EA's Racing Icon Hits a Roadblock

The future of the iconic Need for Speed franchise appears to be in jeopardy, as whispers circulate about its temporary retirement from the scene. According to Matthew Everingham, a photographer and regular contributor to the auto-centric site Speedhunters, Electronic Arts (EA) has decided to "shelve" the beloved series and is "quietly parking" it for the foreseeable future.

Is This the End of Speedhunters?

In a shocking twist, Speedhunters, a platform heavily backed by EA and recently updated just this April, will reportedly go dark as well. This move raises eyebrows about the direction EA is taking with its racing offerings.

Decisions Raising Eyebrows

While EA has yet to release an official statement regarding the state of Need for Speed, several recent announcements hint at a troubling trend. Earlier this month, the company revealed plans to shut down online servers for the classic title Need for Speed Rivals on October 7. This marks a significant step in what appears to be an effort to refocus resources.

A Shift in Focus at Criterion Games

In a more concerning development, Criterion Games—the studio behind the Need for Speed series—has redirected most of its talent towards the Battlefield franchise. Reports indicate that only a small core team remains dedicated to the racing series, and insights from Battlefield head Vince Zampella suggest that even these team members may soon migrate to assist their Battlefield colleagues.

What Does This Mean for Fans?

The decisions made by EA provoke serious questions about the future of one of gaming’s most thrilling franchises. Is this really the end of Need for Speed, or will we see a triumphant return? As fans hold their collective breath, the racing world watches to see if any new developments emerge.