Exciting News: Criterion Unveils Plans for a Game-Changing Need For Speed Sequel!

A new job listing suggests that developer Criterion Games may be working on a fresh Need for Speed game. The original Need for Speed first emerged in the gaming world in the mid-1990s and went on to become one of the most popular street racing franchises of all time, inspiring numerous sequels, a tie-in Hot Wheels line, and even a live-action film adaptation in 2014. The series has transformed from simple races in its earlier versions to intense police chases in its more recent entries.

Throughout the years, the Need for Speed franchise has changed hands among various developers. The initial games were developed by Distinctive Software (later rebranded as EA Canada), and then Black Box Games was brought on board to create 2002's Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2. Slightly Mad Studios took over development for the highly regarded Need for Speed: Shift and its 2011 sequel, while Criterion Games received praise for Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit and 2012's Most Wanted. However, Criterion Games experienced a downsizing of its development staff, resulting in Ghost Games, a Swedish studio, becoming the primary developer for most of the 2010s.

Criterion is reportedly gearing up for the next installment of the long-standing racing franchise, Need for Speed. The developer recently announced a job opportunity on LinkedIn for an experienced world artist to assist in their new venture - an open-world game that aims to deliver an adrenaline-pumping and authentic experience. Moreover, Criterion is determined to challenge the existing norms of the racing genre and elevate Need for Speed to unprecedented heights.

Criterion's previous Need for Speed game received mixed reviews, but many acknowledged that Need for Speed Unbound's gameplay and street-art visual aesthetic showed promise for a potential sequel. This sentiment has been a common occurrence for the series as a whole in recent years, as Ghost Games' titles fell just short of the acclaim garnered by entries like Hot Pursuit or Most Wanted. Despite the mixed responses, the Need for Speed series has consistently achieved high sales throughout the current decade.

If the latest job listing is any indication, Criterion may be gearing up for another high-octane Need for Speed game. As a developer known for producing successful entries in the series, fans are undoubtedly excited to discover what Criterion games could have in store for the next Need for Speed.

Need for Speed Unbound is available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.