Ghost Games Take Over Need For Speed IP

Swedish developers Ghost Games have assumed control of the Need For Speed series, becoming the latest in a long line of studios associated with the franchise. Speaking with VideoGamer.net, Ghost boss Marcus Nilsson confirmed that they have taken over from previous developer Criterion Games, the studio behind 2012’s NFS: Most Wanted. Criterion are still working with Ghost to produce the upcoming release Rivals, but it is unclear what impact this reshuffle will have on that arrangement.

The Need For Speed series has had a long and somewhat inconsistent history, and has seen a decline in recent years. Nilsson cited these variations in the franchise as the source of it’s falling popularity.

“When you go from a Shift experience to The Run experience to a Hot Pursuit experience, then it loses credibility. I think we now have the work of re-establishing that credibility with building the brand.

The news hasn’t affected the launch plans for Need for Speed: Rivals, and is still on track for a November 2013 release on PC, Xbox 360 & PS3.