It’s December 1994. The world is buzzing with holiday films like The Santa Clause and Miracle on 34th Street, while Pulp Fiction and Forrest Gump battle for box office supremacy. Music charts witness Boyz II Men’s “On Bended Knee” giving way to Ini Kamoze’s “Here Comes the Hotstepper.” Meanwhile, in the realm of video games, the original PlayStation is just launching in Japan.
However, amidst this whirlwind of entertainment, another significant event took place: the release of The Need for Speed on the ill-fated 3DO home console. Despite the 3DO being hailed as Time Magazine’s 1993 Product of the Year, it ultimately flopped, leaving no legacy behind. The Need for Speed, on the other hand, defied the odds. It paved the way for sequels like Need for Speed II, III, and beyond, solidifying its place in gaming history. Today, 30 years later, the franchise is not only alive but has also become one of the best-selling game series of all time.
The Need for Speed: A Game-Changer in Racing
“Need for Speed is actually one of the most successful game franchises ever,” remarks John Stanley, Senior Creative Director at Criterion, who has dedicated 14 years to multiple EA series, focusing primarily on Need for Speed. “It’s a great honor and responsibility to carry on this legacy.”
The franchise’s success is undeniable. Fifteen years ago, it reached 100 million copies sold, and ten years later, it surpassed 150 million. While the exact current figures remain undisclosed, the Need for Speed series undeniably holds a prominent position within the racing genre.
The original Need for Speed was an instant critical success, despite the challenges faced by the 3DO console. Subsequent ports to PC, PlayStation, and Sega Saturn transformed it into a commercial success, captivating audiences worldwide. Developed by EA Canada and presented by Road & Track Magazine, the game launched with a modest lineup of just eight cars— a mix of European exotics and 1990s sports classics—across three tracks. Though limited by today’s standards, this was typical of the era, especially before the groundbreaking Gran Turismo arrived.
A Legacy of Risk-Taking and Innovation
The Need for Speed franchise quickly established itself as the go-to series for thrilling police chases and illegal street racing throughout the 90s. Players could race iconic vehicles like the Lamborghini Diablo and Ferrari 512TR while evading the police, creating a unique sense of risk and excitement.
“I argue that Need for Speed has always been about consequence,” asserts Stanley. “The thrill of the chase is something that no other racing game series delivers quite like this one.” By encouraging players to outrun law enforcement and stake their cars on the line, Need for Speed embodied the spirit of high stakes racing.
In 2003, the franchise took a bold turn with the release of Need for Speed: Underground, followed by the immensely popular Need for Speed: Most Wanted in 2005. “Those are my crown jewels,” says Justin Wiebe, Studio Design Director at Ripple Effect, who has worked on the series since 2002. “We were pioneering new racing genres and introducing customization, which made the gameplay incredibly addictive.”
With Underground setting the stage for a new era, the team sought to elevate the experience even further. They aimed to create a world where the police felt genuinely threatening, pushing players to navigate high-stakes situations. “The mandate was clear: make the cops terrifying,” Wiebe recalls. “We wanted players to lose their hard-earned cars in the most dramatic way possible, and we did just that.”
Continuous Evolution: The Challenge of Change
Over the years, Need for Speed has continued to evolve, ensuring that each iteration brings something fresh to the table. “Need for Speed has never been stagnant,” notes Criterion Producer Patrick Honnoraty, who has been with the franchise since 2012. “We guarantee that every new game will offer a different experience, even if it doesn’t always resonate with players.”
The series has faced its share of criticism and mixed reviews. Wiebe reflects on the development of Need for Speed: The Run, where the team aimed to create a more immersive experience by incorporating quick-time events. “We had grand visions for the game, but ultimately, we realized that we couldn’t deliver everything we wanted,” he admits. Despite its challenges, The Run garnered a surprising cult following over time.
Defining What Makes Need for Speed Unique
Three decades in, creating a Need for Speed game is more challenging than ever. Senior Vehicle Artist Frankie Yip emphasizes the complexity involved in crafting each car. “The level of detail we require now is far greater than in the early days,” he explains. Customization options, body kits, and part combinations create an intricate web of possibilities that require meticulous planning and execution.
Bryn Alban, Vehicle Art Director, acknowledges the difficulty in defining what makes Need for Speed resonate with its diverse audience. “Everyone has their own opinions on what constitutes a good Need for Speed game,” he explains. This means that trying to satisfy every fan can be a daunting task.
Reflecting on the franchise’s history, Honnoraty recognizes that the age of Need for Speed presents unique challenges. “It has appealed to so many different people over the years,” he says. Nostalgia plays a significant role, as players often compare new titles to their fond memories of past games, leading to passionate debates over which iteration is the best.
The Future of Need for Speed
Despite the ups and downs, the Need for Speed franchise remains committed to delivering fun and engaging experiences. “The core of what makes Need for Speed enjoyable has always been its accessibility,” Honnoraty states. “Even with all the changes, players still feel that rush of adrenaline when they play.”
As the team continues to explore new directions, they remain open to integrating fan feedback. For example, there’s a growing recognition of the need to revisit iconic Australian cars that have been underrepresented in recent titles. “We should definitely consider bringing back some of those iconic vehicles,” Alban agrees.
In conclusion, the journey of Need for Speed over the past 30 years is a testament to its ability to adapt and innovate while staying true to its core essence. As the franchise looks to the future, it remains poised to continue thrilling fans old and new with its high-octane racing and heart-pounding chases. The road ahead may be filled with challenges, but the spirit of Need for Speed is as vibrant as ever, and the franchise shows no signs of slowing down.
