EA shared the decision to “stop developing and invest more” in PROJECT VEHICLESRacing game series developed by Slightly Mad Studios.
Based on GamesIndustry.biz, EA assessed the state of the Project CARS series and determined that it would be best to abandon the franchise to focus on other titles in its portfolio. The publisher confirmed its decision in a statement sent to the outlet, noting that affected employees will be moved to “appropriate” roles within the company, whenever possible.
“Today, we internally announced an update to our racing portfolio,” an EA spokesperson said. “After evaluating the Next Project’s CARS title and its long-term growth potential, we have made the decision to discontinue development and further invest in the franchise.
“Decisions like these are difficult, but allow us to prioritize focusing on the areas where we believe we have the strongest chance of creating an experience that fans will love. i am focusing on my strengths in racing category especially licensed and open IP- experience the world and expanding our franchise to be more social with services long-term direct will appeal to global communities.
“We are working with all those affected by this decision to place them in the right roles across EA Sports and our racing portfolio, as well as other divisions of EA, whatever where we can. Our priority right now is to support as much people as we can through this transition.”
Slightly Mad Studios was acquired by Codemasters in 2019. EA then bought Codemasters in 2021 for $1.2 billion. As part of the takeover process, EA identified more room for growth in racing gameswith the acquisition allows the publisher to increase its presence on the track and “providing a racing experience to fans on a more regular basis.”
However, the first two games in the Project CARS . series has been removed from digital stores in September and October due to the expiration of car and track licenses, while the mobile game Project CARS GO closed for seven months after its release in March 2021. The third title was not well received by critics, with IGN calls it “180 total for the series.”
Adele Ankers-Range is a freelance entertainment writer for IGN. Follow her on Twitter.
