Rumors suggest Electronic Arts may have paused the Need for Speed series. This speculation stems from an unexpected yet credible source linked to a partner platform.

Matthew Everingham, a contributor to automotive media outlet Speedhunters, shared a post via Instagram stating:

Speedhunters is paused indefinitely. With EA halting Need For Speed, financial backing for the site has dissolved.

Grateful for the journeys, narratives, and connections made. My focus now shifts toward expanding video content.

Speedhunters, known for spotlighting global automotive culture through photography and journalism, reportedly relied on EA financing. The platform’s latest article was published three months ago, on April 8, 2025.

While surprising, the news aligns with the franchise’s rocky trajectory. Post-2015 entries like 2019’s Heat struggled critically and commercially, despite 2022’s Criterion/Codemasters collaboration Need for Speed Unbound showing improved reception. Sources indicate sales fell short of securing future installments.

EA previously redirected Criterion Games in late 2023 to assist with Battlefield 6 development while exploring new racing projects. Industry analysts speculate resource allocation toward the military shooter—a tentpole franchise for EA—may have sidelined racing endeavors. The publisher aims to attract 100 million Battlefield 6 players, a stark contrast to racing titles: even Forza Horizon 5’s 45 million milestone (including Game Pass users) pales in comparison.

In related updates, EA confirmed the termination of online services for 2013’s Need for Speed Rivals (developed by Criterion and Ghost Games) effective October 7, 2025.