In the beginning of the month, we reported that EA had abandoned the WRC license, with Codemasters confirming they were no longer developing the franchise. Now, just weeks later, the former publisher, Nacon, has regained the rights to create future WRC games.

Nacon, known for publishing Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown, has signed a new deal to develop WRC games from 2027 to 2032. Considering their previous success with WRC titles from 2015 to 2023, this partnership has the potential to be extended further if both parties are satisfied with the outcome.

Here’s an excerpt from their recent announcement:

“We are excited to continue our partnership with WRC Promoter. This historic license offers a unique opportunity to create an exceptional driving experience for rally fans.

From 2015 to 2023, we worked closely with championship teams and drivers, gaining valuable insights into translating rally into a video game. This new project represents a significant achievement: a reimagined game built by a dedicated team, aiming to set a new standard for rally games.”

Nacon’s last WRC title was WRC Generations in 2022, developed by KT Racing. KT Racing has since focused on Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown, which is still being updated. It will be interesting to see if they return to develop future WRC games.

While KT Racing showed promise with WRC Generations, it’s unfortunate that EA and Codemasters didn’t continue their involvement, especially after their success with the F1 series.