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The next Need for Speed game will be made by Burnout creator Criterion
Need for Speed fans, rejoice: Electronic Arts (EA) is giving the long-running racing franchise back to Criterion Games. "With a strong history and passion for racing games and vision for what we can create, the Criterion team is going to take Need for Speed into the next-generation," an EA spokesperson told Gamesindustry.biz. Criterion is a Guildford-based developer that worked on the critically-acclaimed Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit (2010) and Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2012). The studio was also responsible for the breakneck and destruction-focused Burnout franchise, including the open-world (and recently remastered) Burnout Paradise.
Burnout founder: Nintendo and EA didn't care about NFS Most Wanted
Former Burnout creator Alex Ward took to Twitter to discuss EA's commitments to the Wii U in his time at the company, particularly with Need for Speed: Most Wanted. Since Ward recently announced his new indie studio, Three Fields Entertainment, fans asked him on the social media service if the developer's initiative to "make games for all platforms where we can self-publish" will include Wii U. "Probably not to be honest," Ward replied on Twitter. "But never say never." The resulting, occasionally heated conversation with fans shed light on his perspective on the relationship between the developer and Need for Speed publisher EA. After being accused of not properly supporting Nintendo's console after launching the Wii U version of the game later than the others, Ward said, "Totally wrong. I did. Second, I complained when the company didn't even bother to press the discs with our game on." He added that the team at Criterion "worked our arses off. Neither [Nintendo] or EA gave a shit about it. A group of us did try" and that disappointed fans should "bitch and moan at the publishers not the developers." "We just did the coding," Ward said. "Like we had any choice over when it was released? Or the price? Everyone is so quick to blame the developers. Folks worked through New Year to deliver that. We tried to do our best. We even flew to [Nintendo] to personally demo in a bid for [marketing] support. There was none." Ward added that "the game was not even physically released initially in Europe. Members of the team could not even buy their own game." The frustration led to Ward's departure from the company in January. "Stuff like that pissed me off hence I left EA and have started my own company using my savings. So seeing as our families won't eat if we fuck up, we will choose our platforms carefully," he said. Ward was careful to state that "NFSU is certainly NOT the main reason I left EA" and that "it's two years ago and much water has passed under the bridge since. I just care about great games." He also took a moment to sing the praises of development teams like BioWare, DICE, Visceral and the FIFA team at EA Canada. [Image: Electronic Arts]
iPhone biosensor cradle brings us one step closer to having tricorders (video)
It seems like every day we're getting a little bit closer to having tricorders, and today's no exception. Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have designed hardware and software that turns the iPhone into a powerful biosensor that's useful for toxin and pathogen testing as well as medical diagnosis. The package consists of a cradle that contains an assortment of lenses and filters which line up with the handset's camera, along with an app that guides the user through the testing process. At the core of the device is a photonic crystal slide which basically turns the iPhone into a high-resolution spectrometer. While the cradle only contains about $200 worth of parts, it's just as accurate as laboratory equipment costing tens of thousands of dollars, with the added bonus of being hand-held. The team just received an NSF grant to explore other applications for the device and is working on a cradle for Android phones. Hit the break for a demo video and a peek into the future.
Latest Need for Speed: Most Wanted video hints at Kinect support
A recent gameplay video walkthrough for Need for Speed: Most Wanted includes a pack shot for a Kinect-supported Xbox 360 version. Since Kinect integration for the game has yet to be revealed, we've contacted EA for more information. In the meantime, feel free to check out the gameplay video.
Need for Speed now officially Criterion's baby
Criterion VP Alex Ward revealed that the company took over the Need for Speed series in an interview at E3 with GameInformer. Noting that the franchise will see "strong Criterion involvement" going forward, Ward said that he will be "personally involved in how the cars drive, how the game will play out, how connected they are, and what the features are.""It's not going to be spread anymore across different companies. Different studios have had a crack at it – it's definitely a Criterion gig now," he said.Regarding the variety in Need For Speed titles and features (such as Hot Pursuit, Shift, and Most Wanted), Ward added, "I think it would be amazing in the future if there was one big game that had all of these in it. That would be amazing."
Online freedom highlighted for Need for Speed World
If you're looking forward to the pending release of Need for Speed World -- a release which is only a bit more than a month away -- you probably have all sorts of ideas about what you could do in the open environment. The good news is that the developers did as well, and they took the time to chat about it. There's a new video developer diary for those looking forward to the game, and it's embedded just past the cut. Aside from talking about the new elements brought in via the game's online experience, such as a world that players can drive in without ever seeing the boundaries, the video also shows off some footage of the game in action. Everything from hairpin turns to smashing through police barricades seems to be here, and it's all true to what players have come to expect from the franchise. Take a look at the video past the cut, and keep your eyes peeled for more news as we edge closer to the summer release of Need for Speed World.
Ask TUAW: Clocks, screen guards, MacBook hard drive replacement, NFS automount, and more
Welcome back to Ask TUAW, our weekly troubleshooting Q&A column. This week we have questions about replacing a MacBook hard drive, refreshing a NFS mount, getting a simple clock on screen, improving iCal's note handling, and more. As always, your suggestions and questions are welcome. Leave your questions for next week in the comments section at the end of this post. When asking a question, please include which machine you're using and what version of Mac OS X is installed on it (we'll assume you're running Snow Leopard on an Intel Mac if you don't specify), or if it's an iPhone-related question, which iPhone version and OS version you have.
Palm Pre plays Need for Speed, undercover (video)
While Palm's Pre is many things to many people it still can't game. Oh sure, it'll play Magic Fortune Ball like a champ but when it comes to intensive 3D action the Pre is as helpless as a would-be terrorist trying to ignite his underwear. See, webOS and the Mojo SDK currently can't exploit the GPU the way other smartphone platforms can. Rewind a few weeks, however, and we're reminded of a video showing EA's Need for Speed Undercover running impossibly smooth on a Pre. At the time, the video and claims of the device running Flash were shot down as fake largely due to the accompanying screen caps of the purportedly new App Catalog. Well guess what? Those screen caps were vindicated today with the webOS 1.3.5 update that just so happened to launch a new App Catalog matching the leaked images, exactly. That lends credence to the video then doesn't it, while hinting at future apps and games with full OpenGL graphics support. Is that the big reveal at CES alongside enhanced Pre+ and Pixi+ handsets headed to Big Red? We'll find out shortly enough -- until then check the gameplay after the break. [Thanks, Brian K.]
Criterion-developed Need for Speed coming 'next year'
"In recent years, we failed to put adequate resources behind the franchise and, as a result, quality suffered," EA Games label president Frank Gibeau said of the Need for Speed franchise, currently in the midst of a reboot with the well received Need for Speed: Shift, the recently released Need for Speed: Nitro, and the we're-not-sure-that's-going-to-work Need for Speed: World Online. But there's a fourth post-reboot Need for Speed title in development at Criterion Games, the devs behind the excellent Burnout series. Removing any doubt that the series will miss an opportunity for annual exploitation (again, the massively multilpayer online racing of World Online doesn't count!) Gibeau said "Next year's Need for Speed has been under development now for some time at our award-winning Criterion Studio." We're not sure what type of Need for Speed Criterion is creating, but we wouldn't be surprised if it was heavy on the crashing.
LonMID M100 is a giant smartphone or tiny netbook, you choose
Look, we're not going to try and convince you that you need carry yet another device to maintain your connected lifestyle. And at 6.2 x 3.5 x 1.1-inches, the LonMID M100 is too chunky to join your smartphone in the trouser pocket while being a bit too cramped compared to the netbook or laptop carried in your shoulder bag. Still, we can appreciate the effort required to pack this much technology into such a tiny QWERTY device. On the back of the main 4.8-inch (800 x 480) display, the dual-purpose M100 features a dedicated keypad, SIM, and 2.4-inch display for making jumbo-sized calls when the mood strikes. Otherwise, it'll help you consume, and lightly create content under the direction of a MIDinux OS riding an 800MHz Atom Z500 processor with Poulsbo chipset, 1GB of DDR2 memory, and 4GB SSD with microSD expansion. Bluetooth, USB, and 802.11b/g WiFi? Yup, it's in there. Fortunately, it's only a prototype so you can put off all the hard decision making until later.[Via Pocketables]
Need for Speed: World Online begins testing in March
Before Need for Speed officially burns internet rubber, PC gamers in Asia will get an early taste of what it feels like to slip behind the wheel of Need for Speed: World Online. The recently announced free-to-play online experiment will begin testing in Taiwan and Hong Kong in March, well ahead of the game's eventual debut later this year. EA explains that Need for Speed: World Online will boast "the largest free roaming environment" in the series' history as players "form teams to take on the competition and the police." The Black Box-developed racer is one of several attempts at refueling the property, though we're waiting to see if the game makes it across the finish line or slips on a patch of black ice as it races to North America this Winter.
Another (secret!) Need for Speed game in development
Thought three new Need for Speed games wouldn't be enough? EA seems to agree, confirming to Eurogamer that a fourth, secret addition to the series is also in development. Being secret, not much is known about the title, though it's fair to assume it'll have its own gimmick, separate from the other three. With Shift, Nitro and Online, EA have covered every console, so this fourth Need For Speed could land anywhere. Keith Munro from EA's Marketing division is quick to say that developing four games simultaneously is in no way a result of the economic crisis, stating that work began "long before" the crunch began. "This isn't about quantity, this is about crafting different games for different audiences and their unique tastes in the driving category. I would say that our strategy is the inverse of milking; it is an intentionally non-traditional approach." We're not sure exactly how "inverse milking" works, but it sounds quite uncomfortable for the poor cow in question. This seems a lot like regular franchise milking, though we'll reserve judgment until we get to see all four titles in action.
EA unveils new Need for Speed trio
It seems EA's long-idling racing franchise isn't destined for the scrap heap at all, as the publisher has unveiled three new Need for Speed titles across several platforms. In an interview with Gamespot, EA's veep of marketing, Kevin Munro, insists that "the new brand strategy around three specific genres will keep the game fresh and players entertained." This refreshing and oh-so-entertaining trio of titles includes: Need for Speed: Shift (PS3, Xbox 360, PC, PSP) -- A "hardcore racing simulation" overseen by Black Box executive producer Michael Mann, and Patrick Soderlund, the co-founder of DICE and current senior vice president of EA Games Europe. External developer Slightly Mad Studios will be responsible for putting a realistic spin on the franchise. Need for Speed: Nitro (Wii, DS) -- As you might expect, this one will feature a "unique visual style," courtesy of EA Montreal. Nitro promises to take full advantage of the unique controls on offer for both platforms, but without sacrificing depth. According to Munro, "We do not want to fall into the trap of creating a 'Need for Speed Lite.'" Need for Speed: World Online (PC) -- Jointly developed by Black Box and EA Shanghai Singapore, this free-to-play online racer is set to launch in Asia this Summer, with a North American release slated for next Winter. You can look for Shift and Nitro on North American shelves sometime during Fall 2009. Update: Uploaded three screens (Shift, Nitro and World Online) and added source link to press release. Corrected development information for World Online.
Uncovered: New Need for Speed Undercover trailer
Though the above Need For Speed: Undercover trailer is excitedly labeled as the debut of gameplay footage (!!!), what little (albeit pretty) racing action it boasts is quickly pushed aside by an ex-cop meat head and Tom Cruise channeller. Ever the innovative and unorthodox rebel, "G-Mac" keenly points out that he doesn't like rules, man, but thrills.We're going to chalk this trailer up as a failure, lest its intention was to instill a desire to punch the game in its unshaven, pretentious face. Best you read our hands-on instead. Gallery: Need For Speed Undercover
Revolutionary: WRX Stage 1
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/nintendo/Revolutionary_WRX_Stage_1'; The training wheel project got me thinking about what more it would take to create a Wii racing rig that's as comprehensive as a traditional wheel and pedal gaming setup. The Wii Wheel provides analog control for steering, but not throttle and braking. The Wheel shell also blocks off the expansion port, so you can't use a Nunchuk's analog stick. It seemed like there was just no way to build a full set of racing controls around the Wii Wheel, but then I got my Balance Board and the wheels started turning in my head. How about a Wii Racing Xperiment?
Earn super elusive ProStreet achievement Dec 19th
The Need for Speed team just revealed the first ProStreet Community Race Day will be going down on December 19th where you can play with the developers, win prizes and be all blissful n' such. Not a huge deal though, right? It's just one of those corporate sponsored (Castrol Syntec) online "events" that is aimed at getting you to play their game ... right? WRONG!If you are a fan of achievements and already own Need for Speed: ProStreet then you need to be online December 19th, because this event is actually an achievement. Yup, the developers thought creating a 15 Gamerscore achievement called "Community Race Day 1" for participating in this once in a lifetime event was a dandy idea. So, if you miss playing, we guess you'll never get the achievement. We aren't sure how to enter into the community fun or how to unlock the achievement, but we do know you'll have to play ProStreet December 19th to have any chance at it. Get prepared achievement whores of the world and complete the task set forth ... you have another one coming when "Community Race Day 2" begins. Mwahahaha![Thanks, Andre Deminiac]
NFS ProStreet LIVE Race Weekend
Vroom, vroom! Starting January 11th through the 13th Xbox Live will be hosting a Need For Speed ProStreet LIVE Race Weekend where you can win prizes, race in tournaments, download some free stuff and play with the game's developers. It's a weekend racing extravaganza! Complete details on all the weekend's events, registration and all kinds o ProStreet info can be viewed after the jump. Happy racing kids, just be sure to have your ride home by sun down.
Revolutionary: Speed Metal
Every (other) Tuesday, Mike Sylvester brings you REVOLUTIONARY, a look at the wide world of Wii possibilities. I guess it could be said that my favorite game genres are rhythm and racing. My racing wheels, bongos, dance mats, drum kit, and guitar collection stand as testament to that being fact. So, while brainstorming new uses for my Guitar Hero III Wii Guitar, it struck me that racing might be the peanut butter to the guitar's chocolate. Yeah, I'm sure that doesn't make any sense to you, as I got the 'WTF face' plenty of times when explaining my plan to friends. But read on and I'll tell you how to shred. How to shred down NFS ProStreet.
EA seeking extra cash from collectors
EA is getting into the Collector's Edition racket with an upgraded version of Need For Speed: Carbon on sale October 31. Here's what you get for $69.99: 3 new cars 10 specially tuned cars 6 new races 10 exclusive vinyl kits Code to download Mazda RX-7 off XBLM Bonus DVD containing behind the scenes footage on the making of the game. What? No cat helmet? Couldn't they have thrown in a Match Box Car or a spare tire? Notice that unlike Gears of War and Halo 3, two games far more likely to attract the rabid fan, EA thinks they can get away with charging extra for actual game content -- stuff that could easily be included on the regular disc or thrown up on XBLM. Is this a fair deal, or are you starting to get that Lumines Live content gouge feeling?
A Bungie with business sense would make Halo 4 and 5 and...
Recently there have been some rumblings that Bungie won't make another Halo game after Halo 3 which appear to be centered around a statement that Marty O'Donnell made in an interview with the BBC. In this interview, Marty says, "We all want Halo to be the great ending to an epic trilogy. We look at what Peter Jackson did with the Lord of the Rings films - which each film bettering the previous one and that is what we are aiming for." Does that mean we won't be seeing another Halo game in the future? To people who understand that making video games is a business, the rumors (which are already half-disproved) that Bungie would end the Halo franchise anytime soon are ridiculous. The first two Halo games combined have sold 14.3 million units. That puts the Halo franchise within the top 30 best-selling game franchises of all time. Without Halo, Microsoft might as well not have bothered with the Xbox; Halo and Halo 2 sold more units than the next six best selling games on the Xbox combined (if you're wondering, these games are Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell, Fable, GTA: Double Pack, Project Gotham Racing, and Need for Speed: Underground 2). With a Halo movie on the way, and the facts that Halo 2 sold more units than the first and is still the #1 game played on Xbox Live under Bungie's belt, it wouldn't be wrong to say that the Halo franchise is increasing in popularity. The bottom line is that Bungie and Microsoft would have to be stupid to end their most lucrative franchise ever after #3. We don't claim to have any insider information, we don't dispute Marty's statement and we don't deny the possibility that Bungie will create new franchises, but based on pure business logic we'd expect to see at least another two games based on the Halo universe. From a business perspective, for Bungie to dump the Halo franchise after 3 would be sheer stupidity. [Source for sales figures, Image from 1001 Fonts]
