m willing to wait,” said one fan on social media.

Others have expressed concerns about the long gap between releases, noting that this is the longest break the series has seen since its debut in 1994.