EA's Executive Vice President Vince Zampella recently provided an update on the current state of the Need for Speed (NFS) series. It's been over two years since the release of NFS Unbound, and since then, EA has remained silent on any new developments for the franchise. The reason behind this quiet period is that Criterion Games, the studio behind NFS, is currently channeling its efforts into developing the next installment of the Battlefield series.
According to Zampella, EA's top priority right now is the new Battlefield game, which they are crafting with a strong emphasis on incorporating player feedback. This ambitious project involves the collaboration of four different studios, indicating the significant resources and dedication EA is investing in its development.
Zampella has expressed that the team is determined to avoid the pitfalls experienced with Battlefield 2042, which faced severe backlash due to its controversial gameplay choices at launch. This "listening to the players" philosophy extends to future content updates for NFS Unbound as well.
It appears that EA plans to revisit the Need for Speed franchise only after the launch and initial support phase of the upcoming Battlefield game. This delay might not be unwelcome by fans, given the lukewarm reception to recent NFS titles. By taking this time, EA hopes to successfully reboot the NFS series, allowing fans to move past previous disappointments and build up nostalgia, which could set the stage for a more impactful return.
In the meantime, don't hold your breath for any imminent announcements regarding Need for Speed. EA is clearly focused on ensuring the success of their next Battlefield project before turning their attention back to the beloved racing franchise.
