WRC rally racing games, paused by Electronic Arts a month ago, will be reintroduced with a full-fledged overhaul under a fresh publisher.
FIA Announces New WRC Games Series in Collaboration with Nacon, Set to Debut in 2027
Following the conclusion of its licensing agreement with Electronic Arts, the sport's governing body, the FIA, has unveiled a fresh partnership with French video game developer Nacon. This partnership will see a new WRC games series released in 2027.
In a statement, Arne Dirks, the FIA World Rally Championship's Chief Marketing Officer, voiced his pleasure at the agreement, praising Nacon's vision and their proven expertise in rally game development. He emphasized the collaboration's potential to transform the WRC games into "epic adventures" offering gaming experiences beyond the norm.
According to Nacon, the upcoming series will represent a "complete reboot," featuring official rallies, vehicles, teams, drivers, and sponsors. Additional content elements are anticipated, though it's unclear if this refers to live service features.
In a separate statement, Nacon CEO Alan Falc expressed his eagerness to renew their partnership with the FIA. He described the license as an "exceptional playground" to create a highly refined driving experience that will meet the expectations of rally fans.
Notably, Nacon has a history with the WRC franchise: Prior to Codemasters obtaining the license in 2020, Nacon published official WRC games developed by Kylotonn, a French development studio that Nacon acquired in 2018. This past partnership seems to have elicited a mixed reaction from fans about the new partnership, with opinions ranging from enthusiasm to caution.
Under the newly minted deal, Nacon has exclusive rights to produce WRC games for PC and consoles for a period of six seasons, starting in 2027. In the interim, there will be no official WRC games released in 2025 or 2026 as the series undergoes a transition.
Sources: FIA, Nacon, Wario64, PC Gamer, Steam, Redditor Adaax, Redditor Mront
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Andy Chalk, a seasoned PC gaming journalist, has been covering the industry since 2007. He reports on a wide range of topics, from new game announcements and patch notes to esports events, industry disputes, and more.
Fans eagerly anticipate the debut of the new WRC Games Series in 2027, as FIA collaborates with Nacon. The partnership promises to elevate the gaming experience, offering epic adventures beyond the norm. Some fans, familiar with Nacon's history with the WRC franchise, have mixed reactions, expressing enthusiasm and caution. As a part of the deal, Nacon exclusively produces WRC games for PC and consoles for the next six seasons, with no official WRC games released in 2025 or 2026 due to this transition period. Keeping up with the latest gaming news, Andy Chalk, a seasoned journalist, covers this development, providing insightful updates for his audience.
