Codemasters Halts Future Rally Game Development

Codemasters has officially announced that they will not be releasing any further expansions for the 2023 edition of EA Sports WRC, marking the end of their development journey with the game. In a surprising addition to this news, the studio has also confirmed a "pause" on any future rally game projects. This statement was published on EA.com, signaling a significant shift in direction for the veteran UK racing studio.

Reflecting on their journey, Codemasters stated, “Our WRC partnership was a culmination of sorts for our Codemasters journey with off-road racing, spanning decades through titles like Colin McRae Rally, and Dirt. We’ve provided a home for every rally enthusiast, striving tirelessly to push the boundaries and deliver the exhilarating thrill of driving on the ragged edge. We’ve brought together incredibly talented racing developers, worked with some of the sport’s icons, and had the opportunity to share our love of rallying.” This reflects their deep commitment and passion for the rally genre over the years.

The World Rally Championship itself has acknowledged the news on social media, hinting at an "ambitious new direction" for the WRC gaming franchise, with more information expected soon. This vague statement leaves fans curious about the future of rally gaming.

This development is a tough blow for motorsports enthusiasts, especially in light of EA's acquisition of Codemasters in 2020. The news follows reports of significant layoffs at EA, including over 300 staff members, with approximately 100 from Respawn Entertainment, adding to the uncertainty within the gaming community.

Codemasters has been a pioneer in the rally gaming world for nearly three decades, starting with the iconic 1998 release of Colin McRae Rally. This groundbreaking title launched a series that evolved and gained acclaim over the years. After the tragic passing of Colin McRae in 2007, the series transitioned away from his name, continuing as Dirt. The 2009 release of Dirt 2 (known as Colin McRae: Dirt 2 in Europe and other PAL regions) represented a pivotal shift for the series, which later embraced hardcore simulation with 2015's Dirt Rally.

The 2023 release of EA Sports WRC was notable as the first Codemasters rally game with an official WRC license since 2002's Colin McRae Rally 3. According to IGN's review, EA Sports WRC built on the acclaimed driving mechanics of 2019's Dirt Rally 2.0, integrating them into an officially licensed World Rally Championship experience. However, the game faced criticism for its technical issues, such as screen tearing, which subsequent updates aimed to address. The review likened the game to a "great racing game trying to fight its way out of an unfinished one," encapsulating the mixed feelings about its potential and execution.