Codemasters is co-developing Need for Speed 2022, despite us knowing practically nothing about the latest racer in the franchise.
It seems that EA is quick to try and get the most out of their acquisition of Codemasters last year. A new Linkedin post (via wccftech) by Pete Johnson, the senior recruiter at EA, mentions in a post that Codemasters Cheshire will be coming together with Criterion Games to work on the future Need for Speed game, which is supposed to come out this year.
It’s no surprise that Criterion Games needs help when it comes to developing the game. The studio had to put a pause to their work in order to help DICE in getting Battlefield 2042 ready for it’s release late last year.
Of course, it did little to help that game release in a more proper state, as noted in our review. Regardless of the results, it obviously would have an impact on the development cycle of Need for Speed 2022. So another studio coming in to lend aid is mostly expected if the game is to reach it’s targeted release window later this year.
The choice in studio also makes a lot of sense for EA. After spending over a billion USD to acquire Codemasters, it was evident they were hoping to profit on making such a hefty purchase.
Not only that, but Codemasters is known for their plethora of popular racing titles, such as the recently release Grid: Legends and the F1 franchise. Codemasters Cheshire themselves most recently released Dirt 5 in 2020, which only further lends credibility that this collaboration will bare positive dividends for the future Need for Speed game.
As of this post, there is little information about the upcoming Need for Speed title, including its name. The game was originally slated to release in 2021 before it was delayed as noted above, so that Criterion Games could support Battlefield 2042.
However, there have been rumors and leaks relating to the game that could point to it taking place in Chicago. The game might also change up the aesthetic of the franchise with photorealistic graphics mixed with “anime-style” effects while racing. Though all this information are currently rumors, it’s best to take them with a grain of salt until more official announcements are made.
