Codemasters Halts Future Rally Game Development

Codemasters has officially announced that no further expansions will be developed for 2023's EA Sports WRC, marking the end of their journey with the game. In a surprising twist, the studio has also decided to "pause development plans on future rally titles." This news was shared through a statement on EA.com, signaling a significant shift for the veteran UK racing studio.

Reflecting on their journey, Codemasters expressed pride in their WRC partnership, which they consider a culmination of their long history with off-road racing. From the iconic Colin McRae Rally to the Dirt series, they have consistently pushed the boundaries to deliver the thrilling experience of rally driving. The studio has worked alongside talented developers and rally legends, fostering a community of rally enthusiasts over the years.

The World Rally Championship has responded to the news on social media, hinting at an "ambitious new direction" for the WRC gaming franchise with more details expected soon. This development follows EA's acquisition of Codemasters in 2020, a move that has now led to a halt in the studio's rally game production, much to the disappointment of motorsports fans.

This announcement comes amidst reports of significant layoffs at EA, including around 100 at Respawn Entertainment, totaling over 300 across the company. Codemasters has been a leading force in rally gaming since the release of Colin McRae Rally in 1998. The series evolved significantly over the years, transitioning from Colin McRae Rally to Dirt, and later to the hardcore simulation of Dirt Rally in 2015.

EA Sports WRC, released in 2023, was the first Codemasters rally game to feature an official WRC license since 2002's Colin McRae Rally 3. According to IGN's review, the game captured the essence of 2019's Dirt Rally 2.0 within an officially licensed WRC framework. However, it was plagued by technical issues such as screen tearing, which subsequent updates aimed to address. Despite these challenges, the game strived to be a top-tier racing experience.