Need for Speed doesn’t look like it’s got a future and I think it’s the most boneheaded move EA could make right now
EA appears to be stepping back from the Need for Speed franchise at a time when arcade racing games are experiencing a notable resurgence, according to reporting by IGN about Criterion Games’ future direction. The strategic shift has drawn criticism from observers who view it as a missed opportunity.
Criterion, the UK-based developer marking its 30th anniversary, has anchored EA’s racing portfolio with the Need for Speed series and the acclaimed Burnout franchise. However, the studio’s future is reportedly pivoting toward projects like Battlefield, effectively deprioritizing the racing games that defined its legacy.
The decision appears counterintuitive given current market conditions. The arcade racing genre is thriving with strong commercial and critical performance, yet EA is choosing to shelve or downgrade the franchises best positioned to capitalize on this momentum. Industry observers argue this represents poor strategic planning—abandoning established, beloved franchises during a genre renaissance.
The article raises concerns about the future of both Need for Speed and Burnout, two series that have been central to Criterion’s three-decade history. For players invested in these franchises, the uncertainty suggests little hope for meaningful new entries or continued development, despite the favorable market conditions that would seem to justify continued investment.