It’s a new year and a time for fresh beginnings. New games are in the works, while games that are pre-existing are getting even better. For Need for Speed Payback fans, life on the open road is going to get a little bit more … well … open! Electronic Arts and Ghosts Games have confirmed that they are bringing Online Free Roam, for free, this year. What makes this even better, is that fans have been asking for this since day one – and now it’s finally happening.

Online Free Roam coming 2018, Happy New Year from everyone at Need for Speed! 🎆 pic.twitter.com/Ht8cRsvQQA

— Need for Speed (@NeedforSpeed) January 1, 2018

Though there is no set release date yet, since the team mentions in a few of their responses that it is still currently being worked on. That didn’t stop players from getting absolutely hype, however. Here are a few of our favorite responses:

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— ╿ℑυмᴀ῟ᴬᴸᴰᴴᴬ͂͠ᴴᴱᴿᴵ╿ (@_MYNON) January 1, 2018

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— Brandon Dawe [IVI] (@Carbon_YT_) January 1, 2018

Are we dreaming?! 😍

— HIboostRacingClub (@HIboostRaceClub) January 1, 2018

I think I love you

— Sonny (@ElementoZephyer) January 1, 2018

Finally❤️Thank you for listen to fans and Happy New Year !

— Electronic Arts Fans (@ea_fans) January 1, 2018

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— il0v3htrz (@ScottTaylen) January 1, 2018

2018 even started and that is the best gift i won this year

— gustavo oliveira (@oliv_guga) January 1, 2018

It’s always nice to see developers listen to their fans, especially for such a long-standing franchise like Need for Speed. The series itself has been around since 1994, and shows no signs of even remotely slowing down. It’s been a crazy road (heh heh heh) so far for the Need for Speed brand, it will be interesting to see where it all goes from here!

What do you think about online free roam finally making its way to Payback? Too little too late, or are you just stoked it’s finally happening? Sound off with your thoughts in the comment section below, and don’t forget to check out DFTG on Twitter for gaming and entertainment news live 24/7!