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 fans have been eagerly awaiting news on the franchise. However, there's a clear reason for the silence: Criterion Games, the studio behind NFS, is currently dedicated to developing the next installment in the Battlefield series.
According to Zampella, EA's primary focus is on the new Battlefield game, which is being crafted with a keen ear to player feedback. This ambitious project involves the collaboration of four different studios, indicating EA's full commitment to its success. Zampella has emphasized the importance of avoiding the pitfalls experienced with Battlefield 2042, which faced significant backlash at launch due to controversial gameplay choices. This player-centric approach extends to the ongoing support for NFS Unbound as well.
It appears that EA plans to revisit the Need for Speed franchise only after the release and initial support phase of the new Battlefield game. This delay might not be unwelcome news for NFS fans. Recent entries in the series have left some players underwhelmed, and a strategic pause could serve the franchise well. By giving fans time to move past previous disappointments and build up nostalgia, EA aims to successfully reboot NFS with a fresh perspective, deeply rooted in player feedback.
In the meantime, don't hold your breath for any immediate Need for Speed announcements. EA's focus is firmly on delivering a stellar Battlefield experience first.
