Slightly Mad scores Need For Speed sequel

London developer Slightly Mad Studios has signed a new deal to build a sequel to Need For Speed Shift, publisher EA has announced.

The game’s predecessor – also built by Slightly Mad – was released September 2009, and EA has set a tight deadline for the project sequel.

Need for Speed: Shift 2 Unleashed will be released on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC next spring.

The announcement comes just days ahead of the arrival of Need for Speed Hot Pursuit, a reboot for the series built by fellow UK studio Criterion.

Slightly Mad will work closely with real-world performance drivers to “ensure the game captures becomes the benchmark in authentic racing action”, EA said.

“Shift 2 Unleashed is redefining immersive racing by blending the rush of tearing up the track at unbelievable speeds with the emotional experience of competitive battle,” said Marcus Nilsson, the project’s executive producer.