Need for Speed returns to its roots—you can call it a reboot

The Need for Speed series is getting a 'reboot,' according to an announcement by Electronic Arts.

 

The venerable racing franchise will return this fall on Playstation 4, Xbox One and Windows PCs, delivering "deep customization, authentic urban car culture, a nocturnal open world, and an immersive narrative that pulls you through the game."

 

"Need for Speed is one of the most iconic names in gaming, and we're returning it to greatness in this reboot," said Marcus Nilsson, executive producer at Ghost Games, which is developing the upcoming release.  "From now on, you'll be hearing from us regularly because we need your help to shape the future of Need for Speed. We want your input on future gameplay and features we know you're passionate about. We will keep innovating, always making sure to continue the celebration of cars and the joy they bring."

 

The Need for Speed series was launched way back in 1994 on the 3DO as 'Road & Track Presents: The Need for Speed.' Criterion Games, the UK-based studio that launched and developed the award-winning Burnout series of racing games, was placed in charge of the Need for Speed series in 2010 and produced 'Hot Pursuit,' 'Most Wanted' and 'Rivals.' 

 

In 2014, Electronic Arts (EA) CEO Andrew Wilson announced that there would not be a new Need for Speed game that year, making it the first year since 2002 that a 'Need for Speed' game was not released. "We've made the decision to not release a Need for Speed in 2014, so we can work towards a highly innovative Need for Speed in 2015," Nilsson wrote in a supporting statement at the time. "An experience built on a foundation we know you'll greatly look forward to."

 

The upcoming release, which marks the 22nd in the series, will lack a subtitle, to signify this break from the series' recent installments. Ghost Games is a developer with offices in Sweden in the UK, composed mostly of employees from Criterion Games. Meanwhile, Criterion's attention has been diverted to the Battlefield franchise, and released Battlefield: Hardline, a law enforcement shooter, earlier this year. — TJD, GMA News