Julio Junior
Summary
- EA is ending support for *Need for Speed Unbound* as Criterion focuses on *Battlefield 6* development.
- EA plans to evolve the *Need for Speed* franchise in "new and interesting ways."
The Need for Speed franchise is taking a pause, as EA has announced the end of support for Need for Speed Unbound, the latest installment in the iconic racing series. Currently, there is no new game in active development. This decision follows Criterion Games, the developers behind Unbound, shifting their focus to the highly anticipated Battlefield 6.
Released in 2022, Need for Speed Unbound enjoyed a longer post-launch support cycle compared to previous titles. Criterion actively engaged with fans, incorporating their feedback into new content. However, as the studio transitions to focus on Battlefield, the NFS series is temporarily on hold.
No New Need for Speed—For Now
In a statement shared via Eurogamer, EA explained the strategic shift, detailing how the Need for Speed team at Criterion is now fully integrated into Battlefield development:
“The Need for Speed team at Criterion are joining their colleagues working on Battlefield. 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.”
While fans may be disappointed about the delay of a new NFS game, EA reassures players that the franchise’s hiatus is not permanent. The statement continued:
“With an increased understanding of what our players want in a Need for Speed experience, we plan to bring the franchise back in new and interesting ways.”
What’s Next for Need for Speed?
The Need for Speed series has experienced longer gaps between releases in recent years. Unbound debuted three years after NFS Heat, which was already a longer wait than usual. Now, as Criterion focuses on Battlefield, fans will need to be patient for the next street-racing adventure.
Despite the pause, there’s optimism for the franchise. EA’s mention of “new and interesting ways” to revive Need for Speed hints at potential innovations. Whether this means a fresh take on the series, a new developer, or another direction remains to be seen.
Criterion’s New Role in Battlefield
Since Criterion took over the Need for Speed series, fans had high hopes for a return to its roots. Many felt Unbound was a promising step, combining street racing with stylized visuals. Now, with the studio concentrating on Battlefield, there are questions about whether they’ll return to NFS or if EA will pass the series to another developer.
EA is preparing for a major playtesting program for the next Battlefield game, with Criterion playing a crucial role. Given the mixed reception of Battlefield 2042, EA is committed to ensuring the success of future titles.
What Do You Think?
Are you disappointed by the absence of a new Need for Speed game? Were you hoping for a sequel to Unbound sooner? Share your thoughts with us!
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Unreal 5
It’s a bit disappointing for fans eager for a new Need for Speed game, but it’s exciting to think about the fresh directions the franchise might take when it returns. Meanwhile, Criterion’s involvement in Battlefield could lead to some interesting developments there too.