Electronic Arts Inc. announced today that EA Asia will publish Need for Speed World Online in Taiwan and Hong Kong. Jointly created by EA Black Box, the developer of the Need for Speed franchise, and EA’s online studio in Singapore, EA’s blockbuster racing franchise comes to Asia with a free to play, multiplayer PC-only online game   The first phase of technical testing is scheduled to start in March 2009.

The game offers numerous race tracks and game modes where players are able to form teams to take on the competition and the police.  Players can collect and customize racing characters alongside authentic real-world licensed cars  and will be able to track their progress via online leaderboards, all in the largest free roaming environment in Need for Speed history. Need for Speed World Online is a new entertainment experience that delivers excellent gameplay, stunning graphics and sophisticated online matchmaking features that emphasize social interaction between players.

“Need for Speed is one of the world’s best-selling franchises, and is especially popular among gamers in Taiwan and Hong Kong. We’re thrilled to bring this EA-owned property to Asia and to begin our self publishing model in Taiwan and Hong Kong. We look forward to the results of this testing phase for continued improvement in providing the best service to online gamers across Asia,” said Jon Niermann, President of EA Asia.

Need For Speed World Online is a multi-player PC game jointly developed by Black Box, the developer of the Need for Speed franchise, and EA’s online studio in Singapore. Need for Speed World Online joins EA’s roster of online games in Asia including the successful launches of EA SPORTS FIFA Online 2 in Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand, and Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning across Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore.