A particular feature in NFS Most Wanted was so contentious that it led some developers to resign.

      Electronic Arts

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      What can be said about Need for Speed: Most Wanted? For many, it's still considered the benchmark for open-world arcade racing games over 20 years after its release. Racing through the amber-hued streets of Rockport while listening to Lupe Fiasco and Disturbed, knocking over enormous donut shop signs to evade pursuing Crown Vics is a memorable gaming experience. A recent Reddit AMA featuring members of the development team has provided intriguing insights into its creation, revealing that one feature frustrated some developers so much that they decided to leave.

      First, a shoutout to the r/NeedforSpeed subreddit, which hosted this live interview with Scott Probin, Brendan Cohoe, and Russell Rice, three former staff members of Electronic Arts BlackBox, the studio known for producing iconic titles that represent the golden era of NFS for many players. The discussion spans the games this group worked on, from Porsche Unleashed in 2000 to Most Wanted in 2005. Lasting over two hours, it's captivating and a worthwhile listen for fans of any or all of these games.

      When the topic of challenges or conflicts during development arose early on, Rice, who was part of the art team for Most Wanted, revealed that the game's Speedbreaker mechanic—similar to "bullet time" in driving, which temporarily slows down action to allow players to maneuver around spikes or avoid crashes—became a significant point of disagreement for some BlackBox developers.

      “I can tell you it was Most Wanted that was the final straw for several of us leaving, and the whole ‘Need for Slow’ button was kind of the dealbreaker,” Rice mentioned. “They introduced that slow-motion button, which, for many of us, felt counter to the exhilarating speed that Need for Speed had always been celebrated for. That left a bitter feeling for a lot of us.”

      If you recall the making-of video featured in the PlayStation 2 version of Hot Pursuit 2, you might recognize Rice, as he discusses some of the game’s environmental design and graphical technology. Bullet time, an effect made famous by The Matrix, became a common element in various video games afterward, especially those involving combat. However, its influence extended beyond shooters, with arcade racing games like Need for Speed and Midnight Club incorporating the effect as well. As Rice explains, some developers believed it contradicted the fast-paced and chaotic gameplay associated with the franchise.

      “It was a significant issue because what we loved about Need for Speed was the feeling of being almost out of control, especially with a powerful car. At times, the speed made you feel uncontrollable, and then adding a button to slow down time felt really offensive to some of us.”

      The Speedbreaker feature was not the sole reason for some developers' departure—it was “one of a few factors,” according to Rice. The lengthy discussion made it evident that BlackBox faced considerable pressure to deliver games quickly while expanding its workforce rapidly. The British Columbia-based studio managed the series until the release of Need for Speed: The Run in 2011, after which EA closed it down.

      If you need evidence of just how impactful NFS: Most Wanted was, consider that two years ago, BMW created an M3 GTR with a livery matching the iconic one from the game.

      Once again, I must emphasize that this AMA is essential for any Need for Speed enthusiast. I particularly enjoyed the discussion regarding Hot Pursuit 2, developed by two distinct teams—BlackBox for the PS2 and EA Seattle for all other platforms. While both versions share car rosters and track ideas, they are otherwise completely separate products created by different teams, offering unique gameplay experiences despite sharing a title. It's a reflection of a gaming era you rarely see today.

      As for the Speedbreaker mechanic, even though it may not have been favored by some of those who contributed to making Most Wanted successful, the game's achievements and enduring legacy have demonstrated that players appreciated it differently.

      If you have a tip about a racing game, new or old, feel free to contact the author: adam.ismail@thedrive.com.