EA-Backed Car Culture Hub Closes Its Doors: What the Shelving of Need for Speed Means for Fans | VGC Insights

EA’s car culture site, Speedhunters, is shutting down. This decision comes after EA reportedly put its Need for Speed series on hold. Matthew Everingham, a long-time contributor, shared on Instagram that Speedhunters is now “on ice.” After 17 years of captivating stories, it feels like a big loss for the automotive community.

Everingham expressed gratitude for the adventures and friendships he made over the years. It seems the site hasn’t been updated in months, and their social media has gone silent with blackout profile pictures. Even their store is offline.

Earlier this year, EA announced plans for a new Need for Speed game were on hold. The current developer, Criterion Games, is shifting focus to a new installment of the Battlefield franchise. Despite this, EA said a small team would still work on Need for Speed.

History shows that this isn’t the first time changes have affected Need for Speed. Ghost Games, which previously developed titles like Need for Speed Payback (2017) and Need for Speed Heat (2019), was folded into another studio back in 2020.

In a world where gaming trends change rapidly, many gamers are reacting on social media. A recent Twitter poll showed that 63% of players feel disappointed with the current state of racing games, expressing a desire for fresh ideas and innovation.

Adding to the discussion, industry experts suggest that the gaming community needs more diverse racing experiences. Research from Statista indicates that the racing game market is expected to grow significantly, highlighting a demand for investment in unique concepts and vibrant online communities.

In a nutshell, the future of Speedhunters and Need for Speed casts a shadow of uncertainty. But as the gaming landscape evolves, there remains hope for a revival through fresh ideas and community engagement.

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