It looks like the iconic Need for Speed (NFS) franchise might be heading into the garage. EA has not made any official announcement, but signs point in that direction.
Matthew Everingham, a photographer who worked with the car culture site Speedhunters, posted on social media that EA has “shelved” the Need for Speed series. He also said that EA is “quietly parking” the franchise. The Speedhunters website, which was funded by EA, has also stopped updating since April. It will reportedly shut down too.
This news is disappointing but not surprising. EA recently announced that it will shut down the servers for Need for Speed: Rivals on October 7. Before that, the developer Criterion Games had already moved most of its team to work on the Battlefield franchise. Only a small group was left on NFS in 2023. But earlier this year, Battlefield head Vince Zampella confirmed that even that team is now working on Battlefield.
So, EA has not said anything officially, but the franchise looks parked for now.
Need for Speed is one of the most popular racing game franchises ever. It started in 1994 with The Need for Speed on PlayStation and Sega Saturn. Since then, the series has released more than 20 titles.
Also see: Need for Speed games in order
Many gamers remember hits like Underground, Most Wanted, and Carbon. These games were fast, fun, and full of style. The franchise sold over 150 million copies worldwide. That puts it among the best-selling video game franchises of all time.
The most recent game, Need for Speed Unbound, came out in December 2022. It brought a new visual style and some solid gameplay, but reviews were mixed. On Steam, it currently has a “Mixed” rating with over 40,000 reviews.
If EA really is putting NFS on hold, it is a strange decision. There are not many arcade racing games left. Need for Speed had its own style and fan base. It could still grow with the right ideas and updates.
For gamers, this feels like a loss. Many of us grew up playing Need for Speed. It was more than just racing. It was about street culture, music, and cool cars. EA could have improved the series instead of sidelining it.
Read: Popular video games that inspired Movies
For EA, this move probably means they want to focus on Battlefield. But letting go of a legendary franchise like NFS is risky. It could upset fans who have been loyal for decades.
If this is the end of Need for Speed, it is a quiet one. No big announcement. No proper farewell. Just a slow shutdown in the background.
