'Need for Speed' news: game reboot requires online connection

Need for Speed website

Although the single player mode will still be supported in the upcoming reboot of driving sim title "Need for Speed," it seems that the game will need to be "always online" like other newer titles in order to get the most out of the challenges. 

According to a tweet from the official account of the franchise, the online connection would be a requirement in order for players to fully immerse themselves in the "Need for Speed" experience. Additionally, the official account went on to say that "being connected will allow your friends to be part of your narrative experience, something only possible through connected play." 

The publisher and the developer assure players that the online connectivity will not hinder the overall gameplay experience, saying, "We will have fully dedicated servers and great improvements to the AllDrive system." 

The reboot for the racing and driving simulation game was announced last week, and is set for release for current-gen consoles PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. The game is also scheduled to be launched on Windows PC. The upcoming title is already the 22nd "Need for Speed" title under the franchise, with previous games using stand-alone titles such as "Underground," "Shift," and "Most Wanted." The original "Need for Speed" was introduced in 1994 and was the first attempt by publisher Electronic Arts to simulate real-life racing and driving elements through collaborations with different race track staff, professional drivers, and certified automotive experts. Under the franchise, the most recent title was "No Limits," a game made exclusively as a mobile game title for iOS and Android. 

The full reboot of the "Need for Speed" title is developed by Ghost Games and is slated to arrive on Nov. 3 in North America and a slightly-delayed Nov. 5 release in Europe.