
Need for Speed's Future in Limbo as Criterion Prioritizes Battlefield | Image Source: gamerant.com
Guildford, United Kingdom, February 3, 2025 – The emblematic franchise of the Need For Speed franchise (NFS), a cornerstone of racing games since its creation in 1994, faces an uncertain future while the criteria games They concentrate on the next episode of the Battlefield Series series. While criterion, now owned by Electronic Arts (EA), it assured fans that the NFS franchise is far from dead, the chronology of the launch of the next game seems to spread well in the early 2030s.
The current state of the need for speed franchise
According to a player, Criterion Games has publicly promised his commitment to continue the NFS series. Despite this promise, the current priorities of the study are found elsewhere, in particular with the development of the next battlefield. The last entry of the NFS series, Need for Speed Unbound, was launched in 2022 and remains the most recent aggregate to the franchise.
Historically, the NFS games appreciated the annual exits, particularly between Need for Speed II (1997) and Need for Speed Rivals (2013). This era marked a prolific period in which fans have waited impatiently to new iterations full of fresh cars, clues and game mechanisms. However, after 2013, the version calendar decreased considerably. In the last 11 years, only four main games have been introduced, together with the NFS mobile title: no limits launched in 2015 by Firemonkeys Studios.
Why does the criteria focus on the battlefield?
The change of criteria to the battlefield is not entirely new. The study supported EA’s flagship shots in the past, contributing to Battlefield 1 (2016), Battlefield V (2018) and Battlefield 2042 (2021). A criteria spokesman told Eurogamer,
“The need for speed of the speed in criterion binds to their colleagues who work on the battlefield.”
This strategic decision resulted in speed in 2022, because the criterion resources were diverted to support the 2042 battlefield. After the end of support for UNBOUND at the end of 2024, the study apparently doubled in the development of Battlefield , which makes it its only objective in the predictable future.
When can fans expect the next game to be necessary for speed?
The chronology of the next NFS game is dark. It is said that the next Battlefield title is in its “PREALFA” phase in February 2025, according to the announcement of the Battlefield Labs community test program. Since the AAA game development cycles are generally extended about five years , the next battlefield could spend several years after its launch. This implies that NFS fans may not see a new entrance before the early 2030, because it is unlikely that the criteria will begin active production in the next NFS until the current project of the battlefield ends.
This prolonged expectation will lead to the longest gap between NFS outings since the creation of the franchise. In December 2025, he officially exceeded the previous record for the longest interval between two NFS games, marking a significant change in the previously constant exit of the franchise.
Could another study resume the need for speed franchise?
Taking into account the total criterion commitment to Battlefield, EA could assign another study to develop the next NFS game? Although this is a possibility, it is a complicated decision. NFS has a history of changing developers, with studies such as Black Box and Ghost Games before the helm. However, the criterion experience in the breed type establishes a high bar.
EA can find difficult to find a study that may correspond to the mastery of the criterion in the supply of racing experiences to high octane and adrenaline that define the NF. Although the development of subcontracting can accelerate production, it runs the risk of diluting the characteristic style of the franchise and game mechanisms, which potentially alienate fans of a lifetime.
How did the need for the speed franchise evolve over the years?
The NFS series has suffered significant transformations since its inception. From the exotic persecutions of the need for speed: hot search to the underground culture of street races that need speed: underground, the franchise has continually reinvented to remain relevant. Innovations such as the exploration of the open world, customization options and films narration have maintained the fresh and attractive series.
However, the type of race has become increasingly competitive, with franchises such as Forza Horizon and Gran Turismo increasing the bar. NFS’s sporadic release calendar and mixed critical reception in recent years have challenged their ability to maintain domination. Despite these obstacles, the faithful basis of franchise fans is impatient for their return.
What does that mean for the future of racing games?
The delay in NFS development could have broader implications for the type of racing game. As one of the most recognizable racing franchises in the world, NFS has established industry standards for Arcade races. Its absence of the market can create opportunities for competitors to fill the void, potentially remodel the landscape of racing games.
In addition, this situation highlights a growing trend in the game industry where studies consolidate resources to focus on less larger projects. This change often leads to longer development cycles, but aims to offer better quality games with more robust content. Although this approach can lead to titles acclaimed by criticism, it is also likely that they are alleged by fans looking for consistent and timely versions.
In conclusion, although the commitment of criterion with Battlefield could delay the next NFS game, the end of the franchise does not spend. The series has already resisted the changes and will probably return, although after a significant interruption. At the moment, NFS fans should remain patient while the franchise prepares for their next high -speed adventure, which can be.