Since its debut in November 2019,Need for Speed Heathas enjoyed a solid run. But now, developer Criterion Games is preparing for the next console generation with the series' next game. However, Criterion and Electronic Arts will be sendingNeed for Speed Heatoff in style with a final, massive update on June 9.
In a press release, Matt Webster, Criterion Games' general manager addressed fans to lay out the final update’s features and to tease a newNeed for Speedgame. Although developer Ghost Games createdHeat, EA has assignedCriterion to focus on theNeed for Speedfranchiseonce again.
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According to Webster, Criterion is introducing crossplay in its last major contribution toNeed for Speed Heat. According to the press release,Need for Speed Heatisthe first EA game to allow PS4, Xbox One and PC fans to play together.The patch notes also promised some final bug fixes. Now that Criterion is ending support forHeat,it is gathering feedback from players for the franchise’s next installment.
Many fans expressed their disappointment that EA was ending support forHeatin favor of anewNeed for Speedgame.Although several Twitter users were excited about crossplay, more responses to the news pointed out how short the game’s life cycle was. While some fans argued thatHeathad potential and deserved more support, others complained about the “mediocre” quality of the series so far and announced that they would not be pre-ordering the next installment. Criterion’s desire to focus on a new game that it built from the ground up is understandable, but its decision appears to be highly unpopular with longtime fans.
AlthoughNeed for Speed Heatmay not have lived up to its predecessorsin the end, the title was still an enjoyable entry with solid gameplay. Now that a seasoned racing game developer is back in the saddle, perhaps the nextNeed for Speedgame will exceed fan expectations.
Need for Speed Heatis available now on PC, PS4 and Xbox One. Its final update will be available on Jun 28, 2025 and it is coming to EA Access and the Origin Access Basic Vault on June 15, 2025.
