In a disappointing announcement for PC gamers, EA and Ghost Games have confirmed that the highly anticipated reboot of Need For Speed 2015 will be delayed on PC until Spring 2016. The game was originally scheduled to launch simultaneously across all platforms on November 3rd, 2015.
The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions will still release as planned on November 3rd, 2015, but PC gamers will have to wait several additional months to experience the urban night racing action that has been generating buzz since the game's reveal at E3 2015.
Ghost Games cited the need for additional development time to deliver the best possible PC experience as the reason for the delay. The studio wants to ensure the PC version takes full advantage of the platform's capabilities while maintaining the visual fidelity and performance standards PC gamers expect.
PS4 & Xbox One: November 3rd, 2015
PC: Spring 2016 (Exact date TBA)
The Need For Speed reboot promises to deliver an authentic urban car culture experience, bringing back elements that made titles like NFS Underground so beloved by fans. The game features an open-world setting called Ventura Bay, exclusively nocturnal street racing, deep customization options with real branded parts from companies like Rocket Bunny and Watanabe, and a story-driven campaign with live-action cutscenes.
The game is being built on the Frostbite 3 Engine and offers five distinct ways to play: Speed, Style, Build, Crew, and Outlaw. Players can tune everything from brake drift and steering behavior to tire pressure and downforce, while the visual customization allows for full body kits, vinyl wraps, and granular paint controls.
One controversial aspect that remains unchanged is the always-online requirement, even for single-player mode. This AllDrive-inspired system, carried over from Need For Speed Rivals, allows players to seamlessly interact with friends and other racers in the same world.
While the delay is certainly frustrating for PC enthusiasts, the decision suggests EA is taking the PC platform seriously and wants to avoid the kind of problematic launches that have plagued other high-profile releases this year. PC gamers will be hoping the extra development time results in a properly optimized experience when the game finally arrives in early 2016.
