A beloved chapter in racing game history is coming to an end, as EA has confirmed it is shelving all future development of its rally racing titles—effectively retiring a franchise that traces its roots back to the original Colin McRae Rally on the PlayStation in 1998. The announcement comes via Codemasters, the UK studio long behind the series, now operating under EA since its acquisition in 2021.
The decision marks the quiet conclusion of a series that evolved significantly over the years, transitioning from the rally simulation precision of Colin McRae Rally to the flashier, more arcade-like Dirt titles, and most recently EA Sports WRCin 2023. Codemasters confirmed the news in a statement, saying, “We are pausing development plans on future rally titles,” and reflecting on its multi-decade journey in off-road racing games.
The studio framed the decision as a culmination of its efforts in the genre, thanking fans for supporting titles that have, for years, catered to a dedicated subset of racing game enthusiasts. “We’ve provided a home for every rally enthusiast,” the statement reads, “striving tirelessly to push the boundaries and deliver the exhilarating thrill of driving on the ragged edge.”
For longtime fans, the announcement lands heavily. Colin McRae Rally was once considered a benchmark in realistic racing on consoles, bringing with it official World Rally Championship vehicles, dynamic weather, and the now-iconic Subaru Impreza WRX. It helped define a genre and laid the groundwork for later offshoots like Dirt Rally and Dirt 5, which carried the torch into the modern era.
However, recent installments, including EA Sports WRC, have struggled to capture mainstream attention—especially in a market where high-profile racing franchises like Gran Turismo and Forza Horizon dominate. Rally racing itself has drifted from the public eye, and without a major competitive spotlight, EA’s appetite for niche motorsport titles appears to have waned.
The move also underscores a broader concern among gamers: what happens when larger publishers absorb studios known for specialized, enthusiast-driven work. EA’s acquisition of Codemasters was seen by some as an opportunity to give the studio more resources, but the end of its rally lineage may suggest a different reality—one where commercial viability outweighs legacy.
For now, EA Sports WRC remains available, but without updates or plans for a sequel, it marks the end of an era that began over 25 years ago. Whether rally racing will ever return to the spotlight in the world of gaming remains uncertain, but the legacy of Codemasters’ contributions won’t be easily forgotten by fans who grew up navigating hairpin turns with a digital co-driver calling out every move.
