Codemasters Stops Rally Game Production

Codemasters has officially announced that no additional expansions will be released for 2023's EA Sports WRC, marking the conclusion of development efforts on the title. Alongside this disappointing update, the studio revealed it is temporarily halting plans for future rally game projects.

The veteran UK racing studio published the announcement via EA.com.

"Our WRC partnership represented a milestone in Codemasters' long-standing legacy with off-road racing, spanning decades through iconic titles like Colin McRae Rally and Dirt," the statement reads. "We've built a home for rally enthusiasts, relentlessly pushing boundaries to capture the adrenaline-fueled essence of precision driving. Over the years, we've assembled extraordinary talent, collaborated with motorsport legends, and celebrated our passion for rallying."

The World Rally Championship responded to the news on social media with an ambiguous statement, noting that the "WRC gaming franchise is embarking on an ambitious new direction, with more details to follow soon."

EA's decision to halt Codemasters' rally development comes as a tough blow for motorsport fans, particularly following EA's high-profile acquisition of the renowned British studio in 2020.

This development follows recent reports of mass layoffs at EA, affecting over 300 employees—including approximately 100 from Respawn Entertainment.

Codemasters has dominated rally gaming for nearly 30 years, beginning with 1998's groundbreaking Colin McRae Rally. This seminal title launched a revered franchise that evolved after the tragic passing of its namesake in 2007, continuing under the Dirt banner. The 2009 release Dirt 2 (titled Colin McRae: Dirt 2 in certain regions) signaled a shift for the series, which later pivoted to hardcore simulation with 2015's Dirt Rally.

2023's EA Sports WRC marked Codemasters' return to official WRC licensing since 2002's Colin McRae Rally 3. While IGN's review praised its handling as a refinement of Dirt Rally 2.0's class-leading physics within an officially licensed WRC framework, technical shortcomings—including screen tearing issues later addressed through updates—initially held it back from its full potential.