Nacon will reboot the WRC series

The world of rally racing games is about to shift gears again. After a brief stint under EA's Codemasters label, the official WRC (World Rally Championship) video game license is making its way back to Nacon. The French publisher has announced that it's not just picking up where things left off, it's planning a full reboot of the WRC series, set to launch in 2027.

Codemasters, known for its pedigree in racing games, released only one WRC title, EA Sports WRC in 2023. However, Electronic Arts pulled the plug on the franchise’s development recently. With EA deciding to step back from rally racing games, Nacon quickly moved to reacquire the rights to the series, which it previously held from 2015 to 2022.

WRC will return in a new shape

A new agreement between Nacon and WRC Promoter GmbH covers a six-season span from 2027 to 2032, with development duties likely falling back to Kylotonn, the French studio behind earlier entries like WRC 10 and WRC Generations. Nacon says the new WRC titles will deliver a "complete reboot" of the franchise, aiming to raise the bar in authenticity, realism, and overall rally experience.

"We are thrilled to renew our collaboration with WRC Promoter," said Alain Falc, CEO of Nacon. "This iconic license provides an exceptional playground to build a highly refined driving experience that lives up to the expectations of rally fans." He also hinted at a fresh start driven by a passionate development team with one clear ambition: to take rally games to the next level. While details on gameplay features or supported platforms remain under wraps, Nacon's messaging suggests a major shift in tone and scope for the upcoming games.

Arne Dirks, Chief Marketing Officer for the FIA World Rally Championship, also welcomed the renewed partnership. "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."

For players, the return of WRC to Nacon promises innovation and a renewed commitment to the spirit of rally racing. While 2027 may seem far off, the long lead time suggests Nacon is serious about reinventing the franchise from the ground up. With a longer development cycle and a renewed vision, WRC fans have plenty to look forward to. Meanwhile, you can continue to enjoy the best rally racing with the help of our comparator which offers you the best discounts for WRC 23 with a single click.