New Need For Speed Game Confirmed For 2017, Will Not Be Always Online

Back in March 2016, following the release of the Need for Speed reboot, EA announced that the series would not have an annual release cycle. Instead, it stated that a new game would come sometime in 2017. Today, EA and developer Ghost Games have confirmed that there will, in fact, be a Need for Speed game launching by the end of this year.

Fans will have to wait a bit longer to hear news about what, exactly, this upcoming game will be. Ghost stated in a press release that it will share information about the next Need for Speed in the run up to EA's E3 2017 event, EA Play. However, it did hint at some of the important features that will be included, specifically customization and police pursuits.

"Rest assured that we're committed to customization having a home within the Need for Speed series," Ghost stated. "It's not going away and it will play as strong a role as ever as we move forward into the next game and beyond."

In addition, Ghost shared that it is focusing on making the next Need for Speed's world beautiful and full of things to do, including off-road driving: "Whether you're checking out your freshly customized ride or smoking the competition in an event up in the canyons, you're going to want a world that not only looks beautiful, but offers you the space in which to do the things you want. We’re dialing up the action and allowing you to tear up the tarmac, and dirt, to your heart's content."

Finally, Ghost revealed that it is making at least one significant change from the reboot, which was released in 2015. That game was always online, meaning that you couldn't play it unless you were connected to the Internet. This will not be the case for the 2017 game. "When release day rolls around for the next Need for Speed, you will be able to play through a single player experience completely offline. Before you ask, and we know you will, this does mean you will be able to pause the game."

You can check out our review of the Need for Speed reboot here. Keep an eye on GameSpot for more about the new game in the coming months. No official release date, title, or platforms have been announced yet, although the last game came out for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.