F1 25 will obtain a paid enlargement to cowl subsequent yr’s F1 season, EA has mentioned, as a substitute of receiving a brand new standalone recreation as anticipated.
As with many EA Sports activities video games, the F1 collection has acquired a brand new recreation annually to symbolize the game’s new season, since EA acquired Codemasters in 2021. However that will not be the case subsequent yr.
This choice is „a part of a strategic reset for the F1 Franchise,“ mentioned Lee Mather, senior artistic director at Codemasters, in an announcement. And whereas the developer is skipping a brand new recreation for 2026, in 2027 it can launch a brand new recreation „that appears, feels, and performs in another way, delivering extra gameplay decisions“.
Mather additional emphasised the developer’s dedication to the F1 collection.
„F1 25 has been an unimaginable success, fueled by the eagerness of followers and the vitality of the game,“ mentioned Mather. „With Formulation 1’s momentum on and off the monitor, now could be the proper time for us to look forward and construct for the longer term.
„We’re absolutely dedicated to the EA Sports activities F1 franchise. Our multi-year plan extends this yr’s pleasure with the 2026 enlargement and reimagines the F1 expertise for 2027 to ship much more for gamers at each degree all over the world.“
It does really feel like a considerably ironic choice, contemplating F1’s 2026 season is bringing new laws to shake up the game. Hopefully these can be mirrored authentically within the enlargement, earlier than 2027’s model new standalone recreation.
Although not talked about by Mathew, EA confirmed earlier this yr it had decreased some roles at Codemasters and ended its partnership with the World Rally Championship.
„As a enterprise, we’re continually evolving to satisfy the rising wants of our gamers and driving larger focus throughout our portfolio,“ the corporate mentioned in an announcement. „This has led us to have a look at lowering some roles, whereas we redeploy as many as doable towards our strategic priorities.“
It is unclear if these layoffs have additionally impacted improvement on the F1 video games.
Again in September, EA introduced it will be privately acquired in a $55bn deal by a bunch of buyers, together with Saudi Arabia’s funding fund.
