Multinational video game developer, publisher and distributor Electronic Arts (EA) has announced that the Need for Speed franchise is now part of the company’s sports label. The popular racing franchise will be joining NHL, UFC and FIFA in the EA Sports department and Patrick Soderlund, the EA Sports boss and EA Studios VP explained that the latest move will provide a fresh start to the series.
While talking to the press, Soderlund said, “We’re also putting Need for Speed and our driving business under Matt (Bilbey, EA Sports). We think that (Need for Speed) could benefit from fresh eyes, could benefit from some different thinking, and we think that Matt is the right guy to do that.” He went on to say that it is highly unlikely that the move will result in the franchise shifting away from its arcade racing foundation.
Soderlund explained that when a franchise has been going on for 20 years – like Need for Speed – it was time for the studio to incorporate a fresh look and feel onto it. He also stated that it was needed for the franchise to be taken to the next level, or to a different direction.
The next installment of Need for Speed, Need for Speed Rivals is scheduled to launch with the release of the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One later in November 2013.
Photo Credits: Gustaamasognacrea
