16:48
An Update on the Need for Speed Situation...
BlackPanthaa
Overview
This video discusses the current state and uncertain future of the Need for Speed franchise, particularly concerning its developer, Criterion Games. It highlights recent statements from Criterion personnel suggesting a temporary focus on Battlefield, while not entirely ruling out future racing titles. The presenter expresses frustration with EA's management of the franchise, citing a lack of dedicated support, inconsistent development direction, and missed opportunities. The video contrasts this with the success of other racing games and the demand from the player community, questioning EA's strategy in a shifting video game market.
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Chapters
- There's an update on the Need for Speed situation following Criterion's 30th anniversary.
- Recent gameplay of Need for Speed Unbound shows features like customizable drift handling that were not well-marketed.
- More information has emerged from Criterion staff regarding the future of their racing franchises.
- The video aims to provide a bigger picture and keep viewers informed about Need for Speed's status.
Understanding the current communication from Criterion and EA is crucial for fans to gauge the likelihood of future Need for Speed games and the studio's priorities.
The presenter mentions that Need for Speed Unbound can be purchased on sale for a low price, suggesting poor marketing and a lack of player awareness for its features.
- A Eurogamer article discusses Criterion's rebranding and questions the future of beloved franchises like Burnout.
- Criterion's leadership indicated that conversations about racing games are frequent internally and with fans, acknowledging their significance.
- The presenter finds it illogical that a studio known for racing games, now working on Battlefield, seems surprised by continued demand for racing titles.
- Many original Criterion developers have moved on, impacting the studio's original identity.
This highlights a disconnect between player expectations and the studio's current operational focus, raising concerns about the legacy of iconic racing series.
The presenter reacts with disbelief to statements suggesting that Criterion's positive internal discussions about racing games are a sign of their potential return, finding it absurd given their history.
- A Rock Paper Shotgun article confirms Criterion's sole focus is currently on Battlefield.
- While not ruling out future Need for Speed games entirely ('never say never'), the immediate priority is Battlefield.
- This situation is compared to a past interaction where a question about returning to underground racing games was met with similar ambiguity before Need for Speed 2015 was announced.
- A former Need for Speed multiplayer lead, Danny Isaac, offers a glimmer of hope but reiterates the current Battlefield focus.
This chapter explains the official stance on Criterion's current projects and the cautious optimism or skepticism it generates among fans.
Danny Isaac's statement, 'Things change. EA changed. They have different viewpoints, but we're on Battlefield,' encapsulates the current, uncertain outlook.
- The success of Forza Horizon on Steam, with high sales despite being available on Game Pass, demonstrates significant demand for racing games.
- PlayStation is identified as a primary platform for arcade racing games, indicating a large potential audience.
- The presenter argues that the market conditions and player fatigue with other genres are ideal for a new Need for Speed release.
- EA's strategy seems to ignore this demand, potentially due to a broader industry trend of declining overall game purchases.
This section contrasts the clear market signals of demand for racing games with EA's apparent strategic inaction, questioning their business decisions.
The presenter points to Forza Horizon's impressive Steam launch numbers, noting that players chose to pay for it, which signifies strong consumer interest in the genre.
- The core issue is identified as a lack of a dedicated executive championing the Need for Speed franchise within EA.
- Publishing a Need for Speed game requires a significant internal push from studio leadership to secure EA's funding, unlike other development models.
- Criterion previously shifted focus away from Ghost Games for Need for Speed, only to have their own projects reassigned by EA multiple times.
- The passing of Vince Zampella, who showed interest in Need for Speed's future, is seen as a loss for the franchise's potential revival.
This explains the systemic reasons within EA that hinder the consistent development and support of the Need for Speed series.
The presenter explains that for EA to fund a Need for Speed game, a studio lead must actively advocate for it to executives, a process that seems to be lacking for the franchise.
- EA is undergoing a transition with a pending Saudi deal, which involves going private.
- Despite assurances, job losses have occurred at Criterion and other Battlefield studios.
- The private status might allow for longer-term thinking but still requires returning investor money, potentially through profitable franchises.
- The presenter expresses frustration with EA's current system but retains a sliver of hope, criticizing the lack of marketing and support for Need for Speed Unbound's updates.
This provides context on EA's corporate changes and how they might impact the future development and support of franchises like Need for Speed.
The presenter laments that a small team's excellent work on Need for Speed Unbound's updates was not adequately supported with a larger budget or marketing for future titles.
Key takeaways
- Criterion Games' primary focus has shifted to Battlefield, leaving the future of Need for Speed and Burnout uncertain.
- EA's internal structure requires strong executive advocacy for a franchise to receive funding, a role that appears to be missing for Need for Speed.
- Despite Criterion's current priorities, statements suggest that future racing games are not entirely off the table.
- The success of other racing titles like Forza Horizon indicates a strong market demand that EA may be overlooking.
- Player frustration stems from perceived mismanagement, lack of marketing, and inconsistent development direction for the Need for Speed franchise.
- EA's corporate transition involving a Saudi deal could influence its long-term strategy and investment in its game studios and franchises.
Key terms
Criterion GamesNeed for SpeedBurnoutEA (Electronic Arts)BattlefieldNeed for Speed UnboundNeed for Speed HeatLive ServiceFranchiseStudio Lead
Test your understanding
- What is the primary reason cited for the uncertainty surrounding the future of the Need for Speed franchise?
- How does the presenter explain the internal process at EA that influences which games get developed?
- What evidence does the presenter use to argue that there is significant market demand for racing games?
- Why does the presenter express frustration with EA's management of Need for Speed, even when the studio is working on other projects?
- What potential impact could EA's transition to a private company via the Saudi deal have on its game development strategy?