Need for Speed Unboundmay have skipped PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, but Criterion Games believes the decision was made to benefit players of the latestNeed for Speedtitle. Criterion Games goes into detail about whyNeed for Speed Unboundskipped last-gen consoles in favor of the newest hardware, and the choices made during development could impact the future of the series positively.
Need for Speed Unboundis Criterion Games' return to the long-running racing series and a major transition from last-gen hardware.Need for Speed Unboundcapitalizes on the success ofNeed for Speed Heatwhile bringing a more stylized, underground approach to its visuals and aesthetic. According to Criterion Games creative director Kieran Crimmins, the studio wanted to bringNeed for Speed Unboundto PS4 and Xbox One early in the development process. Ultimately, the difficult decision was made by Criterion Games to focus on PS5 and Xbox Series X, and Crimmins believes it may have been for the best.
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Crimmins explains the technical capabilities of PS5 and Xbox Series X is “so much better” than what was possible on PS4 and Xbox One forNeed for Speed Unbound. Criterion Games wanted to double down on the newfound power of PS5 and Xbox Series X to bring out the best possibleNeed for Speedexperience. Factors such asNeed for Speed Unbound’sstylish effects, the increasing desire for 4K resolution and 60 FPS support, and the game’s new physics engine led Criterion Games to focus solely on development for current-gen platforms and PC.
The creative director believes critics that playNeed for Speed Unboundwill understand Criterion Games' decision to skip the PS4 and Xbox One versions entirely. Criterion Games wanted to make the best possible player experience according to Crimmins, and the studio’s desire to make its best game yet drove their decision during development.
The gaming industry appears to be at a crossroads for last-gen and current-gen development, and Criterion Games has already made its transition clear. If released for PS4 and Xbox One,Need for Speed Unboundmay have suffered from technical issues and game-breaking bugs. Criterion Games appears to have prevented such a situation entirely by focusing on current-gen platforms.Need for Speed Unboundstill needs to improveupon its own features and mechanics, however.
At the very least,Need for Speed Unboundwas developed with the goal of making the best experience for players. Criterion Games' judgment is one that more developers will likely follow in 2023 and beyond as last-gen consoles continue to show their glaring limitations.
Need for Speed Unboundis available now for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
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