Ghost Games Explains Why 'Need For Speed' Is Always Online

The upcoming “Need for Speed” reboot from EA studio Ghost Games will require a constant online connection to be played. This decision is controversial, but Ghost Games said it’s a necessary move since “Need for Speed” will be updated constantly with new features like the revamped Autolog and a Photo Mode.

Apparently, the two features are needed to make the game feel cinematic and allow opponents to feel they’re part of the player’s narrative. Games Radar reported executive producer Marcus Nilsson explained the decision to keep the game online and the revamped Autolog in the Official Xbox Magazine.

Fans of the previous games know Autolog has always been a big presence in the game, but the reboot apparently will take things to the next level, as the feature will have a more human voice. This more “human voice” will treat the other players like rivals in the game’s ongoing narrative as the player attempts to be the best racer in the world. Prior to this, the series’ Autolog feature simply had players compete with each other in races and compare scores to see which player got the best one. In essence, this could give a more integrative and immersive feel for multiplayer mode.

The game’s Photo Mode or Snapshot System isn’t just for taking pictures. Once the pictures have been taken and posted, other players can “like” them, resulting in the player getting some in-game currency to buy better parts for his or her car, GameSpot reported. These possibilities obviously differentiate the Snapshot system from similar modes in “Batman: Arkham Knight” or “Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor.”

“Need for Speed” also will blend some of the game’s live-action sequences with the gameplay. Ghost Games wants to push the boundaries of current-gen gaming by compositing the “Need for Speed” game engine Frostbite.

Fans will be able to pick up the “Need for Speed” reboot later this year for the PC, PS4 and Xbox One. In the meantime, gamers can check out the trailer below and see how cinematic the title will be.