Electronic Arts has reportedly put its long-running Need for Speed franchise on hiatus, raising serious questions about the future of one of gaming’s most iconic racing series. While EA has made no official announcements, several signs point to the possibility that the company is shifting its priorities—potentially away from Need for Speed altogether.
Launched in 1994, Need for Speed quickly established itself as one of EA’s flagship franchises. Known for its adrenaline-fueled arcade racing, urban open-world settings, deep car customization, and signature style, the series has long enjoyed a passionate fanbase. However, recent entries have struggled to recapture the momentum of earlier hits. The latest title, Need for Speed Unbound (2022), was met with modest reviews and a lukewarm commercial reception despite initial hype.
Concerns about the franchise’s future intensified after developer Criterion Games was fully reassigned to work on Battlefield 6 in early 2025. At the time, Criterion assured fans that Need for Speed wasn’t going away. But fresh rumors suggest otherwise.
In a now-viral Instagram post, longtime Speedhunters contributor Matthew Everingham revealed that the car culture site—closely linked to Need for Speed and funded by EA—is currently “on ice.” His reason? “EA shelved Need for Speed.” With the Speedhunters blog showing no updates since April 2025, the statement adds weight to the claim.
Although this doesn’t serve as definitive confirmation, the combination of studio restructuring, lack of updates, and insider commentary is enough to leave fans uneasy. If true, this pause—or potential end—could mark a turning point in EA’s portfolio, particularly for fans of high-speed street racing.
For now, the future of Need for Speed remains unclear. Whether the franchise will make a comeback or remain parked indefinitely is up to EA. But as rumors continue to gain traction, fans are left hoping the series hasn’t crossed its final finish line.