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Electronic Arts (EA) has made a surprising move by halting its financial support for Speedhunters.com, a site that has been a key player in the Need for Speed community. This news, shared by Matthew Everingham, a contributor to Speedhunters.com, raises some eyebrows about the future of the beloved racing franchise, which has already been in a state of limbo regarding new developments.
What You Need to Know About the Funding Suspension
Everingham revealed that EA’s decision to cut funding stems from a strategic shift within the company. Earlier this year, in February, Criterion Games—the studio behind the Need for Speed series—was reassigned to work on the latest installment of the Battlefield franchise. This pivot has led EA to officially place the Need for Speed series on hold, which consequently resulted in the funding freeze for Speedhunters.com, a crucial hub for the franchise’s dedicated fans.
Everingham emphasized that the lack of support for Speedhunters.com likely signals EA’s intent to pause all related activities until they consider reviving Need for Speed. Given that Criterion is now focused on Battlefield, fans could be waiting a while for any news about a new Need for Speed installment.
A Brief History of the Need for Speed Franchise
Historically, the Need for Speed series has been one of EA’s crown jewels, boasting a passionate fanbase and serving as a significant asset for the company. While the current pause raises concerns, many industry experts argue that it would be a mistake for EA to permanently shelve such a beloved series. There’s still hope that Need for Speed will make a comeback, although it seems it won’t be happening anytime soon.
As EA reassesses its priorities, the fate of Need for Speed remains uncertain. If Criterion Games continues to concentrate on Battlefield, will EA consider handing the reins of the next Need for Speed title to another team? This possibility seems at odds with Criterion’s earlier commitments to the franchise.
What This Means for Fans and the Gaming Community
The implications of EA’s funding cut extend far beyond Speedhunters.com; they resonate throughout the entire gaming community. Fans of Need for Speed are left in suspense about the future of the franchise, while the community surrounding Speedhunters.com faces an uncertain journey ahead. This situation highlights a larger trend in the gaming industry, where publishers frequently redirect resources in response to market demands and shifting internal priorities.
For now, the gaming community is encouraged to stay alert for updates as the situation unfolds. EA’s decisions will undoubtedly influence the landscape of racing games and the future of cherished franchises like Need for Speed. Will they return to their racing roots, or is it time to explore new horizons? Only time will tell!