The next instalment of the franchise is coming courtesy of lauded Burnout Paradise developer Criterion, revealed today. In a conference call with investors, EA Games president confirmed work has long been under way at for an expected autumn 2010 release.

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Surprisingly, Gibeau admitted failing in recent years to deliver compelling Need for Speed titles stating, "In recent years, we failed to put adequate resources behind the franchise and, as a result, quality suffered."

Putting the award-winning team at Criterion in charge certainly is a step in the right direction. Burnout Paradise was both a critical darling and commercial success with well over a million copies sold.

Hopefully Criterion can infuse its version of Need for Speed with the same successful spirit.

By Tracy Erickson