Like many gaming corporations, EA has been hit with the reality of a declining economy, and is bit-by-bit cutting back on their expenses. News has emerged across the net, claiming that EA’s Black Box division will be eventually shut down, meaning that future Need For Speed titles may soon see no light of day.
In a report from globeandmail, it is reported that EA has decided to cancel the construction of their new gaming development studio in Vancouver, mainly because of slow holiday sales and the decline of the general economy. With such a negative reaction to NFS: Undercover sales had slumped and according to the NDP sales for November 08, Undercover didn’t make the top 20 either, which clearly showed that it didn’t sell well. There have also been reports that future NFS developments have been canceled.
“These are challenging times, they’re uncertain times for our industry and across the board…We continue to be firmly rooted in Vancouver.” - EA spokesman Colin Macrae
He also commented about a number of staff reductions but chose not to go into any detail. At this moment, this news is still not 100% confirmed by EA officials themselves, but it’s an impending reality and also it is sad to see such a long running title come to and end on such a low note. EA’s Black Box division may have had the chance to revive things since the CEO’s plans to have 2 separate teams work on the game seemed promising, but now we don’t know if that may ever come to light. Stay tuned for more updates.
http://www.autogaming.net/pc/1952/need-for-speed-series-coming-to-an-end/
If its true than Ea is stupid beacuse Need for speed is one Eas most succesful franchises and they always sell well, just look at Undercover its really a crappy game but it still sells just beacuse its Need for speed.
