Tag: Electronic Arts

  • EA Integrates Ads Into Gameplay, Fans Fear New Monetization

    Key Takeaway

    – EA’s new platform uses dynamic, real-time ad spaces (stadium boards, challenges, branded content) designed to blend into gameplay rather than interrupt it.
    – The technology relies on EA’s own ad server and a Frostbite Engine SDK, allowing ads to change based on game, event, or audience.
    – Brands like Mountain Dew, Visa, and Red Bull have already partnered, with examples including fully playable branded teams and rewards.
    – The Reddit gaming community is skeptical, fearing dynamic ads could lead to intrusive interruptions (e.g., sponsored replays, overlays) in full-price games.
    – Critics point out that EA already profits heavily from microtransactions and season passes, making this platform appear as an additional, unwelcome revenue stream.

    Dynamic Advertising in Sports Games

    Advertising in games is not new. In sports games, advertising boards can even help create a more realistic stadium atmosphere. What makes Electronic Art’s “EA Advertising” platform stand out, however, is that the ad spaces are designed for dynamic campaigns. In other words, they can change depending on the game, event or target audience. Technically, EA is relying on its own ad server and an SDK (Software Development Kit) developed specifically for the Frostbite Engine.

    Authentic Player Experiences

    EA describes the platform as a way to create “authentic, interactive experiences” and highlights the benefits for advertisers in particular. Brands are not merely intended to place ads, but to become a direct part of the player experience. Examples include digital stadium boards, in-game challenges, rewards, branded content and custom collaborations. According to EA, this integration is meant to “complement rather than interrupt” the player experience.

    Partnerships and Real-World Examples

    The company cites partnerships with Visa, Red Bull, Lowe’s, Xfinity, Peacock and Mountain Dew as examples. Mountain Dew even received a fully playable team in EA Sports College Football 26, complete with its own stadium, mascot and reward system. EA presents this as the future of advertising and, in this context, refers to its entire “global games portfolio.” For now, however, the most obvious use case appears to be sports games such as EA Sports FC or Madden NFL.

    The gaming community on Reddit has reacted critically. While Redditors acknowledge that advertising on stadium boards or jerseys belongs in sports games to some extent, the majority does not seem convinced by the use of dynamic advertising. For many users, this sounds less like a realistic stadium atmosphere and more like an ad network built directly into full-price games.

    Community Concerns and Future Implications

    The main concern is that this could be only the beginning. Some players would probably still accept subtle perimeter advertising. It becomes more problematic if sponsored replays, prominent overlays or other interruptions are added later. Furthermore, EA already earns heavily from microtransactions, Ultimate Team and additional content beyond AAA game sales. For many, that makes the new advertising platform look like yet another source of revenue.

    Sources
    Tags: , , , ,
  • Glen Schofield Calls EA & Activision’s Post-Acquisition Era Bittersweet

    Glen Schofield Calls EA & Activision’s Post-Acquisition Era Bittersweet

    Key Takeaways

    1. Glen Schofield reflects on his decade-long experience at EA and Activision, highlighting their roles as major talent development hubs in the gaming industry.

    2. Recent shifts in ownership, such as EA’s deal involving Saudi Arabia’s PIF, signify a new era for both EA and Activision, impacting their status in the industry.

    3. Schofield contrasts the structured environment of EA with the chaotic yet passionate atmosphere of Activision during game review meetings.

    4. He expresses concern over the decline of these companies as leading publishers, noting the loss of their nurturing culture for developers.

    5. Schofield’s insights come amidst industry-wide challenges, including layoffs and the growing influence of AI in gaming, raising questions about the future of major publishers.

    Glen Schofield has been making headlines lately with his thoughts that are stirring up discussions in the gaming world. As the brain behind Sledgehammer Games and Striking Distance Studios, Schofield opened up a whole new topic when he shared his feelings about the “bittersweet” changes happening at major video game publishers, Electronic Arts and Activision.

    Reflecting on His Journey

    Schofield led the creation of Dead Space at EA back in 2008 and was involved in its spiritual successor, The Callisto Protocol, before leaving Striking Distance earlier in 2023. In a post on LinkedIn, he reflected on his ten years at both firms during their peak times.

    With news breaking about EA’s shift towards private ownership through a $55 billion deal involving Saudi Arabia’s PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners—similar to Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard—Schofield decided to share his thoughts on LinkedIn.

    Changes in the Industry

    He compared the two companies, saying, “In the span of just a few years, the two publishing giants who shaped the last 20+ years of our industry have both entered new eras.”

    Schofield shared his feelings about his experiences at both studios, explaining that:

    I spent about a decade at each place, right in their primes. Seeing them lose their status as leading publishers and great training grounds hits harder than I thought.

    It’s understandable why Schofield sees EA and Activision as key places for talent. He further explained:

    EA was strict, organized, and structured in a way that made you rise to the occasion. Franchise reviews were tough, with no shortcuts or guessing.

    You needed to understand every detail of your game. They would push and challenge you, but once you left that meeting, you understood exactly where you stood.

    Different Environments

    He found Activision to be a different experience, describing it as:

    Where review meetings were loud, full of passion, and somewhat chaotic, with people asking questions over each other. Yet, these questions were sharp, focused, and always aimed at improving the game.

    A one-hour meeting often stretched to two and a half, but it felt worthwhile somehow.

    Schofield wandered down memory lane, noting that both companies shaped and nurtured a new wave of developers, but that era seems fleeting considering the recent acquisitions.

    He wrapped up his thoughts with:

    It’s hard to see these companies step back from what they used to be: major publishers, major developers, and amazing places to grow, learn, and refine your skills. They trained generations of us. Mine included.

    His remarks come at a time when the entire industry is facing challenges with numerous layoffs as AI becomes more integrated into games, and publishers and developers are striving for profitability amidst rising costs and stiff competition. His insights give a glimpse into how developers perceive two of the most significant game publishers in the industry, even while facing ongoing uncertainty.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Netflix Considered EA Purchase Before Warner Bros. Deal

    Netflix Considered EA Purchase Before Warner Bros. Deal

    Key Takeaways

    1. Netflix’s potential $82 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. could significantly enhance its gaming offerings, leveraging popular franchises like Harry Potter and Batman.

    2. Netflix has shown interest in acquiring major assets, including Electronic Arts and Fox, but executives are hesitant about high stock prices, even considering Disney.

    3. Concerns about EA’s future arise from investor interest, with fears of job cuts and increased use of generative AI, leading to debates over whether Netflix would have been a better choice for the company.

    4. Critics view Netflix’s current gaming selection as lackluster, primarily appealing to casual gamers, despite some attention garnered by recent additions like Red Dead Redemption.

    5. Netflix’s ability to manage AAA games remains uncertain, especially after closing Team Blue, which had talent from major titles, indicating a shift towards smaller budget projects.

    The possible $82 billion deal for Netflix to buy Warner Bros. could really enhance the streaming service’s gaming offerings. WB Games has made games for popular franchises like Harry Potter and Batman, which could add significant value. Yet, a report from Bloomberg behind a paywall mentioned that Netflix had shown interest in Electronic Arts (EA) before.

    Interest in Major Acquisitions

    Lucas Shaw’s article on Bloomberg indicates that Netflix looked into buying “every major asset available for sale, including Electronic Arts Inc. and Fox.” There was even a thought about acquiring Disney, although the executives were hesitant to pay high prices for stocks that had once been cheaper. The report does not clarify when EA first came to Netflix’s attention.

    Concerns Over EA’s Future

    In September, a group involving Saudi Arabian investors suggested buying Electronic Arts, raising worries about what that might mean for the publisher. Analysts have suggested that such a buyout could lead to job cuts and increased use of generative AI. Now, gamers are discussing whether Netflix would have been a better choice for the deal.

    Netflix’s Gaming Offerings

    Critics have generally seen Netflix’s gaming selection as underwhelming. Many of the games seem like basic mobile experiences and don’t really appeal to serious gamers. The recent addition of Red Dead Redemption did grab some attention, but it likely won’t pull players away from consoles like the PS5, Xbox, or Switch 2.

    The potential Warner Bros. Games collection would fit well with Netflix’s strengths in TV and film. It’s easy to imagine connecting future projects like the Hogwarts Legacy sequel with existing material. However, with EA, partnerships for making Lord of the Rings or Star Wars games have frequently come and gone. EA’s most successful franchises are its sports games, particularly EA Sports FC and Madden NFL.

    Uncertain Future for AAA Games

    Despite how the subscription service may grow, not everyone is convinced that it can handle AAA games well. In 2024, Netflix decided to close down Team Blue, which had talent from major titles like Halo and God of War. This decision hinted at a shift towards smaller budget mobile projects. The possible Warner Bros. deal and interest in EA show that Netflix still seems to lack a solid game plan.

    Bloomberg, Netflix X account

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • BioWare’s Future in Question After $55B Saudi Investment in EA

    BioWare’s Future in Question After $55B Saudi Investment in EA

    Key Takeaways

    1. Electronic Arts (EA) has reached a $55 billion acquisition deal with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and other investors, the largest in gaming history.

    2. Shareholders will receive $210 per share in cash, and the deal involves $20 billion in debt financing, with PIF retaining a 9.9% stake in EA.

    3. Concerns among employees and industry experts have arisen about potential layoffs and restructuring, particularly affecting studios like BioWare, known for its narrative-driven games.

    4. Former BioWare executive Mark Darrah warns that new ownership could alter EA’s focus, potentially prioritizing sports franchises over progressive storytelling in games.

    5. Current BioWare employees express anxiety about the future, fearing that creative freedom and progressive themes may be compromised under Saudi leadership.

    A big shift is coming in the gaming world. On September 29, 2025, Electronic Arts revealed they have reached a $55 billion agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), private equity firm Silver Lake, and Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners. Shareholders are set to receive $210 per share in cash.

    Financing Details

    This deal also involves $20 billion in debt financing, while PIF will keep its current 9.9% stake in EA, marking this as the largest acquisition in the gaming sector ever. The news has sparked discussions about the future of EA’s studios, particularly BioWare, known for creating popular games like Mass Effect and Dragon Age.

    Concerns Among Employees

    With the transaction expected to finalize in the first quarter of 2027, many industry experts and employees, including former BioWare executive producer Mark Darrah, are expressing serious worries about possible layoffs and studio closures. Darrah, who directed and produced Dragon Age Origins, Dragon Age II, and Dragon Age: Inquisition, shared his thoughts in a recent YouTube video about the situation.

    Darrah pointed out that the new ownership, especially with PIF involved, could lead to significant “changes at EA in terms of structure and the games they will be developing.” He noted that PIF has previously focused on sports investments, saying:

    “When you look at what the Saudi group has been purchasing, they have been very active in the sports area. EA Sports fits perfectly into that strategy of investing heavily in sports franchises.”

    Future of BioWare

    He highlighted that “last year, 75% of EA’s revenue came from live services, mostly from FIFA’s Ultimate Teams (now EA Sports FC) and Madden.” But for BioWare, the future looks uncertain amidst the restructuring. Darrah warned that studios like BioWare and those working on Marvel games that haven’t done well may be under pressure.

    He added, “EA also has studios that haven’t released anything in a long time or have produced titles that weren’t successful,” which puts BioWare in a troubling spot. The studio has been known for its commitment to “progressive messaging” in its narrative-driven RPGs, touching on topics like diversity, LGBTQ+ representation, and social justice in games like Dragon Age: The Veilguard.

    Darrah fears that under PIF’s leadership, the situation could turn grim. “It’s hard to see how BioWare can switch from its progressive messaging to something negative just because the government demands it. It’s difficult to imagine that the public would react positively to a game from BioWare if that happened—it could be a total disaster.”

    These sentiments have been echoed by current BioWare employees who spoke anonymously to Insider Gaming, expressing anxiety over potential layoffs. “Look at the backlash after Dragon Age. If we thought things would only get worse then, just imagine what some of us think now.”

    A BioWare lead writer, in a chat with PC Gamer, hinted that with Saudi ownership, “guns and football will be embraced, while ‘gay stuff’ will be pushed aside.”

    For a studio once celebrated for its creative storytelling, this $55 billion acquisition casts a long shadow over BioWare’s future.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • EA Goes Private in $55 Billion All-Cash Gaming Deal

    EA Goes Private in $55 Billion All-Cash Gaming Deal

    Key Takeaways

    1. Electronic Arts Inc. (EA) is set to become a private company through a $55 billion cash acquisition led by a consortium including Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners.

    2. Shareholders will receive $210 per share, a 25% premium over EA’s last closing price, with the deal representing the largest cash buyout by a sponsor ever.

    3. EA’s CEO Andrew Wilson will continue to lead the company, focusing on innovation and expanding global presence in gaming, sports, and entertainment.

    4. The acquisition will be financed through $36 billion in equity and $20 billion in debt commitments, with a closing anticipated in EA’s fiscal Q1 2027, pending approvals.

    5. EA will continue to operate independently under its brand and maintain its current game franchises, with no expected changes to daily operations or global teams.

    Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), a prominent name in the video game publishing world, is preparing to become a private entity in a significant $55 billion cash acquisition led by a consortium of investors that includes Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners. This agreement, which has received the green light from EA’s board of directors, represents the largest cash buyout by a sponsor ever, potentially changing the dynamics of the interactive entertainment sector.

    Acquisition Details

    As part of the deal, the consortium will take over 100% of EA’s total shares, with PIF maintaining its current 9.9% stake. Shareholders of EA will be compensated with $210 per share in cash, which is a 25% premium compared to EA’s last unaffected closing price of $168.32 on September 25, 2025. This premium also surpasses the company’s previous record high of $179.01 set in August 2025.

    Andrew Wilson, who serves as EA’s Chairman and CEO, will continue to lead the company as it moves into this new chapter.

    A New Era for EA

    This is a significant acknowledgement of the hard work put forth by our teams. Together with our partners, we will foster transformative experiences that will inspire future generations — Andrew Wilson, EA’s CEO.

    The new ownership setup is intended to boost innovation, broaden EA’s global presence, and foster new engagement methods within gaming, sports, and entertainment, as stated in the EA press release.

    The consortium highlighted both financial and strategic advantages of the merger. PIF’s Deputy Governor, Turqi Alnowaiser, commented on the fund’s dedication to developing a global gaming ecosystem. Silver Lake’s Egon Durban lauded Wilson’s leadership, mentioning how EA’s revenue has doubled and market value increased fivefold during his time. Affinity Partners CEO Jared Kushner also showed excitement, emphasizing EA’s cultural significance and future potential, noting the personal connection felt by millions of gamers around the world.

    Financing the Deal

    The buyout will be funded through $36 billion in equity from the three firms, with PIF continuing its shareholdings, and $20 billion in debt commitments led by JPMorgan Chase. The transaction, which is anticipated to close in EA’s fiscal Q1 2027, will be subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals, after which EA’s stock will be removed from public trading.

    Headquartered in Redwood City, California, EA will keep functioning independently under its brand, continuing to develop and publish games for franchises like EA Sports FC, Madden NFL, Battlefield, Apex Legends, The Sims, and Need for Speed, among others. There are no expected changes to daily operations or EA’s global teams.

    If this acquisition goes through, it would signify a crucial turning point not just for Electronic Arts, but for the entire gaming industry, highlighting the increasing interest of private equity in the realm of interactive entertainment.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: ,
  • Full Circle’s Free Skate Game Enters Early Access This September

    Full Circle’s Free Skate Game Enters Early Access This September

    Key Takeaways

    1. Early Access Launch: “Skate” will be available for early access on September 16, 2025, and will be free-to-play on multiple platforms including PS5, Xbox Series S|X, PS4, Xbox One, and PC.

    2. Game Features: The game will feature four neighborhoods with unique skate spots, the return of the Flick-It System, and will be powered by the EA Frostbite engine for enhanced gameplay.

    3. Cross-Platform Play: “Skate” will include cross-platform multiplayer and cross-progression, allowing players to enjoy the game with friends across different systems.

    4. Community Engagement: The development team is actively collecting player feedback through playtesting to improve controls and features, aiming to create a game that reflects the spirit of skateboarding.

    5. Ongoing Updates: The game will follow a live service model with content updates every three months, indicating a commitment to evolving the game post-launch.

    After a long break of 15 years since Skate 3 came out in 2010, which became a beloved game just like the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series, Electronic Arts and developer Full Circle have at last revealed the Early Access launch date for the next game in the series, simply called “Skate.”

    Early Access Details

    As per an official announcement from EA, Skate will be available for early access on September 16, 2025. The game will be free-to-play and can be accessed on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S|X, PS4, Xbox One, and PC through platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, and the EA App.

    Skate 3 has sold nearly 5 million copies across Xbox 360 and PS3 since its debut on December 17, 2010. Now, the series makes a comeback with features like cross-platform multiplayer and cross-progression set in the fictional city of San Vansterdam, a mashup of San Francisco and Amsterdam.

    Game Features

    The game will include four distinct neighborhoods: Hedgemont, Gullcrest Market Mile, and Brickwich, each offering unique trick spots, gaps, and skateable areas. The beloved analog-focused Flick-It System is back, and the game is powered by EA’s Frostbite engine, which the developers claim delivers the best skateboarding experience in the franchise’s history.

    Mike McCartney, the Executive Producer of Skate, shared his insights about this new chapter, stating, “Skate isn’t just a revival; it’s a full evolution of the franchise that’s designed to endure.” He hinted at the game’s live service approach, which will bring content updates every three months.

    Community Engagement and Testing

    McCartney also mentioned, “Our aim with Skate is to embody the freedom, creative expression, and community spirit of skateboarding, and to share that with as many gamers as we can. From the very start, we’ve focused on respecting the franchise’s legacy while steering it towards an exciting new future—one crafted with the help of our players.”

    Skate has been in playtesting since as early as 2022, gathering feedback from the community to enhance off-board controls, enabling players to roam freely throughout San Vansterdam. Players will also find the return of Quick Drop, allowing them to place custom ramps and rails for unique skate lines, along with the new features Spectate and Spectaport to join any active session.

    While the game will launch in Early Access this September, Full Circle plans to continue community play-testing and feedback collection until it officially releases, which may happen in late 2026.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Project Cars 3: Racing Game Set to Leave Steam Soon

    Project Cars 3: Racing Game Set to Leave Steam Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. Project Cars 3 will no longer be available for purchase after August 24, 2025.
    2. The game faced challenges due to Electronic Arts’ decision to halt the franchise, impacting its reputation.
    3. Players are shifting to alternatives like Gran Turismo 7 due to the decline of Project Cars.
    4. Digital purchases of Project Cars 3 will remain in users’ libraries and can be redownloaded after the sales end.
    5. The game has an offline mode, allowing continued single-player play even after the online servers shut down.

    The video game industry has been undergoing significant transformations recently. For motorsport fans, it’s time to bid farewell to Project Cars 3, which will no longer be available after August 24, 2025.

    Changes in the Gaming Landscape

    While a number of initiatives like Stop Killing Games are being established to aid various projects in the gaming realm, online stores are experiencing a series of negative shifts. These changes are not encouraging for gamers.

    Originally launched in 2020 and created by Slightly Mad Studios, Project Cars 3 let players drive a wide array of iconic vehicles in thrilling races that truly tested their driving abilities. Unfortunately, the game has faced challenges since 2022, when Electronic Arts made the decision to halt the franchise. This choice was made at a critical moment, as Slightly Mad was already in the process of developing Project Cars 4.

    The Decline of a Franchise

    Due to this, the reputation of the license has suffered greatly from a variety of twists and turns, causing many players to abandon the game in favor of alternatives like Gran Turismo 7, which recently received an update featuring a legendary Japanese car. Additionally, DelistedGames magazine has revealed an interesting fact.

    The information comes from the Steam page of Project Cars 3, which states that sales will end on August 24, 2025: “Update on PROJECT CARS 3. All product sales will end on: August 24th, 2025 23:59 UTC. Please note that times may vary by region. If you bought the game digitally it will remain in your library and can be redownloaded in the future. Any DLCs purchased before August 24th, 2025 23:59 UTC will still be available to use after this date. The game’s online modes will also remain active until February 24th, 2026.”

    Offline Play Remains

    However, it’s important to mention that Project Cars 3 includes an offline mode. This means that if you’re a fan of the game, you can continue to enjoy it in single-player mode even after the online servers are shut down and it is removed from the Steam store.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: ,
  • Battlefield 6 Major Reveal Teased for Late July Event

    Battlefield 6 Major Reveal Teased for Late July Event

    Key Takeaways

    1. Battlefield 6 is expected to be revealed at a three-day event in late July, with promotional packages already sent to content creators.
    2. The game will officially be called “Battlefield 6,” confirming previous rumors and providing a clear title for the upcoming release.
    3. Significant changes are being introduced, including the return of classic roles, new training paths, and a revamped weapon system.
    4. Technical improvements are on the way, featuring enhanced server tick rates and smoother player movement, with closed alpha tests already conducted.
    5. The Battlefield community is highly engaged, with mixed opinions on changes, but overall high expectations leading up to the game’s release.

    A prominent figure in the Battlefield community, @rivaLxfactor on X, has shared tweets that strongly suggest that Electronic Arts is gearing up to reveal Battlefield 6 at a special three-day event set for the end of July. These tweets indicate that the event will include a live unveiling of the game, with content creators already receiving promotional packages from EA, clearly marked with the title “Battlefield 6.” This strategy appears to mirror the reveal of Battlefield 1, which included developer discussions, demo footage, and immediate hands-on gameplay for attendees. Most significantly, these new tweets, along with accompanying images, if accurate, confirm that “Battlefield 6” will indeed be the official name of the game, likely settling many rumors.

    Exciting Teases and Influencer Involvement

    Recent hints, including physical packages sent to influencers (like @DooM49, who later removed their tweet), are also labeled with “Battlefield 6.” @rivaLxfactor’s tweets mention that invited content creators will engage in live gameplay right after the reveal event wraps up. The labels on the packages include terms like “Breakthrough” and “Conquest,” which reference classic modes from the Battlefield series.

    Major Changes and Innovations

    Battlefield 6 is set to introduce significant changes for the franchise. Reports suggest the return of classic roles such as Assault, Engineer, Support, and Recon, with new training paths and perks, as well as a revamped weapon system allowing all classes access to any weapon. In addition to various map updates, technical improvements are on the way, featuring enhanced server tick rates and smoother player movement. Closed alpha tests have already been conducted via Battlefield Labs, with indications pointing towards an open beta announcement in the near future.

    Community Buzz and High Expectations

    The steady stream of leaks, datamined info, and now direct engagement from influencers has kept Battlefield 6 in the spotlight of the community well into 2025. While players remain divided on aspects such as changes to the weapon system and new monetization models, it’s clear that expectations are running high for the upcoming title.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: ,
  • EA Pauses Need For Speed to Focus on Other Game Projects

    EA Pauses Need For Speed to Focus on Other Game Projects

    Key Takeaways

    1. Electronic Arts (EA) has placed the Need For Speed series on hold indefinitely to focus on profitability within its gaming portfolio.

    2. Speedhunters, a site closely linked to the NFS brand, has lost funding and is now “on ice” due to EA’s decision.

    3. The Need For Speed franchise, which began in 1994, has struggled with popularity, especially after three unsuccessful titles released between 2015 and 2019.

    4. Despite a positive reception for the 2022 game Need For Speed Unbound, it did not meet sales expectations, leading EA to shift resources to other projects like Battlefield 6.

    5. The competitive racing game market, dominated by Forza Horizon, poses challenges for the Need For Speed series, which is now at risk of being overshadowed.

    Reports indicate that Electronic Arts has decided to place the Need For Speed series on hold indefinitely as it focuses on achieving greater profits within its gaming portfolio. This news comes from Speedhunters, a website that celebrates car culture and was supported by EA for its Need for Speed-related projects, which is now reportedly “on ice.”

    Announcement on Instagram

    On his Instagram account, Matthew Everingham, a long-time contributor to Speedhunters, shared that EA is discontinuing the Need For Speed franchise, leading to a reduction in funding for the site.

    Everingham stated, “Speedhunters is on ice. EA shelved Need For Speed, and that means no more funding for the site. Grateful for everything — the trips, the stories, the lifelong mates. I’m still shooting, just shifting gears into more video.”

    The History of Speedhunters

    Speedhunters was a blog focused on automotive culture and was closely linked to the NFS brand. The last update on the site was on April 8, 2025, and it has stayed “on ice” since that time. EA has not yet officially confirmed that the franchise has been shelved.

    The decline of the NFS series has been noticeable. First released in 1994, the franchise has launched over 20 titles but has struggled to keep its former stature. From 2015 to 2019, the Need For Speed series faced a downturn, with three games created by Ghost Games failing to achieve the popularity and community approval they sought.

    Recent Developments

    Although the 2022 installment, Need For Speed Unbound, made by Criterion and Codemasters, received a more positive response, it still fell short in sales needed to approve a sequel. Following this, EA redirected Criterion Games to the EA Entertainment division, tasking them with the development of Battlefield 6 along with another racing title.

    It seems that the reported halt of the NFS franchise indicates that EA has either paused the project or redirected its resources entirely to Battlefield 6, which aims to attract a player base of 100 million.

    The racing game market has remained highly competitive over the years, with Turn 10 and Playground Games’ Forza Horizon leading the way, boasting over 45 million players since its launch, even before it was available on the PlayStation 5.

    Matthew Everingham from Speedhunters has expressed concerns about this shift, as the franchise that once thrived appears to be in jeopardy.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags:
  • Dragon Age Veilguard’s Failure: EA’s Erratic Strategy Explained

    Dragon Age Veilguard’s Failure: EA’s Erratic Strategy Explained

    Key Takeaways

    1. Corporate Changes Impact Development: EA’s attempts to reshape its identity led to significant changes in the Dragon Age project, impacting BioWare’s creative control.

    2. Shift to Live-Service Model: The game shifted towards a live-service model, focusing on multiplayer and action instead of the strategic combat and dark storytelling that defined earlier titles.

    3. Leadership Resignations: Key leaders from BioWare resigned in protest over the shifting goals, leading to further instability in the game’s development process.

    4. Return to Single-Player Format: EA later demanded a return to a single-player format, complicating development as the team struggled to integrate existing multiplayer elements into a cohesive story.

    5. Mixed Reception and Sales Forecast Issues: Although Dragon Age: The Veilguard initially debuted well, it failed to satisfy legacy fans, leading EA to drastically lower its sales forecasts and raise concerns about BioWare’s future.

    A unique insight into the making of Electronic Arts’ Dragon Age: Veilguard has exposed the reasons behind BioWare’s highly anticipated game faltering so quickly.

    The Corporate Shuffle

    While it might seem like the usual tale of a large company engulfing a smaller studio that doesn’t mesh with its culture, it was actually EA’s chaotic attempts to reshape its identity that caused the latest Dragon Age title to falter. Known for its widely successful sports game franchises that generate a significant portion of its revenue, EA acquired BioWare for $860 million, aiming to broaden its sports-centric portfolio.

    However, in the process, EA altered the Dragon Age concept so drastically that the BioWare team struggled to adapt to the constant changes, leaving them racing against the clock while losing creative control. Instead of sticking to the dark storyline of the semi-open Dragon Age world that had brought EA its first major success with BioWare’s Inquisition, which sold 12 million copies, EA opted to shift towards a live-service game model.

    A Shift in Direction

    The shift away from the intense atmosphere of earlier Dragon Age games aimed to mimic the financial success of lighter online games like Overwatch, but the BioWare team was skeptical. They believed EA was steering them towards creating “Anthem with dragons,” a nod to another EA project that had failed. While past games in the series featured strategic combat, this new direction would focus solely on action. Instead of quests meant for single experiences, it would be packed with missions for replayability with friends and random players. Important characters were also not allowed to die since they needed to remain for multiple players in the endless gameplay.

    In light of this, both the leaders of the BioWare studio and the Dragon Age franchise resigned in protest of the team’s shifting goals, only to be swiftly replaced by EA, who demanded yet another change in direction.

    The Return to Single-Player

    Now, EA wanted BioWare to revert to the single-player format that had initially brought success to the Dragon Age series. However, the team was challenged with creating a new story based on the multiplayer elements they already had, all while racing to finish the game in a year and a half instead of starting from scratch, which is usually the case with such major changes. EA even enlisted the Mass Effect team to steer development towards completion, pushing aside the Dragon Age leaders during critical decisions about the game’s tone and characters. The Mass Effect heads, for instance, advocated for revamping the dialogue from typical multiplayer chatter to a more serious tone, with mixed results.

    Consequently, Dragon Age: The Veilguard ended up missing both the live-service narrative it was originally meant to have and the compelling single-player storyline filled with tough choices that fans had eagerly anticipated from previous games.

    Despite this, Dragon Age: The Veilguard debuted strongly on Steam, receiving positive reviews from critics and newer players, making it an instant chart-topper and displacing Call of Duty from the top position. However, legacy Dragon Age fans, while initially excited by EA’s trailer, never truly embraced the game after its release.

    In a cautionary turn of events, EA had to revise its sales forecast dramatically, causing its stock to plummet and leaving the future of the BioWare team within Electronic Arts uncertain.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: ,