The naming choice for this installment of the racing series has a thoughtful background that goes beyond merely adding another number in the sequence. The developers wanted to elevate the franchise rather than follow the traditional track-by-track formula, which ultimately prompted the choice to designate the game in a way that reflects a broader, more immersive experience.
The creative team explained that if the plan had been simply to include a few more courses, a numbered title would have been appropriate. However, they set out to redefine the gameplay by designing a continuously connected world that takes advantage of modern capabilities. Early development sketches already showcased this new concept, emphasizing a complete transformation of the standard course structure.
One of the producers detailed how past games progressed from one distinct track to the next, but the intent this time was to enable seamless transitions across a vast, unified environment. This innovative approach not only breaks with tradition but also embraces the technological advancements that allow for a genuine sense of a continuous world during races.
The development team reflected on having refined the classic formula over previous installments. Their ambition was to introduce a dramatically new form while still respecting the expectations of longtime players. A lead planner noted that achieving a smoothly interconnected game world was both an exciting challenge and a departure from the discrete, stage-based design of earlier titles.
Looking ahead, there remains the possibility that future entries in the series could return to a numbered naming system if the focus shifts back to refining existing gameplay elements rather than undertaking expansive, unconventional innovations.