We've all thought it at some point -- why isn't Codemasters making officially licensed WRC rally games? If the DIRT series proves anything, it's that the team knows off-road racing better than any other. It's been making unofficial and brilliant rally games since 1998, after all. What better studio is there to take on the WRC name? It's fortunate, then, that Codies has signed a deal to produce licensed WRC games in the future.
Currently, Bigben Interactive (now under the name Nacon) holds the licence, and Kylotonn has been producing WRC titles for the last few years. Presumably, this arrangement will continue until Codemasters takes over -- we know the cross-gen WRC 9 is in development.
Codemasters will produce annual WRC rally racing games for five years, between 2023 and 2027. Given the timing, it's safe to assume these will all be available on PlayStation 5. The first of these games will be released during the financial year ending March 2024.
Despite picking up this licence, the company remains committed to its DIRT series. DIRT 5 was recently announced, and Codies states the DIRT Rally team "is already working on their next project ahead of the WRC agreement in 2023".
With this deal in place, Codemasters will hold the game licences for Formula One, FIA World Rallycross Championship, and World Rally Championship.
Does this news excite you? Are you excited to see what Codies does with the WRC licence on PS5? Spin your wheels in the comments section below.
[source gamesindustry.biz]
Comments 13
That's amazing news! Really happy about it. I wonder if Dirt Rally 3.0 is going to be named just that or will they change it. Anyway, love Codemasters rally and racing games. Can't wait!
Cannot wait for Dirt Rally 3!!!
As for the new WRC game in 2024,fingers crossex we will have many manufacturer and classic rallies like the Acropolis, San Remo and Safari back by then.
This is big rare for a company that can actually make a true game get the License.............Konami please copy Codies............PES and Codies rally fully licensed is a dream come true.
Fantastic news. They really know how to make a good rally game. Lets hope they dont do a 2.0 and lock most of the content behind a seasoned paywall.
@gollumb82 was gonna say the same. Great, great news!
It's great news. I hope they keep the Dirt rally series going though. I can only imagine what Dirt rally 3.0 would be like on PS5. Pretty mind blowing 🤯
Wow... maybe they will get better. But, this also worries me and reminds me of when aquire was given tenchu back and made it different cause they didnt want to cut into Shinobido, their owned unofficial Tenchu series.
Aka, i think codemasters will give this a different take, rather than make it like dirt, so they don't compete with their own series directly.
So, i'm expecting these WRC games to be more arcade style than simulation.
Great news, we haven't had a developer with the capability of codemasters making a rally game for a few generations. They turned f1 into a fantastic gaming franchise, let's hope WRC gets the same treatment
Vee Arh Vee Arh Vee Arh. Haha. Make it happen Codemasters.
Terrific news! I know it's going to be years, but I really looking forward to Codies developed WRC games FINALLY!
Wow, I never thought this would happen, to be honest – Codies have been making the best rally games for decades now and they've never shown an inclination to get the license. I have to say, very pleasantly surprised and I can't wait to see what they comes up with. Worth pointing out how amazing their annual F1 games are, too – Codemasters really know what they're doing.
Given they marketed Dirt 4 for more casual gamers and Dirt Rally as more hardcore sim-ish, I'd assume the WRC licence will be added to the "rally" series and since I prefer 4 (real enough for me), I doubt I'd pick it up. But yay for those who want it. Personally never saw much diff between the two besides the difficulty.
This is good news. I assume one of either the numbered Dirt games or the Dirt Rally series will make way for the WRC games then. Whichever is, I look forward to playing it
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