Need for Speed

This article is about the video game series. For the first video game from 1994, see The Need for Speed. For the 2014 film based on the series, see Need for Speed (film). For the 2015 game and reboot of the series, see Need for Speed (2015 video game). For other uses, see Need for Speed (disambiguation).

Need for Speed
Logo since 2022
Genre(s)Racing
Developer(s)Current:
Previous:
Publisher(s)Electronic Arts
Platform(s)
List
First releaseThe Need for Speed
December 1994
Latest releaseNeed for Speed Unbound
December 2, 2022

Need for Speed (NFS) is a racing game franchise published by Electronic Arts and currently developed by Criterion Games (the developers of the Burnout series).[1] The series generally centers around illegal street racing, and tasks players to complete various types of races while evading the local law enforcement in police pursuits. Need for Speed is one of EA's oldest franchises not published under their EA Sports brand.[2]

The series' first title, The Need for Speed, was released in 1994. The most recent game, Need for Speed Unbound, was released on December 2, 2022. Additionally, a free-to-play mobile installment released in 2015, Need for Speed: No Limits, is actively developed by Firemonkeys Studios (the developers of Real Racing 3).

The series titles have been overseen and developed by multiple notable teams over the years, including EA Canada, EA Black Box, Slightly Mad Studios, and Ghost Games. Several Need for Speed games have been well-received critically, and the franchise has been one of the most successful of all time, selling over 150 million copies.[3] The franchise has expanded into other forms of media, including a film adaptation and licensed Hot Wheels toys.[4]

  1. ^ Yin, Wesley (June 25, 2012). "Criterion takes full control of Need for Speed and Burnout franchises". Eurogamer.net. Archived from the original on February 21, 2013. Retrieved June 26, 2012.
  2. ^ jooste, shaun. "softonic". softonic. Retrieved May 24, 2023.
  3. ^ "EA Signs Multi-Year Agreement With X-Games Medalist and Internet Phenom Ken Block for Need for Speed". Electronic Arts. October 24, 2013. Archived from the original on June 30, 2017. Retrieved February 28, 2014.
  4. ^ Alan (June 25, 2012). "Hot Wheels are bringing a selection of Need for Speed cars to stores worldwide". Eurogamer.net. Archived from the original on April 7, 2022. Retrieved June 26, 2012.