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Nacon Takes the Wheel: A New Era for the WRC Franchise
Introduction
The World Rally Championship (WRC) video game series is embarking on a thrilling new journey. After a brief stint with Electronic Arts (EA), the official WRC game license is back in the hands of Nacon, a French publisher with a history in rally gaming. This move marks not just a change of hands, but a complete reboot of the franchise, promising a fresh vision for rally enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
A Shift in the Driver’s Seat
The WRC video game series, which debuted in 2001, has seen several developers and publishers over the years. Most recently, EA Sports WRC, developed by Codemasters (a subsidiary of EA), launched in 2023. However, in April 2025, EA announced it would end its partnership with the WRC, leaving the future of the game uncertain.
Just a month later, the WRC Promoter confirmed that Nacon would be the new publisher, securing exclusive rights to develop and publish official WRC games for PC and consoles from 2027 through 2032. This agreement also grants Nacon the rights to exploit the WRC franchise in esports, opening up new possibilities for rally competitions.
Nacon: A Familiar Face in Rally Gaming
Nacon is no stranger to the WRC. The publisher previously held the WRC license from 2013 to 2022, releasing nine titles during that period, including WRC Generations. This experience gives Nacon a unique understanding of the rally gaming landscape and the expectations of fans.
Alain Falc, CEO of Nacon, expressed his enthusiasm for the renewed partnership, stating, “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.”
A Complete Reboot: What to Expect
Nacon isn’t simply picking up where EA left off. The publisher plans a complete reboot of the WRC franchise, aiming to deliver an immersive experience that faithfully reflects the reality of the championship. This includes:
- Official Content: The games will feature official rallies, vehicles, teams, drivers, and sponsors, ensuring authenticity and realism.
- A Fresh Vision: Nacon is promising a fully reimagined gameplay experience designed for modern consoles and PCs.
- Innovative Mechanics: The goal is to elevate rally gaming to new heights with innovative mechanics that capture the thrill and challenge of rally racing.
Arne Dirks, Chief Marketing Officer at WRC Promoter, shared his excitement about the collaboration, saying, “Their vision for the franchise stands out, and their expertise in delivering great rally games is unquestioned. We look forward to breaking new ground together in this collaboration, to truly turn the WRC games into epic adventures and offer gaming experiences beyond rally as we know it today.”
The Role of Kylotonn
While not explicitly stated, it’s likely that development of the WRC games will fall to KT Racing, a Nacon subsidiary that developed the WRC games from WRC 5 to WRC Generations. KT Racing has a proven track record in rally gaming, and their expertise will be invaluable in bringing Nacon’s vision to life.
A Wait Until 2027
The first WRC title under the new agreement is slated for release in 2027, meaning fans will have to wait a couple of years for the next installment. This long lead time suggests that Nacon is serious about reinventing the franchise from the ground up.
In the meantime, rally fans can continue to enjoy EA Sports WRC, which was released in 2023, to hold them over.
The History of WRC Games
The WRC video game series has a rich history, dating back to 2001. Here’s a look at some of the key milestones:
- Early Years (2001-2005): The first official WRC games were developed by Evolution Studios for PlayStation 2, offering cutting-edge graphics and accurately generated stages.
- Milestone Era (2010-2013): Milestone took over the series in 2010, resetting the franchise and producing several titles for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.
- Nacon’s First Stint (2013-2022): Nacon (formerly Bigben Interactive) acquired the license in 2013,tasking Kylotonn to work on the third series of games.
- Codemasters and EA (2023): EA Sports WRC, developed by Codemasters, was released in 2023, but EA later decided to end its involvement with the franchise.
The World Rally Championship: A Brief Overview
The World Rally Championship is an international rallying series owned and governed by the FIA. Inaugurated in 1973, it is the second oldest of the FIA’s world championships after Formula One.
Each season lasts one calendar year, and separate championship titles are awarded to drivers, co-drivers, and manufacturers. The WRC season typically consists of 13 rally events driven on surfaces ranging from gravel and tarmac to snow and ice.
A Promising Future
With Nacon at the helm, the WRC video game series is poised for a bright future. The publisher’s experience, combined with a commitment to innovation and authenticity, suggests that the new WRC games will be a hit with rally fans around the world.
Conclusion: Shifting Gears for a Thrilling Ride
The return of the WRC license to Nacon marks a significant turning point for the franchise. With a complete reboot planned for 2027, rally fans can look forward to a new era of immersive and exciting rally gaming. Nacon’s vision, expertise, and passion for rally racing make them the perfect team to take the WRC games to the next level.