In an interview with Polygon, EA executive Patrick Söderlund revealed that the Need for Speed franchise now belongs to the EA Sports label.
"When you've had a franchise that's been going on for 20 years like Need for Speed, I think it was time for us to get a different pair of eyes on it, a fresh look and feel on it. If something can come in and make take it to the next level, take it to a different direction", said Söderlund.
"I think that we can learn a lot from the sports games and what they've done. When you play a sports game, the controller in your hand will dictate how good the game is. It's all about player control and input and how it feels. It's a feeling, right? I think that focus on pure gameplay, is something that can benefit the Need for Speed brand in a very positive way".
Don't expect any drastic changes, but perhaps the annual Need for Speed instalments have more in common with their sports counterpart than with other EA Games products.
The next game in the series, Need for Speed: Rivals is set for release on November 22.