Codemasters to Develop Official WRC Titles from 2023

Don’t think this should be the case, if anything I’d say the new wrc generations is a more realistic sim than dirt rally, apart from the usual kyloton bugs, generations is a really solid feeling title that codemasters will have their work cut out to top.
And I say this as a big dirt rally fan!
Did Kt fix no or low skidding sounds on loose surfaces i read about here?
 
Decided I'm gonna list my wishes for WRC23. I am really excited about this one, I've enjoyed the recent KT Racing efforts but I'm super excited at the prospect of what Codemasters will do given how much I loved the Dirt Rally games and the Colin Mcrae rally games before them.

- I hope that the car list from DR2 remains as much as possible. It's one of the best curatons of rally cars in any game (alongside SLRE) and I hope its retained. I expect to lose the RX stuff and probably R5 (as Rally2 will replace it) but everything needs to stay and be expanded on.

- The WRC license should bring with it more legendary rally cars. As above, DR2 is already stellar, but things like the Xsara WRC, Corolla, Celica GT Four, 03-05 Focus WRC, Audi Quattro A2, just to really bring the list to a feeling of completeness regarding WRC legends.

- Rallies and stages, it would be nice if all the DR2 content stayed, Wales, Scotland, Poland, Australia, Argentina and USA. Kind of like WRC:Generations did with KT bringing back non championship rallies as extra content. Would be nice to just have them there for custom championships, maybe historic scenarios etc. It's a given of course that we will have all 13 rallies from the 2023 championship, to have that number closer to 20 would be amazing. The legacy rallies can stay as is but for the 2023 rallies I think there needs to be a full set of all new stages. It would be too easy for Codemasters to recycle Monte-Carlo, Sweden, Spain, New Zealand etc and somewhat disappointing if they did that, however if they did that and then added some more stages to each alongside what will be all new rallies for them like Chile, Estonia, etc then it will be a pretty content rich experience. 3 long stages split into shorter stages plus reverse, gives a possibility of 24 stages per rally. But they have work to do to match the detail of WRC:Gs epic stages, and it's key they do.

- While on the stages subject, I really want to see the development of the surface degradation mechanic that DR2 introduced. It's a key part of WRC events and if they can take that to the next level, with much more degradation on mud and wet events, more visible degradation, making certain sections treacherous for later runners and low grip for the first cars. DR2 did it pretty well, with gradual layering of degradation, but it needed to be more harsh in the wet and more visible.

- Career mode. DR2s career mode fell short, it was too similar to the first Dirt Rally and didn't offer anything. The Historic championship mode was slightly better but was way too short. They need to try and follow the F1 game formula, have a driver career where you race for existing teams, starting in Rally 3 and working up or even start in WRC (give the player the choice). Perhaps integrate legacy rallies and say, if you are from GB, compete in some national invitationals like use the Scottish rally with R2/Rally4 cars of Mk2 Escorts to make a name for yourself, working up to the world stage. But also a My Team-esque mode, driver owned rally teams are commonplace in rallying and this is an essential mode as WRC:G featured it and Codemasters need to at least match it. Again with a player decided entry point, depth in terms of facility and car development, team mates etc.

- Historic modes. Don't waste the legendary content, if the full suite of cars moves from DR2.0, I'd like to see selectable championships dedicated to Group B, Group A, World Rally Car, and so on. Scenario modes akin to WRC 10 would be amazing and much easier to do with a rally game than an F1 game.

- Liveries. A proper livery editor, I know it's not Codemasters thing, but I don't want an F1 style system with 10 liveries. If we aren't getting a full livery creator then I would settle for the Grid Legends system which still has huge flexibility and lots of possibilities.

- Audio. Codemasters are already top dog in rally audio in my opinion, they just need to maintain that. It would be nice if we had a couple co-drivers to choose from, and if they don't carry on with Phil Mills then it needs to be a real co-driver, recorded in the same way they did for DR2 which is an absolute benchmark for pace notes.

- Multiplayer clubs and leagues. They need to lean on the idea WRCG started with leagues, to boost the already online challenges DR2 does daily, weekly and monthly. Also boosting the clubs mode and try and integrate it into the game as much as possible to take out needing to switch to a browser. The leagues/rivals idea would give a purpose to the continuous cycle of challenges.

- If the rumoured car creator comes to fruition, I'd like to see the possibility of using them in every available mode. If we are able to build cars for any class then it is essential there are modes and ways to use them. Particularly in the MyTeams mode if there is one and custom championships etc. Also, plenty of choice in terms of the design of the cars so they don't all look the same.
 
I hope not. Official RX game is still very important, and personally I would be very sad if we are going to loose this stuff. :(

Can't see any reason it would stay in a licensed WRC game. I can see it getting spun off into the Dirt series maybe but can't see it being part of the WRC game.
 
Can't see any reason it would stay in a licensed WRC game. I can see it getting spun off into the Dirt series maybe but can't see it being part of the WRC game.
F1 games has F2 championship.

I would prefer to have full offroading racing package than one streamlined expirience.

RX is great way to introduce more variety and actual car to car racing.

Will it happen? Nobody knows. I just think it would be better to have RX in WRC game.
 
F1 games has F2 championship.

I would prefer to have full offroading racing package than one streamlined expirience.

RX is great way to introduce more variety and actual car to car racing.

Will it happen? Nobody knows. I just think it would be better to have RX in WRC game.

F1 and F2 isn't really comparable. RX is an entirely different discipline that has nothing to do with the WRC, F2 is an FIA world championship that runs alongside F1 as a feeder, much like WRC2, WRC3 and Junior WRC, all of which are expected to be featured in the game.

I don't mind seeing it leave this game, being all electric and a totally different racing format it has no relevance to the WRC other than being an FIA world championship. If they do it as a standalone game or, as is more likely, integrate it into the next Dirt series game, that will be enough. Shorehorning it into the licensed WRC game would just take away from what the focus of the game should be, costing resources that should be better allocated to making WRC 23 the best WRC game possible.
 
Again, WRC Promoter now operates FIA World RX. If you subscribe to their streaming service you are able to watch both championships, sometimes even presented by the same people. They are making sweeping changes to the series all across the board and I would be very surprised if they were not pursuing another video game licensing deal. It is perfectly logical they would renew what they have going with their current partner reinforced by their new parent organisation.

I think it is a question of when not if rallycross returns, but would not be surprised if it is not back immediately in WRC 23, if only to allow for the development focus on the WRC content. For reference 6 of the 9 circuits on the current calendar already exist in the game, however the car list is considerably out of date, especially with the technical changes in 2 of the 4 categories
 
BTW... I really do hope that PS5 will get PSVR2 support in new WRC game. It was such a loss that Dirt 2.0 didn't get VR support on PS4 after incredible Dirt 1.0

Couldn't agree more. Need to see more games that I'd actually play in VR before dropping the cash and this is absolutely one of them.
 
Decided I'm gonna list my wishes for WRC23. I am really excited about this one, I've enjoyed the recent KT Racing efforts but I'm super excited at the prospect of what Codemasters will do given how much I loved the Dirt Rally games and the Colin Mcrae rally games before them.

- I hope that the car list from DR2 remains as much as possible. It's one of the best curatons of rally cars in any game (alongside SLRE) and I hope its retained. I expect to lose the RX stuff and probably R5 (as Rally2 will replace it) but everything needs to stay and be expanded on.

- The WRC license should bring with it more legendary rally cars. As above, DR2 is already stellar, but things like the Xsara WRC, Corolla, Celica GT Four, 03-05 Focus WRC, Audi Quattro A2, just to really bring the list to a feeling of completeness regarding WRC legends.

- Rallies and stages, it would be nice if all the DR2 content stayed, Wales, Scotland, Poland, Australia, Argentina and USA. Kind of like WRC:Generations did with KT bringing back non championship rallies as extra content. Would be nice to just have them there for custom championships, maybe historic scenarios etc. It's a given of course that we will have all 13 rallies from the 2023 championship, to have that number closer to 20 would be amazing. The legacy rallies can stay as is but for the 2023 rallies I think there needs to be a full set of all new stages. It would be too easy for Codemasters to recycle Monte-Carlo, Sweden, Spain, New Zealand etc and somewhat disappointing if they did that, however if they did that and then added some more stages to each alongside what will be all new rallies for them like Chile, Estonia, etc then it will be a pretty content rich experience. 3 long stages split into shorter stages plus reverse, gives a possibility of 24 stages per rally. But they have work to do to match the detail of WRC:Gs epic stages, and it's key they do.

- While on the stages subject, I really want to see the development of the surface degradation mechanic that DR2 introduced. It's a key part of WRC events and if they can take that to the next level, with much more degradation on mud and wet events, more visible degradation, making certain sections treacherous for later runners and low grip for the first cars. DR2 did it pretty well, with gradual layering of degradation, but it needed to be more harsh in the wet and more visible.

- Career mode. DR2s career mode fell short, it was too similar to the first Dirt Rally and didn't offer anything. The Historic championship mode was slightly better but was way too short. They need to try and follow the F1 game formula, have a driver career where you race for existing teams, starting in Rally 3 and working up or even start in WRC (give the player the choice). Perhaps integrate legacy rallies and say, if you are from GB, compete in some national invitationals like use the Scottish rally with R2/Rally4 cars of Mk2 Escorts to make a name for yourself, working up to the world stage. But also a My Team-esque mode, driver owned rally teams are commonplace in rallying and this is an essential mode as WRC:G featured it and Codemasters need to at least match it. Again with a player decided entry point, depth in terms of facility and car development, team mates etc.

- Historic modes. Don't waste the legendary content, if the full suite of cars moves from DR2.0, I'd like to see selectable championships dedicated to Group B, Group A, World Rally Car, and so on. Scenario modes akin to WRC 10 would be amazing and much easier to do with a rally game than an F1 game.

- Liveries. A proper livery editor, I know it's not Codemasters thing, but I don't want an F1 style system with 10 liveries. If we aren't getting a full livery creator then I would settle for the Grid Legends system which still has huge flexibility and lots of possibilities.

- Audio. Codemasters are already top dog in rally audio in my opinion, they just need to maintain that. It would be nice if we had a couple co-drivers to choose from, and if they don't carry on with Phil Mills then it needs to be a real co-driver, recorded in the same way they did for DR2 which is an absolute benchmark for pace notes.

- Multiplayer clubs and leagues. They need to lean on the idea WRCG started with leagues, to boost the already online challenges DR2 does daily, weekly and monthly. Also boosting the clubs mode and try and integrate it into the game as much as possible to take out needing to switch to a browser. The leagues/rivals idea would give a purpose to the continuous cycle of challenges.

- If the rumoured car creator comes to fruition, I'd like to see the possibility of using them in every available mode. If we are able to build cars for any class then it is essential there are modes and ways to use them. Particularly in the MyTeams mode if there is one and custom championships etc. Also, plenty of choice in terms of the design of the cars so they don't all look the same.
This is a minor thing but I would like some more customization and development on pacenotes. On some stages in DR2 I feel like they are far too granular (Scotland 😵 ) and in the overload of information I'll miss some critical info - I also think the co-driver should be a little more reactive to my own driving...if I'm about to blow a "caution" maybe give me a little reminder? Fully understand that this would be a difficult challenge to implement, but I think it would make the game better. I do appreciate the timing adjustability, but I think it should somewhat scale depending on the speed of the car. A note that is perfectly timed for an H2 FWD can be woefully too late in a Group A 4wd, for instance.

This is probably not realistic, but why can't we get a rally title with a bit more depth? DR2 had "used" cars but they were essentially just degraded versions of the normal cars. I would love to see a campaign progression that starts with a bog standard used car (lets say a Renault Clio RS or something) that you can start racing in amateur/local rallies, rallycross, or hillclimbs with. Bring a bit of GT/FM single player experience to a rally-focused title. A WRC-licensed game is probably not the best place to do that, but I would still love to see it.
 
YouTube sim influencer Jardier invited to Rally Sweden by EA. Hmmm...

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What are you all thinking on when this will release? Not sure if WRC Generations has lost momentum already but boy is that game packed with content. Hard to match I think but EA/Codies had quite a few years of development so who knows. EA is a worrying factor though......
 
What are you all thinking on when this will release? Not sure if WRC Generations has lost momentum already but boy is that game packed with content. Hard to match I think but EA/Codies had quite a few years of development so who knows. EA is a worrying factor though......
If WRC 2023 will be somewhat similar to Dirt Rally 2.0 then I am all in. I do have high hopes that Codies will take inspirations from this entry.
 
What are you all thinking on when this will release? Not sure if WRC Generations has lost momentum already but boy is that game packed with content. Hard to match I think but EA/Codies had quite a few years of development so who knows. EA is a worrying factor though......
I truly hope it's a Codemasters game and not an EA game if you know what I mean ;). If CM can build on the excellent routes we have had in the last few WRC series with Kylotonn's fantastic environments/scenery (not just DR2's tracks and bushes) then apply their DR2 driving physics it will be a winner. Add in plenty of retro cars and rallies. I really want a good career mode as well, something to keep me coming back for more, not complete within 2 weeks of launch. I'm not so keen on the BTS management/crew business but I'll follow it. I love the DR2 daily/weekly/monthly events. I'm still doing them now, 4 years after launch and the vehicle progression, liveries etc. If we get a mix from what was the best in both WRC and DR series then we are in for a treat. Rallycross, I can take it or leave it but if it's included and as good as the last iteration I will give it a go. I'm hoping for and expecting too much I know, but I will still pre-order it :)
 
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What are you all thinking on when this will release? Not sure if WRC Generations has lost momentum already but boy is that game packed with content. Hard to match I think but EA/Codies had quite a few years of development so who knows. EA is a worrying factor though......
Rumors have been swirling since late last year of a possible spring release (March-May). They are rumors of course and the only realistic date would be sometime in 2023.

There are some sim racers at Rally Sweden this weekend, invited by EA. They visited the DICE studio, the rally stages and have media passes. Jon Armstrong is there, too. So there is some speculation that something may be revealed this weekend.
 
Would be nice to get some info indeed. Although I despise the new generation cars , if WRC2 is good and they bring a ...load of classics , I'll be fine. Otherwise there will be VRally 5 🤣

I hope the WRC title doesn't go too much towards arcade
 
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How is there still zero information around this game? I would have thought EA would be dying to leak info from 1 Jan, particularly if the rumours are to believed re: a Q2 release.

Am I the only person slightly worried about the lack of hype? This is the most excited I have been for a rally game in about a decade
 
How is there still zero information around this game? I would have thought EA would be dying to leak info from 1 Jan, particularly if the rumours are to believed re: a Q2 release.

Am I the only person slightly worried about the lack of hype? This is the most excited I have been for a rally game in about a decade
I think they're playing a cautious game. Whilst rally games are nothing new for the developer, it's relatively uncharted territory for EA Sports, so perhaps keeping it low-key and then giving perhaps a 2 or 3 month announcement to release period would be sensible for them. Plus EA Sports have got the new golf game coming which they will want to hype up first.

But I am craving something, even if it is just a screenshot or a release date.
 
I'm still in the "DIRT Rally is better than the Kylotonn WRC series in every conceivable way by a distance what are people seeing" camp myself so I'm looking forward to that team releasing an official game a lot. I suspect it ain't coming in Spring '23 though, there's too little news or signs thar it's nearing release. Summer if we're lucky, maybe just after F1 23. I'm happy to wait.
 
I'm still in the "DIRT Rally is better than the Kyloton WRC series in every conceivable way by a distance what are people seeing" camp myself so I'm looking forward to that team releasing an official game a lot. I suspect it ain't coming in Spring '23 though, there's too little news or signs thar it's nearing release. Summer if we're lucky, maybe just after F1 23. I'm happy to wait.
Yes it's true that's Dirt it's more about passion and big knowledge when creating rally games. It's better than WRC game so far. Codemasters they was closely working with rally clubs / events and rally companies while testing real rally car in Avon's forests in the UK to find out how these cars they really behaviour on the real stages. Recording car sounds was take a place in the real rally garages including Prodrive rally factory. Kyloton it's medium lower level development studio but they're not fit for any racing games in my opinion. I believe that's new WRC game will have a place somewhere in June / July 2023 not before.
 
I'll concede that maybe the WRC games have more engaging stage design, that's possibly the area where they excel. But the games just don't compare for me and I'll never understand why some hold the WRC games up so favourably against what, at least once all the endless DLC released, is for me one of the best driving games of all time in DR2.0.

I'm really hyped for this, to see all these new locations etc, to see what Codemasters can do with this.
 
I'll concede that maybe the WRC games have more engaging stage design, that's possibly the area where they excel. But the games just don't compare for me and I'll never understand why some hold the WRC games up so favourably against what, at least once all the endless DLC released, is for me one of the best driving games of all time in DR2.0.

I'm really hyped for this, to see all these new locations etc, to see what Codemasters can do with this.
Well nothing can go wrong with this development studio. WRC need to promote this sport really strong in this year despite low amount cars in Rally1 so here and now it's the best moment just for release a proper rally game under Codemasters/ DICE / EA and WRC license pack together. While we can get this game you'll probably see how Kyloton was far way behind with their games all the time. Dirt Rally 2.0 it's on my playable game list up for today on Series X. I can pay for any DLC with extra cars or just locations.
 
I'll concede that maybe the WRC games have more engaging stage design, that's possibly the area where they excel. But the games just don't compare for me and I'll never understand why some hold the WRC games up so favourably against what, at least once all the endless DLC released, is for me one of the best driving games of all time in DR2.0.

I'm really hyped for this, to see all these new locations etc, to see what Codemasters can do with this.
Agreed. WRC Generations got so close but there's just too much wrong with it and it's visually still behind the enhanced DR2.0 as well, even the next gen version.

The stage design is always a contentious point, engaging is actually a really good way to describe it, the WRC games have a bit more going on within the stages, however, DR2 stages are real stages (for the most part) so does have authenticity on it's side.

But I agree, Dirt Rally 2.0 is still the king of modern rally games by some distance, particularly in its GOTY edition form with all the post launch content.
 
WRC 2023 FROM EA/CODEMASTERS IS “READY TO LAUNCH”

Great find, this is very interesting indeed.
Assuming "Ready to launch" means what it says on the tin, does that mean a shadow drop is planned? :eek:
Honestly, wouldn't surprise me, rally is uncharted territory for EA and while Codemasters have excellent form, it is their first WRC licensed title (since CMR1 anyway). Sales on KTs WRC games will probably lead EA to be cautious with the first game. I expect an imminent announcement with launch very close after.

The achievement icons give little away, something related to tarmac, snow and gravel, the country icons show Estonia, Sardinia and Spain, there's clearly a night time one, win based ones and a distance one (1000 miles). Trying to see if there's anything that hints at the car builder that was rumoured, the gold one with 2 cars on postcards, bronze side profile and silver x5 side profile could hint at that.

I hope it does launch soon anyway, WRC Generations has been abandoned by KT with too many issues.
 
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