<Tr> <Th> First release </Th> <Td> The Need for Speed August 31, 1994 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Latest release </Th> <Td> Need for Speed Payback November 10, 2017 </Td> </Tr> <P> Need for Speed (NFS) is a racing video game franchise published by Electronic Arts and developed by Ghost Games . The series centers around illicit street racing and in general tasks players to complete various types of races while evading the local law enforcement in police pursuits . The series released its first title, The Need for Speed in 1994 . The most recent game, Need for Speed Payback, was released on November 10, 2017 . </P> <P> The series has been overseen and had games developed by multiple notable teams over the years including EA Black Box and Criterion Games, the developers of Burnout . The franchise has been critically well received and is one of the most successful video game franchises of all time, selling over 150 million copies of games . Due to its strong sales, the franchise has expanded into other forms of media including a film adaptation and licensed Hot Wheels toys . </P>

What is the latest need for speed game