Eurogamer is reporting that Electronic Arts is planning on reorienting the Need for Speed series going forward. The main entry in the franchise will be Need for Speed: Shift for the PS3, PSP, PC and Xbox 360. The game, under development by GT Legends and GTR 2 creators Slightly Mad Studios, will be a more serious simulation than recent Need for Speed entries.

"The urban underground was a manifestation of style in some past Need for Speed games for sure, but Shift focuses less on these style cues and more on mirroring the driver experience, that athleticism of being in a wickedly-intense race, and what it really feels like to be behind the wheel," said Keith Munro, Vice President of Marketing at Electronic Arts.

On the more casual side, there will be Need for Speed: Nitro for the Wii and DS. Described as an arcade style racer, Munro noted that, "Need for Speed Nitro on the Wii and DS will not be a Mario Kart clone - Nintendo already does an excellent job with that. Instead, we are evolving the arcade racer with a fresh and unique visual style that is very Need for Speed. The game will be rich and deep and will appeal to experienced arcade racers as well as casual players."

Finally, in the 'Play 4 Free' category, Need for Speed: World Online will release for the PC in Asia and then other regions later. Developed by Black Box and EA's Singapore studio, the game will focus on online multiplayer and highly customizable licensed vehicles.

"This is not so much a proof of concept - it is a full-fledged launch in a market that we are very ambitious toward," explained Munro. "This Play 4 Free action racing game will give Need for Speed fans the most licensed cars, parts and game modes ever in Need for Speed's history. Players will prove their racing supremacy through the sophisticated online matchmaking features and fully customize their profile and their ride."

Update: EA has now officially announced the games in a press release. Need for Speed: Shift and Need for Speed: Nitro are both slated for Fall 2009, while Need for Speed: World Online is scheduled to launch Winter 2009 (Summer 2009 in Asia).

"We recognize racing videogame fans are very passionate and unique -- they want customized gameplay experiences. Whether it's more of a realistic driving game with accurate car physics or over-the-top cop chases, we are making different games for different audiences," said Munro. "Each game provides a deep, engaging and rich racing experience. We're giving players the option to choose the best racing title that suits their style of gameplay."