Need for Speed, also known by its initials NFS, is a racing video game franchise created by Electronic Arts and currently developed by Ghost Games. The series centers around illicit street racing and in general tasks players to complete various types of races while evading the local law enforcement in police pursuits. The series released its first title, The Need for Speed in 1994. Since Need for Speed: High Stakes, the series has also integrated car body customization into gameplay.

Need for Speed has been critically well received. It is one of the most successful video game franchises of all time, selling over 150 million copies of games.[1] Due to its strong sales, the franchise has expanded into other forms of media including a film adaptation and licensed Hot Wheels toys.[2]

The series has been overseen and had games developed by multiple notable teams over the years including EA Black Box and Criterion Games, the creators of the Burnout franchise.[3] In August 2013, following the downsizing of Criterion Games, it was announced that Swedish developer Ghost Games would gain control of the Need for Speed racing franchise and oversee future development of the main series.[4][5] At the time, 80% of Ghost Games' work force consisted of former Criterion Games employees.[4][5]