The Need for Speed franchise has been a staple in racing games for over two decades, allowing players to live out their street racing fantasies. However, in recent years, the series has struggled to recapture the magic of earlier entries like Need for Speed: Most Wanted and Need for Speed: Underground. The latest installment, 2022’s Need for Speed Unbound, received a lukewarm reception from fans and critics. This has left many wondering what the future holds for the iconic racing series.
According to recent reports, the next Need for Speed game is slated for a 2025 release. This extended development timeline could be exactly what the franchise needs to reclaim its former glory. By taking more time between releases, developers Criterion Games can refine and polish the next entry to meet fan expectations.
So what can we expect from Need for Speed or NFS 2025? Here’s a look at some of the key details and most anticipated features based on rumors and franchise history:
Also Read: Need for Speed (NFS) Unbound: How To Fix Audio/Sound Error On PC?
Analyzing the Need for Speed Series Release Pattern: What to Expect for the Upcoming Game’s Launch Window
As of now, there isn’t much info on the 2025 Need for Speed game. Criterion Games, known for titles like Battlefield and Star Wars Battlefront, is working on it, as revealed in a now-deleted job post. They’re aiming to shake up the racing genre with this new installment.
Though the exact release date is unknown, the series used to have yearly releases from 2002 to 2013. Since then, it shifted to a two-year cycle, interrupted only by Criterion working on BF 2042. There’s speculation that the new game might drop in Q3/Q4 of 2024.
Taking more time for development, as seen with Unbound, could benefit the series. Criterion, now the primary NFS developer after EA restructured Ghost Games, seems dedicated. The focus has shifted from Burnout to NFS, with the license transferred. The upcoming game is likely for PC, PS5, & Xbox Series X/S, similar to its predecessor. Exciting times ahead for racing game fans! Will they switch it up again? We’ll have to wait and see.
Also Read: Can’t Launch NFS Unbound At Startup On Your PC? Here Is How To Fix It.
