EA last released a Need for Speed back in 2015 and it was a blast. Sure, car selection was a bit limited (no 350Z?!), driving physics were laughable and it lacked a manual gearbox option, but its authentic body kits from fun customization options and its open-world map complete with touge roads and Wangan highways has made it one of my favorite racing games on the current-gen console. Now, EA has revealed in its third quarter fiscal 2017 earnings call that a new Need for Speed title is in the works.
“We’re also excited to have a new Need for Speed title launching in FY18," said EA CEO Andrew Wilson. "We’ve given this game an extended development cycle to focus on innovation, and the Need for Speed team is pushing the boundaries of action driving with what we believe is the most exciting and best-looking Need for Speed game we’ve ever produced.”
EA's FY18 fiscal year begins April 1, 2017 and ends on March 31, 2018, which most likely means developer Ghost Games is still on track for a late 2017 release date.
It also sounds like the team is working on a lot of things too. Throughout its franchise, Need for Speed has always delivered a game that featured real cars with arcade-style controls. It's a bizarre marriage, but it's definitely one that has allowed the franchise to make a name for itself.
Different installments in the series shifted the realism meter back and forth, so it will be interesting to see how Ghost plans to make vehicles behave in the next game – more like a video game or more like a racing sim?
Hopefully, the next game will continue its Underground-style roots and continue its wide customization offerings. Stay tuned as we expect to learn more in the months ahead.
