Need for Speed is the most successful racing video game series in the world
Need for Speed is the most successful racing video game series in the world
Since the release of 'The Need for Speed' in 1994, there have been 16 releases of this seminal game. Unlike other racing games such as Gran Turismo and Forza, the central theme of a Need for Speed game changes with each title – taking great inspiration from the original Fast and Furious movie in 2001. EA recently decided to work with DreamWorks to create a film based on Need for Speed with a release date set for February 7, 2014.
Total global sales across all releases, on all formats: 86,810,000 units
Best selling game: Need for Speed Underground (PS3) (2003)
Italian for 'Grand Tourer', at it's time, Gran Turismo was the most advanced racing game ever created. Released in 1997 after five years in development – it was the precursor to 10 spin-offs and sequels. Its success mainly stems from a large number of licensed vehicles, high level of attention to detail, accurate driving physics simulation, and the ability to tune performance. Since Gran Turismo 4, it's even featured its own in-game used car dealership.
Total global sales across all releases, on all formats: 65,960,000 units
Best selling game: Gran Turismo 3 (PS2) (2001)
Highly praised on release, and pitched against the Gran Turismo (GT) series, the game was published by Microsoft exclusively for the Xbox. There are 31 cars in Forza Motorsport ranging from a Honda Civic to supercars such as the Enzo Ferrari. Many feel it's a better game than GT due to its online play, realistic damage model and solid artificial intelligence (AI).
Total global sales across all releases, on all formats: 15,610,000 units
Best selling game: Forza Motorsport 3 (Xbox 360)
Burnout is best known for its 'crash modes' and emphasis on aggressive driving - as opposed to realistic driving simulation. Crashes, or 'takedowns' are replayed in slow motion. Since making its debut with 'Burnout' in 2001 the most recent release was Burnout Crash! in late 2011.
Total global sales across all releases, on all formats: 12,760,000 units
Best selling game: Burnout 3: Takedown (PS2) (2004)
Since 1998 this game franchise has been a huge success and subject of much critical acclaim. It's widely seen as the pioneer of realistic rally sport games. World Rally Championship driver Colin McRae actually provided technical advice during development.
Total global sales across all releases, on all formats: 10,730,000 units
Best selling game: Colin McRae Rally (PlayStation)
First launched on the Super NES in 1992, its most recent releases have been on the Nintendo Wii and DS. Mario Kart is widely cited as being one of the greatest multi-player experiences in gaming – making it in to the Guinness Book of World Records as the best selling handheld racing game, and also the number one console game of all time based on 'initial impact and lasting legacy'.
Total global sales across all releases, on all formats: 94,790,000 units
Best selling game: Mario Kart (Wii) and Mario Kart (DS)
Crazy Taxi is an "open world" racing game which is known for its simple, fast paced arcade style racing action. The first edition was released in arcades in 1999 and ported to Dreamcast the following year. In 2012, Sega announced that Crazy Taxi would be brought to the App Store on iOS devices.
Total global sales across all releases, on all formats: 5,840,000 units
Best selling game: Crazy Taxi (PS2)
