The Need for Speed franchise is a multi-platorm series of racing games developed by Electronic Arts. Need for Speed was created by Canadian developer Distinctive Software before an EA buyout in 1991.
The series is characterised by an arcade approach to the racing genre, often featuring police changes, street-style car customisation and over-the-top characters. Since Need for Speed's second iteration in 1997 the series has seen new releases every year, usually aimed at the holiday period, reflecting the game's broad popularity.
