Shift 2: Unleashed (previously known as Need for Speed: Shift 2 and often called Need for Speed: Shift 2 Unleashed) is a racing video game, and part of the Need for Speed series. It is the seventeenth installment in the long-running Need for Speed series. It was developed by Slightly Mad Studios and published by Electronic Arts. The game serves as a direct sequel to Need for Speed: Shift and expands on many aspects that were introduced in the original. Shift 2: Unleashed was released worldwide during March and April 2011.