Although the studio responsible for the latest Need for Speed games will be shut down next month, Electronic Arts wants you to know it's not only continuing the Need for Speed franchise, but it's now casting a much wider net than it has previously.

Need for Speed is committed to providing unique and customized experiences for all types of racing fans by establishing three independent series; simulation, action and arcade racing. Each series will be developed by a highly-specialized team dedicated to delivering the ultimate racing experiences to car enthusiasts around the world - whether they be interested in adrenaline action, arcade fun or authentic simulation.

I'm not sure I get the distinction between "adrenaline action" and "arcade fun", but I suspect the word "casual" should have been in there somewhere.

Need for Speed: Shift (pictured) is going for the GTR crowd (if you don't know what GTR is, then rest assured it's not for you). In fact, it's being created by a new studio in London formed from former GTR developers. Need for Speed: Nitro, which EA points out is just a working title, will be the Need for Speed the Ninentdo Wii and DS. To EA's credit, they're handing this one over to an entirely separate studio rather than saddling some poor developer with the unenviable task of adapting a non-Wii game to a Wii. Just rent the latest Need for Speed for the Wii sometime if you want to see how that worked out.

Finally, Need for Speed World Online for the PC seems tailor-made for micropayments in the Asian market.

This Play 4 Free action racing game will give Need for Speed fans access to licensed cars, parts and multiple game modes. Players will prove their racing supremacy through the sophisticated online matchmaking features and fully customize their profile and their ride.

All four titles are scheduled to come out at the end of this year.