The End of an Era for Need for Speed?

Rev your engines and hold onto your seats—rumors are swirling that the iconic Need for Speed franchise might be hitting the brakes, at least for now. According to Matthew Everingham, a well-known figure in the car culture scene and contributor to Speedhunters, Electronic Arts (EA) has reportedly "shelved" the beloved racing series.

In eye-opening social media posts, Everingham indicated that not only is the Need for Speed series in limbo, but the Speedhunters site—partially funded by EA—might also be closing its doors. This shocking news comes as Speedhunters has not updated its content since April, raising further questions about the franchise's future.

EA's Mixed Signals: What's Really Happening?

While EA has yet to issue an official statement regarding the fate of Need for Speed, several recent decisions hint at a troubling trend. Just recently, the gaming giant announced plans to shut down online servers for the cult classic Need for Speed Rivals, effective October 7.

Additionally, all signs point to a significant shift within Criterion Games, the developer behind the racing franchise. Most of the studio's staff has reportedly been redirected to the Battlefield franchise, leaving only a small "core group" to carry on with Need for Speed into 2023. This has raised alarms among fans, especially since Vince Zampella, head of Battlefield, hinted that even some of that core team's members might soon be joining forces with Battlefield as well.

What Does This Mean for Fans?

For die-hard fans of the series, the potential shelving of Need for Speed is disheartening. The franchise has long been a staple of racing games, continually evolving over the years. With EA's focus shifting, many are left wondering if this is truly the end or just a temporary pause before a triumphant return.

As we wait for more clarity from EA, one thing is for sure—the Need for Speed legacy, filled with adrenaline-pumping races and iconic cars, won't easily be forgotten. Whether this is a pit stop or the final lap remains to be seen, but fans are certainly hoping for a speedy revival!