Slightly Mad Studios' claim that it "includes developers and designers that worked on the critically acclaimed games GT Legends and GTR 2" hasn't sat too well with Race Pro and GTR series developer SimBin, which is now considering legal action.

"[SimBin] is taking legal advice and considering to also take legal actions against Slightly Mad Studios, as a result of certain statements made by Slightly Mad Studios that we find to be incorrect, misleading and has a negative impact on our reputation as well as business negotiations," SimBin VP Magnus Ling told Joystiq.

Slightly Mad's statement was contained in the announcement for Need for Speed Shift, a realistic take on the traditionally arcadey series it's developing with Electronic Arts. The PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PSP racing simulation is expected to hit this fall.

Over on its official site, Slightly Mad states that its staff "formed the core development team" responsible for SimBin's GTR, GTR 2, and GT Legends, and provides a list of those employees and the roles they played in developing those games... Read more

Need for Speed Shift

Update: In addition to the three Need for Speed games below, Electronic Arts tells Eurogamer that "Black Box is currently working on a future action title in the franchise."

No additional details on the so-called "secret NFS game" are known at this time.

Original Story: GameSpot is reporting that despite recent mass layoffs at Need for Speed series developer EA Black Box, Electronic Arts is not giving up on the Need for Speed franchise.

On the contrary, as the publisher has three new entries in the series in the works.

The PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PSP are set to receive Need for Speed Shift, described as a "hardcore racing simulation". Development is being handled by UK start-up Slightly Mad Studios, with production overseen by Black Box... Read more