EA's Executive Vice President, Vince Zampella, has provided an insightful update on the current trajectory of the Need for Speed (NFS) series. It has been over two years since the release of NFS Unbound, and fans have been eagerly awaiting news on the next installment. However, Zampella clarified that there's a strategic pause in the NFS series due to Criterion Games' current focus on developing the highly anticipated next Battlefield game.
According to Zampella, EA's primary focus is on the new Battlefield project, which is being crafted with extensive attention to player feedback. This ambitious endeavor involves collaboration among four different studios, demonstrating EA's commitment to delivering a top-notch gaming experience. The goal is to avoid the pitfalls encountered with Battlefield 2042, which faced significant backlash at launch due to controversial gameplay choices.
This player-centric approach is not limited to Battlefield alone; it extends to future content for NFS Unbound as well. It appears that EA will only shift its focus back to Need for Speed after the release and initial support phase of the new Battlefield title. This delay might actually benefit the NFS franchise. Recent NFS titles have left fans wanting more, and taking time to truly listen to the community could lead to a successful reboot. Giving fans time to reminisce and build nostalgia for the series could be the perfect strategy for a triumphant return.
Therefore, while fans might be eager for news, it's clear that they shouldn't expect any Need for Speed announcements in the near future. EA's dedication to enhancing their games based on player feedback suggests that the wait might be worth it for a revitalized and improved NFS experience.