The End of an Era: Electronic Arts and Codemasters Abandon WRC Games

For rally racing fans, the name Codemasters has long been synonymous with high-quality, immersive rally games. From the legendary Colin McRae Rally series to the Dirt franchise, Codemasters has been a driving force in bringing the thrill of off-road racing to gamers worldwide.

However, recent developments have signaled the end of an era—Electronic Arts (EA) has announced that Codemasters will no longer be developing World Rally Championship (WRC) games, effectively halting the studio’s involvement in rally gaming.

The decision to step away from WRC games comes amid broader changes within EA. The publisher has been restructuring its gaming portfolio, leading to layoffs and project cancellations. While EA initially acquired Codemasters in 2021 with the promise of becoming a “global leader in racing entertainment,” the reality has been far more turbulent. In 2022, EA shut down Codemasters’ Project Cars series, and in 2023, the studio faced significant layoffs.

Now, with rally racing off the table, Codemasters appears to be shifting its focus entirely to Formula 1 (F1) games, with F1 25 set to release soon. This marks a major shift for the studio, which has spent nearly three decades crafting some of the most beloved rally titles in gaming history.

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— FIA World Rally Championship (@OfficialWRC) April 30, 2025

What’s Next for WRC Games?

While Codemasters is stepping away, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has assured fans that WRC gaming will continue. The organization has hinted at an “ambitious new direction” for the franchise, though details remain scarce. This suggests that another developer may take the reins, potentially bringing fresh ideas and innovations to the WRC gaming experience.

For now, EA has confirmed that EA Sports WRC will remain available for existing and new players, ensuring that rally fans can still enjoy the latest installment. However, without Codemasters at the helm, the future of WRC gaming remains uncertain.

Codemasters’ departure from WRC games is a bittersweet moment for rally enthusiasts. While the studio’s legacy in rally gaming is undeniable, the shift toward F1 titles reflects the evolving priorities within EA. The hope now lies in the FIA’s promise of a new direction—one that could breathe fresh life into WRC gaming.

As we wait for more details, one thing is certain: rally fans will be watching closely to see who takes the wheel next.

This is the second and almost immediate bad news we got from Electronic Arts right after Respawn Entertainment acknowledged cancelling two gaming projects to concentrate on Apex Legends and Star Wars games.