Who Makes Need for Speed?
Need for Speed (NFS) is one of the most popular racing video game franchises in the world, with a history spanning over two decades. But who is behind the creation of this iconic game series? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the developers and publishers who have contributed to the making of Need for Speed.
EA Black Box: The Original Creators
The first Need for Speed game was released in 1994 by Electronic Arts (EA) and was developed by a team led by Hillebrand, Dunnigan, and G. F. H. Lee. The game was an instant hit, and EA decided to create a sequel, Need for Speed II, which was released in 1997. The development of the first two games was handled by EA Black Box, a studio that was later renamed to EA Canada.
EA Canada: The Long-Term Partners
EA Canada, formerly known as EA Black Box, has been the primary developer of the Need for Speed series since the early 2000s. The studio has developed some of the most popular games in the series, including Need for Speed: Underground, Need for Speed: Most Wanted, and Need for Speed: Carbon. EA Canada has been responsible for the series’ success, with its games receiving critical acclaim and commercial success.
Criterion Games: The Revival
In 2010, EA decided to revamp the Need for Speed series by partnering with Criterion Games, a studio known for its work on the Burnout series. Criterion developed Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit, which was released in 2010 and received widespread critical acclaim. The game’s success led to a sequel, Need for Speed: Most Wanted, which was developed by Criterion and released in 2012.
Ghost Games: The Current Developers
In 2013, EA decided to consolidate its racing game development efforts under a single studio, Ghost Games. Ghost Games has developed the last three Need for Speed games, including Need for Speed: Rivals, Need for Speed: No Limits, and Need for Speed: Heat. Ghost Games is responsible for the series’ current direction and has been working on improving the gameplay and graphics of the games.
Publishers and Distribution
Electronic Arts (EA) has been the publisher of the Need for Speed series since its inception. EA is responsible for distributing the games to retailers and online stores, as well as handling the marketing and sales of the series.
Table: Need for Speed Game Developers and Publishers
| Game | Developer | Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Need for Speed (1994) | EA Black Box | Electronic Arts |
| Need for Speed II (1997) | EA Black Box | Electronic Arts |
| Need for Speed: Underground (2003) | EA Canada | Electronic Arts |
| Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2005) | EA Canada | Electronic Arts |
| Need for Speed: Carbon (2006) | EA Canada | Electronic Arts |
| Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit (2010) | Criterion Games | Electronic Arts |
| Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2012) | Criterion Games | Electronic Arts |
| Need for Speed: Rivals (2013) | Ghost Games | Electronic Arts |
| Need for Speed: No Limits (2015) | Ghost Games | Electronic Arts |
| Need for Speed: Heat (2019) | Ghost Games | Electronic Arts |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is the creator of Need for Speed?
A: The creator of Need for Speed is Hillebrand, Dunnigan, and G. F. H. Lee, who led the development team at EA Black Box.
Q: Who developed the first Need for Speed game?
A: The first Need for Speed game was developed by EA Black Box.
Q: Who is responsible for the current direction of the Need for Speed series?
A: Ghost Games is responsible for the current direction of the Need for Speed series.
Q: Who published the Need for Speed series?
A: Electronic Arts (EA) has been the publisher of the Need for Speed series since its inception.
Q: What is the most popular Need for Speed game?
A: Need for Speed: Underground is often considered the most popular Need for Speed game.
Q: Who developed Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit?
A: Criterion Games developed Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit.
Q: What is the latest Need for Speed game?
A: The latest Need for Speed game is Need for Speed: Heat, which was released in 2019.
Q: Is Need for Speed a racing game?
A: Yes, Need for Speed is a racing game that focuses on high-speed racing and police chases.
Q: Can I play Need for Speed games on PC?
A: Yes, many Need for Speed games are available on PC, as well as consoles such as PlayStation and Xbox.