Need for Speed 2022 coming earlier than expected according to latest rumour

With Criterion Games back behind the wheel, the next Need for Speed is one of our most anticipated racing games of 2022. But little is known about the new NFS right now. We don't expect that to change until E3 2022 at the earliest.

Going by past entries, we predicted the next NFS will release in November 2022 just in time for the Christmas rush. However, the new NFS could be coming sooner than expected if this leak is true.

New Need for Speed could release in September or October 2022

According to a Tweet by EA insider Tom Henderson, the new Need for Speed by Criterion will release in either September or October 2022. “EA is expecting Need for Speed by Criterion Games to release in September/October 2022,” he wrote.

https://twitter.com/_Tom_Henderson_/status/1484255649764622340

Henderson added that development was halted in summer 2021. This was when Criterion was brought in to help DICE finish developing Battlefield 2042. EA originally planned to release NFS between 1 April 2021 and 31 March 2022, but it was delayed as a result.

EA and Criterion haven’t announced a release date yet, so take this leak with a pinch of salt for now. However, Henderson is a reliable leaker.

Last year, he leaked accurate Battlefield 2042 details before the first-person shooter was announced. His Twitter account was subsequently suspended. 

Looking at the 2022 racing game release schedule, NFS could face some tough competition. If it releases in September, it will go head-to-head with Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown. At the time of writing, no racing games are releasing in November, leaving the door open for NFS.

When will Criterion’s Need for Speed be revealed?

A sequel to 2019’s NFS Heat, Criterion’s new NFS will most likely be revealed at EA Play during E3 2022 in June or July.

So far, EA has confirmed the next NFS will launch on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. As we’ve seen in a teaser video showing off the game’s detailed car models, the extra horsepower of the new console hardware will give the graphics a significant fidelity boost.  

We should find out more details about the next NFS in just a few months.