Need For Speed 2015 requires always-online internet connection

EA's forthcoming open world Need For Speed title will require an online connection, the game's official Twitter account has revealed. "The benefits are nice," they insisted in response to a fan query.

Called only Need For Speed for now, the game set for release in November is being described as a "full reboot" of the racing series which will include a seamless online mode like that featured in 2013's Need For Speed Rivals, called AllDrive.

Tweets (embedded below) say the always-online aspect will offer "more variety and a more rewarding experience with friends" and that it will allow for players to be part of the game's "narrative experience".

@DeanRheims NFS will require an online connection, but the benefits are nice. More variety and a more rewarding experience with friends.

— Need for Speed (@NeedforSpeed) May 28, 2015

@JonBarry3 Being connected will allow your friends to be part of your narrative experience, something only possible through connected play.

— Need for Speed (@NeedforSpeed) May 28, 2015

Quite what any of this means we don't know, so expect further details at EA's E3 press conference on Monday 15 June. Other tweets confirmed that there would be separate multiplayer and single-player modes however.

Need For Speed Rivals was the last game in the series, which took an uncharacteristic break last year. In late May EA teased the game with a short trailer and some close-ups of hot and sweaty rain-drenched cars.

Rumours had speculated that this would be Need For Speed: Underground 3, but it being a "full reboot" suggests not. That said the game will feature customisable cars, which was a big feature of the successful street racing iteration of the franchise.

Need For Speed 2015's status as an always-online game will irk a few gamers, but it is certainly the way games are heading. There is no word yet on whether there will be any sort of offline mode separate to the bulk of the game.