Shift 2: Unleashed (also known as 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, although it was not released in Japan. Shift 2: Unleashed for the PlayStation 3 has been made available as a free download during the month of April 2012 (starting April 3) to PlayStation Plus subscribers.