Codemasters, the veteran UK racing studio behind 2023's EA Sports WRC, has announced that no further expansions will be released for the game, signaling the end of their journey with it. The studio has also confirmed a pause on development plans for future rally titles, marking a significant shift in their focus. This news was published on EA.com, reflecting the culmination of Codemasters' long history with off-road racing, from the iconic Colin McRae Rally series to the Dirt franchise. The studio expressed their pride in having provided a home for rally enthusiasts and pushing the boundaries to deliver the exhilarating thrill of driving on the ragged edge, collaborating with racing icons and sharing their passion for rallying.

The World Rally Championship has acknowledged this news on social media, hinting that the WRC gaming franchise is set to embark on an ambitious new direction, with more details to be shared soon.

This decision by EA to halt Codemasters' rally game development will be a tough blow for motorsports fans, especially following EA's acquisition of the storied British racing studio in 2020. The announcement comes amidst reports of over 300 layoffs at EA, including approximately 100 at Respawn Entertainment, which adds to the somber atmosphere surrounding the news.

Codemasters has been at the forefront of rally video games for nearly three decades, starting with the groundbreaking 1998 title Colin McRae Rally. This series evolved significantly over the years, transitioning from Colin McRae Rally to Dirt after the death of Colin McRae in 2007. Notable iterations include 2009's Dirt 2, which was known as Colin McRae: Dirt 2 in Europe and other PAL territories, and the 2015 hardcore simulation Dirt Rally.

EA Sports WRC, released in 2023, marked the first time since 2002's Colin McRae Rally 3 that a Codemasters rally game held an official WRC license. According to IGN's review, EA Sports WRC built upon the class-leading feel of 2019's Dirt Rally 2.0, transforming it into an officially licensed World Rally Championship experience. However, the game struggled with technical issues, such as screen tearing, which left it feeling like a "great racing game trying to fight its way out of an unfinished one." Subsequent updates were aimed at resolving these technical gremlins.