Need for Speed moved to EA Sports label

EA has confirmed that the Need for Speed series is now under the control of EA Sports.

Executive vice president of EA Studios, Patrick Soderlund, revealed that having the racing series under the sports banner should give it a fresh new direction.

"I think that we can learn a lot from the sports games and what they've done," Soderlund told Polygon.

"When you play a sports game, the controller in your hand will dictate how good the game is. It's all about player control and input and how it feels. It's a feeling, right? I think that focus on pure gameplay is something that can benefit the Need for Speed brand in a very positive way.

"When you've had a franchise that's been going on for 20 years like Need for Speed, I think it was time for us to get a different pair of eyes on it, a fresh look and feel on it. If something can come in and take it to the next level, take it to a different location.

The next game in the series is Need for Speed Rivals, launching 15 November.