EA's Executive Vice President Vince Zampella recently provided an update on the current state of the Need for Speed (NFS) series. The last installment, NFS Unbound, was released over two years ago, and since then, EA has remained silent about any new developments in the franchise. The reason for this quiet period is clear: Criterion Games, the studio behind NFS, is now fully focused on the development of the next Battlefield game.
According to Zampella, EA's primary focus at the moment is on the upcoming Battlefield title, which is being crafted with a keen ear to player feedback. This ambitious project involves the collaboration of four different studios, demonstrating EA's commitment to making the new Battlefield a success. The company aims to avoid the pitfalls experienced with Battlefield 2042, which faced significant backlash due to its controversial gameplay choices at launch.
This player-centric approach is not only being applied to the new Battlefield but also to future content for NFS Unbound. It appears that EA will only return to the Need for Speed series after the release and initial support phase of the new Battlefield game. This strategy might prove beneficial for NFS fans, who have felt let down by recent entries in the series. By taking a step back, EA could be positioning itself to successfully reboot the franchise, allowing time for fans to move past previous disappointments and perhaps even rekindle their nostalgia for the series.
In the meantime, fans should not anticipate any new Need for Speed announcements in the near future. EA's current priority is clear, and the focus remains on delivering a revitalized Battlefield experience that truly resonates with its player base.
