Shubham Sawarkar
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A veteran voice actor Simone Bailly, known for her role in the original Need for Speed: Most Wanted game, recently hinted at an upcoming remake of the beloved racing title. Although the social media post in question has since been deleted, speculations have been ignited, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the release, which is rumored to be slated for 2024.
Bailly’s now-deleted post on a popular social media platform featured a tag to Criterion Games, indicating the potential involvement of the renowned studio under the EA umbrella. While the specifics of the project remain shrouded in mystery, it is important to note that the reference is likely to the original 2005 version of Need for Speed: Most Wanted, rather than the 2012 rendition.
Originally developed by EA Canada and the now-defunct EA Black Box, the 2005 installment of the game took the racing genre by storm, captivating players across various platforms such as PS2, Xbox, GameCube, Nintendo DS, PC, Game Boy Advance, and Xbox 360. Additionally, a spin-off titled Need for Speed: Most Wanted 5-1-0 was released exclusively for the PSP in the same year, further expanding the game’s reach.
In February 2020, Electronic Arts (EA) announced a strategic decision to entrust Need for Speed‘s development duties to Criterion Games. This decision was part of a larger restructuring plan involving Ghost Games, the studio behind the four previous entries in the popular racing franchise.
Criterion Games, headquartered in Guildford, England, has garnered widespread acclaim for its exceptional work on the Burnout series. In addition, they have already demonstrated their expertise within the Need for Speed universe, having developed two previous titles: 2010’s Hot Pursuit and 2012’s Most Wanted. Notably, the studio was responsible for the release of last year’s Need for Speed Unbound. Following its launch, several key members, including former General Manager Matt Webster, departed Criterion Games to establish a new gaming studio.
It is worth mentioning that Stellar Entertainment, a respected development studio, took the reins for the creation of 2020’s Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered, which was well-received by both critics and players alike.
