The events unfolding within the offices of the
Need for Speed franchise are certainly faster with more exciting sharp turns and a fuller pack of nitrous boost than any map in their games.
It was mid-December when
Electronic Arts announced that they're canceling the
NFS studio, immediately followed by news that developer Black Box will be moving in with EA
Canada. And then just last week,
a memo from EA's NFS studio leaked to the press, revealing the massive layoffs that have hit them recently.
Today though, the news that comes out relating to the franchise is way better than what we've seen as of late. EA's sent out a press wire announcing a revamped
NFS franchise, with not just one, or two, but three new titles to fill up the roster this year.
Here are their profiles:
Need for Speed SHIFT
Platforms: PS3, Xbox 360, PSP, PC
Release window: Fall 2009
Developers: Slightly mad Studios in collaboration with executive producer
Michael Mann (Black Box) and Patrick Soderlund (Senior VP, EA Games Europe)
- Players are thrust into the heart of the action with immersive and exciting features including a stunningly realistic first-person cockpit view camera and an all-new crash mechanic, providing an unrivaled sensation of the speed and feeling of racing a car on the extreme edge of control.
Need for Speed NITRO (Working Title)
Platforms: Wii, DS
Release Window: Fall 2009
Developer:
EA Montreal- Gamers can build up their boost as they drift and drag behind their opponents and use it strategically to change the course of the race, but watch out for the cops! Offering a fresh and unique visual style, the game features a variety of licensed cars which can be fully customized to let the game reflect the player s taste and personality.
Need for Speed World Online Platforms: PC
Release Window: Winter 2009 (North America), Summer 2009 (Asia)
Developer: Black Box, EA Singapore
- Beginning in Asia, this Play 4 Free action racing game will give Need for Speed fans access to licensed cars, parts and multiple game modes. Players will prove their racing supremacy through the sophisticated online matchmaking features and fully customize their profile and their ride.
But apparently, that press release did not say all that there is to know about this product revamp. Franchise VP of marketing Keith Munro let it slip to Eurogamer that they are, in fact, working on one more title.
"Black Box is currently working on a future action title in the franchise." Action title for the
NFS title? Will it involve more cops and chases? Could EA slip once again into focusing too much on churning out titles under the franchise, at the expense of diluting the essence of the game itself?
Fortunately, Munro says no.
This isn't about the quantity, this is about crafting different games for different audiences and their unique tastes in the driving category.
The motivation was purely driven by our understanding of racing gamers and their desire to experience different kinds of racing games. I would say that our strategy is the inverse of milking; it is an intentionally non-traditional approach.
We took a consumer-fast approach and spoke with the fans about what they would like from their Need for Speed. Player feedback was consistent - create custom simulation and arcade experiences but maintain the franchises' core values of street culture, attitude and beautiful licensed cars.
If that is the case, then I am definitely looking forward to their new titles. Admittedly, I was one of those who weren't all too happy with the direction the franchise took with
Carbon (I am an
Underground baby!). But hey, there's always a second chance for everyone, right? And thank God this time they're taking gamer feedback seriously. Cos you know, in this case, I think the adage "The Customer is Always Right" stands true.
Okay, maybe not always.
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