After launching Need for Speed: Rivals in November 2013 for last-gen and current-gen consoles, we heard a report in February of this year that suggested Rivals developer Ghost Games had suffered layoffs and the next Need for Speed game was on hold.
In a letter yesterday following EA’s financial reporting, Ghost Games Executive Producer and GM Marcus Nilsson wrote a statement regarding the future of Need for Speed. With this, he confirmed the racing franchise wouldn’t be getting a new entry in 2014, but there will be one in 2015 and it’s “already deep in development.”
Here’s Nilsson’s full statement:
First of all, I wanted to say a big thank-you to all the fans that played Need for Speed Rivals and made the game a huge hit around the world. Your dedication to Need for Speed makes us, more than ever, want to do more for you.
Everyone here at Ghost Games in Gothenburg feels passionate about the Need for Speed franchise and Rivals was just the first step for us. We exist to make games that are constantly improving… games that push the boundaries of technology and innovation. Most importantly, we exist to make games that excite our fans.
We are already deep in development on our next game and want to make this promise to you: we will listen to you. We’re going to give you the game you’ve been asking for. It will be the game you deserve, but to do that will take us some time.
We’ve made the decision to not release a Need for Speed in 2014, so we can work towards a highly innovative Need for Speed in 2015. An experience built on a foundation we know you’ll greatly look forward to.
That doesn’t mean we’re going to go silent until then. From now on, you’ll be hearing from us regularly because we need your help to shape the future of Need for Speed. We want your input on future gameplay and features we know you’re passionate about. We will keep innovating, always making sure to continue the celebration of cars and the joy they bring.
That’s all we can share for now but remember this is just the beginning. We’re excited and ready, so come along and join the conversation.
Are you disappointed that we won’t be getting a new Need for Speed this year? Let us know in the comments below.
