July 22, 15:00

Need for Speed Franchise May Be Discontinued Due to EA's Focus on Battlefield

The Need for Speed racing series, known for its police chase games, may be coming to an end or, at least, entering an indefinite period of hiatus. This scenario is suggested by strategic changes within Electronic Arts (EA).

Criterion Studio Reallocation

Rebecka Coutaz, Vice President and General Manager of Battlefield Studios Europe, informed IGN that the Criterion studio, responsible for recent chapters of Need for Speed, is currently directed exclusively toward the development of Battlefield. This means there are no new titles in the automotive series in production.

According to Motor1, Criterion has been reallocated and now supports the development of Battlefield, EA's main shooter game. With this studio absent, the Need for Speed franchise lacks support. Although the latest release, Need for Speed Unbound, from 2022, received good reviews, its sales fell short of expectations, leading EA to prioritize investments in more profitable titles.

Signs of Discontinuation

Other indicators point to the uncertain future of the series. For example, NFS: Unbound stopped receiving updates, and Speedhunters, a website supported by EA and dedicated to car culture, ceased publications in April 2025. Furthermore, a company collaborator mentioned on social media that EA had 'archived' Need for Speed and cut its funding.

Other Affected Series

The negative situation also affects the Burnout franchise, which is also developed by Criterion, remaining, for now, only in the company's archives.

Need for Speed Franchise May Be Discontinued Due to EA's Focus on Battlefield

Criterion Studio Reallocation

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Impact on Franchise and Sales

Signs of Discontinuation

Other Affected Series