Publisher Electronic Arts' culling of its racing franchises continues, as another racing property appears to be on hold. This follows EA’sannouncement in Aprilthat its rally racing series franchise is on “pause.”
This time around, it appears EA’s fan-favorite and longest-standing racing franchise is the one on ice.
EA Planning To Close Its Main Racing Studio As Part Of Future Layoffs
An additional 400 jobs are reportedly at risk.
Although no official announcement has been made, content creators affiliated with the franchise have seemingly confirmed it recently.
Need For Speed Franchise Suffers Engine Failure
The news comes from contributor Matthew Everingham, who is part of theSpeedhunterswebsite,which is officially connected to the Need for Speed franchise. Posting onInstagram, Everingham said, “Speedhunters is on ice. EA shelvedNeed For Speed, and that means no more funding for the site.”
“Grateful for everything — the trips, the stories, the lifelong mates,” added Everingham.
The Speedhunters website/community hasn’t been updated for several months now, and its social media accounts, which we presume are handled by EA, have recently been updated with blackout profile pictures, which is never a good sign. Itsonline store is now also offline, which makes this semi-official, even if EA hasn’t made a formal announcement yet.
8 Need For Speed Games That Deserve A Remaster
EA’s sitting on an absolute goldmine opportunity.
Earlier this year,EA announced that work on the next Need for Speedhad been put on hold, as the studio working on it, Criterion, had shifted its focus to work on the next Battlefield game. Criterion joins DICE, Ripple Effect and Motive Studio, as the four first-party studios tasked to bring the latest iteration of the next Battlefield game to reality.'
Criterion, alongside Motive, is believed to handle the development duties of the single-player component of the shooter.EA has statedthat we can expect the official announcement of Battlefield 6 sometime this summer.
The latest Need for Speed game released was Need for Speed Unbound, which was released on current-gen consoles and PC in 2022. While the game reviewed fairly well, it wasn’t the live-service success EA hoped it would be, with seasonal support for the racing game officially ending earlier this year.
Every Need For Speed Open World, Ranked
Need for Speed thrives in open worlds, turning highways into playgrounds. From Rockport to Bayview, these are the maps that defined the franchise.
Need for Speed Unbound
WHERE TO PLAY
Make a name for yourself on the streets of Lakeshore City by winning races and Making Bank. With a graffiti-inspired cel-shaded art style and high-octane races, Need for Speed Unboundis a vibrant twist on the beloved franchise.
