Codemasters Halts Future Rally Game Development

Codemasters has officially announced that there will be no further expansions for 2023’s EA Sports WRC, signaling the end of their journey with the game. In a disheartening addition to this news, the studio has also confirmed a "pause" on the development of future rally titles. This announcement was made through EA's official website, marking a significant moment for fans of the genre.

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 statement encapsulates the studio's dedication to the rally racing community 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 promised in the near future. This shift comes as a surprise and disappointment to many, especially in light of EA's acquisition of Codemasters in 2020, which had raised hopes for continued innovation and development in the rally genre.

This announcement follows reports of significant layoffs at EA, including around 100 at Respawn Entertainment, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the company's future projects.

Codemasters has been a leader in rally video games for nearly three decades, starting with the iconic Colin McRae Rally in 1998. The series evolved significantly over the years, transitioning from Colin McRae Rally to Dirt after McRae’s tragic death in 2007. Notable milestones include 2009’s Dirt 2 (known as Colin McRae: Dirt 2 in Europe and other PAL territories) and the hardcore simulation of 2015’s Dirt Rally.

2023’s EA Sports WRC was the first Codemasters rally game to feature an official WRC license since 2002’s Colin McRae Rally 3. According to IGN’s review, EA Sports WRC builds on the class-leading feel of 2019’s Dirt Rally 2.0, integrating it into an officially licensed World Rally Championship experience. However, the game struggled with technical issues, described as a “great racing game trying to fight its way out of an unfinished one.” Subsequent updates were aimed at addressing these problems, particularly screen tearing issues.