Whereas issues have been quiet concerning the Want for Velocity sequence because the launch of Want for Velocity Unbound, it was believed that we’d see one other entry within the storied franchise in some unspecified time in the future down the road. A brand new report, nonetheless, signifies that EA might need determined to completely shelf the Want for Velocity franchise. The report comes courtesy of a press release by EA-funded automotive web site Speedhunters.
In an Instagram publish, Speedhunters contributor Matthew Everingham revealed that the web site itself can be being shelved as a consequence of funding from EA coming to an finish. For context, Speedhunters has been described as “a world collective of photographers, writers and drivers with a shared ardour for uncovering the world’s most fun automotive tradition tales.” A fast look on the web site would certainly verify that not a lot has been happening there for a bit, with the newest publish having been printed again in April.
“Speedhunters is on ice,” posted Everingham on Instagram. “EA shelved Want For Velocity, and meaning no extra funding for the location. Grateful for every little thing — the journeys, the tales, the lifelong mates. I’m nonetheless taking pictures, simply shifting gears into extra video.”
The concept that Want for Velocity might need been completely shelved by EA runs counter to the assertion that the corporate had made relating to developer Criterion earlier this yr. In its assertion, EA had stated that Criterion was presently busy with engaged on the following Battlefield sport. The studio, nonetheless, would finally return to engaged on Want for Velocity with new content material for Unbound.
“The Want for Velocity workforce at Criterion are becoming a member of their colleagues engaged on Battlefield,” stated EA exec Vince Zampella. “As an organization, it was vital to us to take the final yr to take heed to our Want for Velocity neighborhood and use their suggestions to create content material for Unbound. With an elevated understanding of what our gamers need in a Want for Velocity expertise, we plan to carry the franchise again in new and attention-grabbing methods.”
The final time Criterion had spoken about Want for Velocity was final yr, when it had confirmed that assist for NFS Unbound would proceed to get extra updates and content material. As a part of celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of the Want for Velocity franchise, the studio had introduced further content material, and updates to its PvP playlists and updates for Freedrive. Nonetheless, this announcement was made greater than a yr in the past at this level.
Again in 2023, there have been additionally rumours going round a few potential remake of probably the most beloved video games within the franchise – 2005’s Want for Velocity: Most Wished. The hearsay happened due to cryptic teases concerning the authentic Most Wished by actor Simone Bailly, who performed the function of the unnamed accomplice of Sergeant Jonathon Cross within the sport’s principal story.
Within the meantime, Criterion, together with DICE and Ripple Impact, has been engaged on the following Battlefield sport, and has been serving to with improvement on the Battlefield Labs playtests. The Battlefield sport is presently slated for launch later this yr, and is coming to PC, PS5 and Xbox Collection X/S.