EA has said that the upcoming reboot of popular racing game Need For Speed will require an internet connection to play.
The news was confirmed via the official Need For Speed Twitter account, in response to a comment posted by a fan referring to Microsoft’s initial plan to make an internet connection mandatory for the Xbox One.
@DeanRheims NFS will require an online connection, but the benefits are nice. More variety and a more rewarding experience with friends.
— Need for Speed (@NeedforSpeed) May 28, 2015
The backlash Microsoft received for the controversial strategy clearly hasn’t been enough to put the publisher off. They defended the decision, saying that ‘the benefits are nice’.
Previous games in the series had an optional online component, but it looks like developer Ghost Games is aiming to make extensive use of the cloud for maximum multiplayer integration, much in the same vein as Ubisoft’s recent racer, The Crew.
Need For Speed is a complete reboot of the series that will be released for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC. No official release date has yet been announced, although a November launch has been rumoured. Expect more details during EA’s press conference at this year’s E3.
