Nacon Resumes Publishing WRC Video Games with New Series in Development

Nacon to Publish WRC Video Games from 2027 to 2032

The FIA World Rally Championship has made a significant announcement regarding the future of its video game franchise.Nacon will resume its role as the publisher of WRC games, taking over the official FIA World Rally Championship license from Codemasters and EA. Codemasters had previously acquired the rights to create WRC games in 2020, which culminated in the release of EA Sports WRC 2023 on November 3, 2023.

Shifting Licenses: From Codemasters to Nacon

Following EA’s acquisition of Codemasters, they initially held the rights to produce WRC games from 2023 to 2027. However, this collaboration came to an unexpected halt after the launch of just one title. Prior to Codemasters’ takeover, Nacon had produced seven successful WRC titles, all developed by Kylotonn, a French studio that Nacon acquired in 2018.

Development Plans on Hold

In a recent announcement, Codemasters revealed that it would be “pausing development plans on future rally titles.”This decision sheds light on the reasons behind Nacon reclaiming the WRC licensing rights.

Nacon’s Vision for the Future

Nacon’s CEO, Alain Falc, expressed enthusiasm for the renewed partnership with WRC Promoter in a press release. He stated, “This iconic license provides an exceptional playground to build a highly refined driving experience that lives up to the expectations of rally fans.”Nacon’s collaboration with the WRC teams and drivers from 2015 to 2023 has equipped them with valuable insights, enabling them to create an authentic rally gaming experience.

Aiming High in Game Development

The agreement grants Nacon the rights to produce WRC games for the 2027 to 2032 seasons, allowing them ample time to develop a new series that aims to deliver an immersive experience for both dedicated rally enthusiasts and newcomers to the genre. The press release emphasized their ambition “to elevate rally games to new heights.”

Commitment to Excellence

FIA World Rally Championship Chief Marketing Officer Arne Dirks shared his satisfaction with the partnership, stating, “After a comprehensive evaluation, we are delighted to have reached an agreement with Nacon. Their vision for the franchise stands out, and their expertise in delivering great rally games is unquestioned.” He added that they look forward to transforming WRC games into epic adventures that elevate the gaming experience beyond conventional rally formats.

For gaming enthusiasts and rally fans alike, the next few years promise exciting developments in the WRC gaming franchise.

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