Codemasters Halts Rally Game Development

Codemasters has confirmed that no additional expansions will be released for EA Sports WRC 2023, stating that development on the game has officially concluded. In a further blow to fans, the studio also announced it is halting plans for future rally game projects.

The veteran UK racing studio shared the news in an official post on EA.com.

“Our WRC partnership represented a high point in Codemasters' long history with off-road racing, a journey that began decades ago with titles like Colin McRae Rally and Dirt,” the studio stated. “We aimed to create a community for every rally fan, constantly pushing to capture the intense thrill of driving at the limit. We assembled a team of incredibly talented developers, collaborated with icons of the sport, and shared our passion for rallying with the world.”

The World Rally Championship organization has acknowledged the announcement on social media, offering a somewhat vague comment that the “WRC gaming franchise is heading in an ambitious new direction, with more updates to follow soon.”

EA's decision to cease Codemasters' rally development will be disappointing for motorsport enthusiasts, especially following EA's high-profile acquisition of the esteemed British studio in 2020.

This news follows reports of widespread layoffs at EA, affecting over 300 staff, including around 100 at Respawn Entertainment.

For nearly 30 years, Codemasters has been a leader in rally video games, starting with the legendary Colin McRae Rally in 1998. This groundbreaking simulation launched a highly successful and respected series. After Colin McRae's passing in 2007, the series was renamed Dirt. 2009's Dirt 2 (titled Colin McRae: Dirt 2 in certain regions) marked a shift for the franchise, which was later rebooted as a dedicated hardcore simulation with 2015's Dirt Rally.

2023's EA Sports WRC was the first Codemasters rally title to carry the official WRC license since Colin McRae Rally 3 in 2002. According to IGN's review, EA Sports WRC successfully integrated the superb driving physics of 2019's Dirt Rally 2.0 into an officially licensed WRC package, delivering a raw and thrilling experience. However, persistent technical issues made it feel like a “brilliant racing game trapped inside an unpolished shell.” Later updates attempted to address problems like screen tearing.