Electronic Arts will be releasing three new Need for Speed games in 2009, each having its own distinctive feel. The titles have been geared for specific audiences and are as follows:
Need for Speed: Shift – Xbox 360, PS3, PC, PSP. “Hardcore racing simulation” with emphasis on realism. Produced by Black Box executive producer, Michael Mann and Patrick Soderland, the co-founder of DICE and senior vice president of EA Games Europe.
Need for Speed: Nitro – Wii, DS. Developed by EA Montreal. The title will take on the unique control mechanics offered on both platforms without sacrificing substance. EA’s VP of Marketing quotes,
“We do not want to fall into the trap of creating a ‘Need for Speed Lite.'”
Need for Speed World Online – PC. A joint development by EA Shanghai and Black Box, the free to play online racing game is geared towards a release for Asian markets this summer with a corresponding winter release.
Both Shift and Nitro are tentative for North American releases in Fall 2009. We will keep you updated as we learn more about these titles in detail.
