Electronic Arts' Need for Speed racing franchise has been on a downward spiral in the past few years, and even EA admits it. They're now taking steps to recapture the franchise's glory days, and among their gambits is tapping Burnout devs Criterion Games for a new Need for Speed title set for release in 2010.

This just in: 11-year EA veteran Neil Young left his position in the company. Details were kept pretty vague, but the word is that he's out for a "new project." Why did he leave and who's going to take his place? Details after the jump.

In a presentation to industry analysts, Electronic Arts' president Frank Gibeau has announced that they will be releasing sequels for both Skate (Xbox 360, PS3) and Mass Effect as well as a new Burnout game. If you want to find out more, head on over to the full article by clicking on the "read more" link below.

Now we know why EA is asking everybody about what they want from a video game console...

As you all know, The Lord of the Rings series of video games on consoles is being handled by Electronic Arts (EA). If you happen to like those games, you might be delighted to know that the publisher just signed a new license with the film company New Line Cinema, thereby assuring the extension of the partnership.

EA's Executive VP and general manager of North American publishing Frank Gibeau is quite excited as he quipped, "The Lord of the Rings is an incredible canvas to create epic games. We look forward to our next project with New Line Cinema and Tolkien Enterprises scheduled to ship in 2008."

Furthermore, EA slipped in an exciting development saying that an all new LOTR title is coming up. The publisher wouldn't divulge any information on what platform it will be released on (or platforms, for that matter), or when the new title will be released. "We have a long history of making great games with EA and are thrilled to extend our longstanding relationship," remarked David Imhoff, New Line's Senior Exec. VP of Worldwide Licensing and Merchandising.

The list of current LOTR video games from EA includes:

• The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle Earth II (PC, 360)
• The Lord of the Rings: The White Council (360, PS3)
• The Lord of the Rings: Tactics (PSP)