Rumour: Next Need for Speed Game Has Begun Motion Capture, Will Contain Motor Cyclists and Emotes
UPDATE: An EA source has confirmed to me that this motion capture session was originally recorded for Need for Speed Heat. Alex Nu also confirmed this and referenced an August 2018 capture session linked on his Instagram page.
Bikes were originally planned for Need for Speed Heat, as per several unfinished bike models found in the game files, but were cut during development. It’s unclear whether Nu’s dances were just for background characters during events or were potential dance emotes for characters.
The wording and timing of Nu’s posts led many to believe this would be for Criterion’s upcoming Need for Speed title, speculated to release November 2021 if it follows previous Need for Speed release schedules.
Original Story: Electronic Arts have seemingly begun the motion capture process for the next Need for Speed game, and will contain motor cyclists/bikers and dance emotes, according to an Instagram post made by a hired actor.
Alex Nu, who according to his LinkedIn Page is a self-employed actor/dancer, revealed in an Instagram post that he has been hired by EA to do “Motion Capture for the new Need for Speed video game.”
The post also reveals other little details about Criterion’s Need for Speed game, with mention that his motion capture sessions involved “performing actions and movements for the male characters throughout the game such as racers, drivers, motor cyclists and civilians.”
In addition to this, Nu revealed that player avatars - which made their first appearance in Need for Speed Heat - will return in the next Need for Speed game, but will also seemingly have the ability to dance, which could mean we see the addition of Emotes in this next title.
While we’re still roughly 13-14 months away from the launch of the next Need for Speed game (provided it launches next year), it’s interesting to see that the impact of COVID-19 hasn’t majorly affected Criterion’s development on the next title — which only began production earlier this year before several country lockdowns in March forced companies to work from home.
We also had our first official look at the game in development during this year’s EA Play showcase, and an unofficial leak showcasing gameplay in a pre Alpha state back in August.
We’ll be sure to keep you up to date on all future news, announcements, leaks and rumours regarding the next Need for Speed game.
[Source: Instagram]