Need for Speed is a staple brand when it comes to racing games and the series goes way back to 1994.  A report from Electronic Playground states that EA has cancelled development of future titles under the Need for Speed franchise.

EA’s only comment on the issue goes:

We’re working through a process on people, products, and facilities at EA and don’t have any announcements today.

This was after the sales figures of Need for Speed‘s latest title, Need for Speed Undercover hit way below than expected profits.  EA Games seems to be cutting down on it’s worst selling games to stabilize the company (not that it needs it after the success of Spore, Dead Space, Mirror’s Edge, etc).

I for one don’t want Need for Speed to die because I’ve been playing the series ever since the original.  The problem I think lies with the yearly mark on the franchise’s release calendar.  With only 12 months to come up with a sellable, innovative game, the final product almost always comes short.  Need for Speed Undercover is a prime example.  After focusing on the game this weekened (about 3 days worth of gameplay), I’ve reached the end of the game missing just a handful of boring missions.  It’s fun but it’s definitely lacking.

If the rumors are indeed true, then let’s bid farewell to one of the biggest franchise in gaming.