EA Officially Freezes the Need for Speed Series: Could It Still Compete with Forza Horizon?

According to sources close to EA Games, the legendary Need for Speed franchise has been officially put on hold. The announcement was made by Matthew Everingham, a content creator and long-time expert on the series, who revealed that "Need for Speed has been shelved," with no plans for a new entry anytime soon.

This news sparked massive reactions across the gaming community, especially among fans who grew up playing iconic titles like Need for Speed Underground, Most Wanted, and Carbon — games that helped define an entire generation of racing games.

Why Did EA Freeze the Need for Speed Franchise?

The main reason appears to be the franchise’s declining performance in recent years. The latest installment, NFS Unbound, failed to achieve commercial success or critical acclaim. Despite EA’s attempt to introduce a new visual style and refresh the gameplay, many players felt the series had lost its core identity.

Meanwhile, the rise of strong competitors like Forza Horizon has made it increasingly difficult for Need for Speed to stand out. Forza has set a new standard for open-world racing games with its detailed environments, realistic driving mechanics, and massive player base.

Could Need for Speed Have Been Saved?

That’s the question many fans are still debating. Some believe the series could have made a comeback by returning to its roots — illegal street racing, deep car customization, and narrative-driven gameplay. These were the very elements that made earlier NFS titles beloved by millions.

However, in today’s fast-evolving gaming market, especially in the racing genre, sticking to nostalgia isn’t enough. Need for Speed either needed a complete reinvention or a well-executed return to its original formula. EA, it seems, chose to step away instead.

Was There Still Room to Compete with Forza Horizon?

Let’s face it — Forza Horizon has become the undisputed king of open-world racing games. Backed by Microsoft, updated regularly, and supported by a strong online community, Forza offers a polished and engaging experience that appeals to both casual and hardcore racing fans.

In contrast, Need for Speed has struggled to find its place. It often felt caught between trying to modernize and staying true to its legacy. Without clear direction and consistent innovation, it’s no surprise that the series began to lose relevance — especially when compared to the consistent success of Forza Horizon.

The Future of Racing Games Without Need for Speed

With Need for Speed stepping out of the spotlight, the racing genre will likely be dominated by titles like Forza Motorsport, Gran Turismo, and indie racing games looking to push creative boundaries. While this shift opens up space for new contenders, the absence of NFS will certainly be felt by fans who associate the brand with high-speed nostalgia.

Conclusion

EA’s decision to freeze the Need for Speed franchise may make sense from a business perspective — but it still stings. The series has been a pillar of racing games for over two decades, and its legacy is undeniable.

Whether it returns in a new form or fades into history, one thing is clear: Need for Speed changed racing games forever.
But now, it’s time for new challengers to take the wheel.

What do you think?
Was this the right move by EA?
And if NFS is truly gone — what racing game fills the void?