Codemasters has long been recognised as a veteran and specialist in racing games, particularly those with a strong simulation focus. However, fans of the rally racing genre were disappointed after the announcement that EA and Codemasters had officially exited the World Rally Championship (WRC) franchise with the end of the licensing agreement. Yet, that also paves the way for a new challenger, and that so happens to be a familiar face in Nacon.
In an official announcement, it is now confirmed that the WRC game license has returned to Nacon. The studio previously held the publishing rights for the games from 2015 to 2022. The company is set to regain exclusive rights to develop and release official WRC titles over a six-season period, beginning in 2027 and continuing through 2032.
Nacon plans to reboot the series using its newly acquired license, promising an immersive rally experience aimed at both longtime fans and newcomers. However, it remains unclear whether they will once again collaborate with KT Racing (Kylotonn), the studio responsible for previous WRC titles under Nacon’s banner.
“We are thrilled to renew our collaboration with WRC Promoter. This iconic license provides an exceptional playground to build a highly refined driving experience that lives up to the expectations of rally fans,” said Alain Falc, CEO of NACON.
“Between 2015 and 2023, we had the opportunity to work closely with the championship’s official teams and many drivers, allowing us to gain solid and unique expertise in translating rallying into a video game experience. This new venture marks a major milestone: a fully reimagined project driven by a passionate and specialised team, with a clear ambition to elevate rally games to new heights.”
The WRC organisation itself has expressed confidence in Nacon’s vision, stating that they believe the publisher has what it takes to elevate the franchise further, especially with a track record of producing solid rally experiences. While Nacon’s earlier WRC entries were generally well-received by the community, they admittedly did not reach the same level of polish, precision, or budget seen in the Codemasters and EA era. Nevertheless, the return of the license gives Nacon another opportunity to refine and expand its approach to the rally racing genre.
Fans can now look forward to a revitalised WRC experience, one that seeks to blend nostalgia with innovation in the seasons to come.
