Open-source server emulator restores offline play in Need for Speed 2015

The afterhours-crew modding team released source code for afterhours-2015, a Rust-based server emulator that removes Need for Speed (2015)'s mandatory online dependency and runs the game locally. The release follows the European Commission's June 16, 2026 refusal to mandate game preservation and earlier US rejection of expanded DMCA protections for archivists.

• Emulator is written in Rust 1.98.1 and ships as source only under MPL 2.0
• Supports local accounts, free roam in Ventura Bay, garage and partial save progress
• Scripted prologue and full progression are not yet supported
• EA servers are still online, but the emulator will be the only way to play once they shut down