In a surprising turn of events, Speedhunters, the beloved car culture website backed by EA, is officially winding down its operations. The decision stems from EA’s controversial choice to pause its Need for Speed series, leaving the site in a lurch.
Matthew Everingham, a seasoned photojournalist and long-time contributor to Speedhunters, shared the news on Instagram, confirming that the site is now “on ice.” After 17 years of sharing exhilarating content, the lack of funding has forced a halt in activity. Everingham expressed gratitude for the experiences he gained, from memorable trips to invaluable friendships.
Speedhunters hasn’t seen updates for several months, amplifying concerns about its future. Its social media accounts, now marked by blackout profile pictures, signal a pause in engagement, and its online store has gone offline, further hinting at the site’s closure.
The Shift in EA’s Development Focus
This news comes on the heels of EA’s earlier statements this year, hinting that plans for a new Need for Speed game were on hold. It was revealed that the current developer, Criterion, is redirecting its efforts towards the Battlefield franchise, a significant shift that has left racing fans uneasy.
EA announced in September 2023 that Criterion had transitioned divisions to concentrate on building a connected Battlefield universe. While they maintained a core group to work on Need for Speed, much remains uncertain regarding the series’ future.
Previous developer Ghost Games, known for titles like Need for Speed Payback (2017) and Need for Speed Heat (2019), was effectively restructured into EA Gothenburg back in 2020. As the series’ latest installment, Need for Speed Unbound was developed by Criterion, anticipation had built up among fans, making this recent development all the more disappointing.
Uncertain Future for Racing Enthusiasts
The rally-themed game enthusiasts are also left in a tight spot, with recently acquired Codemasters announcing a pause in the development of its famed rally titles. The confluence of these developments paints a worrying picture for fans of racing games, as franchises that once thrived now find themselves in limbo.
With Speedhunters taking a backseat and the future of Battlefield and Codemasters in flux, the gaming community is left grappling with a landscape that’s rapidly changing. Gamers now await clarity on what lies ahead for their favorite racing titles.