EA has shared its decision to “stop further development and investment” in Project CARS, the racing game series developed by Slightly Mad Studios.
According to GamesIndustry.biz, EA evaluated the status of the Project CARS series and determined that it would be best to retire the franchise to focus on other titles in its portfolio. The publisher confirmed its decision in a statement to the outlet, noting that affected staff would be moved into “suitable” roles within the company, wherever possible.
“Today we announced internally an update to our racing portfolio,” an EA spokesperson said. “Following an evaluation of the next Project CARS title and its longer-term growth potential, we have made the decision to stop further development and investment for the franchise.
“Decisions like these are very hard, but allow us to prioritise our focus in areas where we believe we have the strongest opportunity to create experiences that fans will love. We are focusing on our strengths in our racing portfolio, particularly licensed IP and open-world experiences, and expanding our franchises to be more socially-led with long-term live services that will engage global communities.
“We are working with everyone impacted by this decision to place them into suitable roles across our EA Sports and racing portfolio, as well as other parts of EA, wherever we can. Our priority now is on providing as much support as possible to our people through this transition.”
Slightly Mad Studios was acquired by Codemasters in 2019. EA then purchased Codemasters in 2021 for $1.2 billion. As part of its takeover, EA identified further room for growth in racing games, with the acquisition allowing the publisher to increase its presence on the track and “deliver racing experiences to fans on a more regular basis.”
However, the first two games in the Project CARS series were delisted from digital storefronts in September and October due to expiring car and track licenses, while mobile game Project CARS GO shut down seven months after its release in March 2021. The third title was poorly received by critics, with IGN calling it “a total 180 for the series.”
Adele Ankers-Range is a freelance entertainment writer for IGN. Follow her on Twitter.
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