The WRC license is changing hands again and this time, it’s headed back to familiar ground.
NACON has officially signed a six-year agreement with WRC Promoter to develop and publish the next generation of official WRC games, starting in 2027 and running through 2032. The news marks a major shift for rally fans, especially as EA and Codemasters step back from rally development following their sole entry, EA Sports WRC, released in 2023.
A Return to Rally Roots
NACON is no stranger to the WRC license. Between 2015 and 2022, the publisher delivered a consistent run of WRC titles in collaboration with KT Racing, including WRC 9, WRC 10, and WRC Generations. Now, they’re planning a complete reboot — not just a continuation.
This fresh take will include official rallies, teams, vehicles, and sponsors, with NACON promising a new engine and vision that elevates rally gameplay for both long-time fans and newcomers. According to NACON CEO Alain Falc, the new games will be “a fully reimagined project” and “a major milestone” in racing game development.
EA Exits, NACON Doubles Down
Codemasters’ EA Sports WRC will stand as their only official WRC title. With EA confirming they have no further WRC games in development, the field is wide open and NACON has wasted no time in claiming pole position.
For WRC Promoter, the move signals confidence in NACON’s legacy with the brand. “Their vision for the franchise stands out,” said CMO Arne Dirks, calling it an opportunity to “offer gaming experiences beyond rally as we know it today.”
Good News for GFN Fans
NACON has also proven to be a strong GeForce NOW partner, with recent titles like Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown, Session: Skate Sim, and Rogue Lords all landing on the platform. With this new WRC series likely launching across Steam and Epic, there’s strong potential we’ll see cloud support from day one.
While the first game isn’t expected until 2027, this announcement puts rally gaming back in trusted hands — and opens the door for a new generation of cloud-playable racing sims.
You can read the official press release here (PDF).
